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Camera peeps - lens question

NormandyLizNormandyLiz Posts: 788
in The potting shed
Has anyone got any ideas to save me from sinking into despair. My beloved Tamron 90mm macro lens is throwing a big wobbly. I'm getting the Err 01 'clean the lens' message with each shot, the lens makes an awful grinding noise, and although it will take a picture you need to switch the camera off after each one.  This is just since yesterday.

It oddly had an unwobbly moment and took 5 images in a row normally, but just when I got my hopes up it reverted and is now even worse, not sensing light properly and not autofocusing.

I have cleaned the contacts with just a soft cloth and it's made no difference. My other lens is fine, so it's lens not camera. Before I burst into tears like a big girl, am I missing something? 
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Posts

  • steephillsteephill Posts: 2,841
    Which camera and how old is the lens? Tamron have been making versions of their 90mm macro for decades. Does it work if you use manual focus mode on the lens?
  • KT53KT53 Posts: 9,016
    The grinding noise suggests a problem with the focussing mechanism, probably stating the bleedin' obvious.  I very much doubt it will be viable to repair it.  If you have a 'London Camera Exchange' shop near you you may find a second hand replacement at a decent price.  Buying from them you will at least know it actually works.
    Unfortunately many of their shops have closed.
  • NormandyLizNormandyLiz Posts: 788
    Thanks, @steephill and @KT53.

    I agree that repairing doesn't make economic sense.  I'm in France, but have my 'go to' second hand camera equipment dealer in MPB online. I've used them several times and the only time I had an issue they replaced the lens without a quibble.

    It's a pretty old lens, I can't remember when I bought it but it must be about 9 years ago looking at the exif data on old shots. It's probably not surprising it's feeling its age.

    Yes to the ginding noise being attempts to focus, it's just odd that before it starting going dark on me it would focus nicely for one shot, then you get the Err 01 message and then the grinding. And you get that in manual focus too. Apart from moving insects I'd probably put up with it in manual only but sadly that's affected too.

    Oh dear, I hate spending money on myself but it looks like I have to. MPB has a Tamron 90mm in stock so I'm inclined to get the same again unless anyone has other thoughts - my camera body is a Canon 60D (also ancient!).

    This is MPB - in French but the lens names don't change. I'm happy for other recommendations on dealers too, EU based due to shipment issues from the UK.

    https://www.mpb.com/fr-fr/recherche?q=*

  • steephillsteephill Posts: 2,841
    Unfortunately I think repair is no longer an option unless you know of an independent technician who has parts - https://www.tamron.com/global/consumer/support/news/detail/20230719130412.html

  • NormandyLizNormandyLiz Posts: 788
    @steephill, thanks, I think  :'(
  • KT53KT53 Posts: 9,016
    If you are happy with the results you get from the lens I would stick with it.  You are familiar with it's operation and any other lens is bound to have its own peculiarities.

  • LunarSeaLunarSea Posts: 1,923
    NormandyLiz said:

    Oh dear, I hate spending money on myself but it looks like I have to. MPB has a Tamron 90mm in stock so I'm inclined to get the same again unless anyone has other thoughts - my camera body is a Canon 60D (also ancient!).


    Ha - I've heard some excuses in my time  :D

    No seriously @NormandyLiz I'm really sorry you're having trouble with your previously trusty lens. Both myself and @Sheps have been long-time users of the Canon 100mm f2.8 macro and I'd certainly recommend it. I've just looked at UK dealers prices for used lenses and good quality examples can be picked up for £300.

    Clay soil - Cheshire/Derbyshire border. 

    I play with plants and soil and sometimes it's successful
  • ShepsSheps Posts: 2,236
    Can only agree with @LunarSea the Canon 100mm f2.8 macro and is a great lens and is super sharp, well worth considering if funds allow @NormandyLiz


  • NormandyLizNormandyLiz Posts: 788
    I'd love to get the Canon but funds don't allow (or I don't allow them). I'm splashing out on a building greenhouse in September (super excited, I hope it turns out as hoped) and that's already making me wince even though most of the materials are scavenged out of skips. I am the person who dithered for days over whether to buy some table cloth clips for 8 euros, I kid you not.  The Canon lens on MPB was 110 euros more and I can't justify it for a hobby. So the Tamron it is. 

    That's an awesome shot, @Sheps.

    Thanks, all. 
  • ShepsSheps Posts: 2,236
    edited August 2023
    Thanks...the RAW file is even better 😀

    The Tamron is a good lens @NormandyLiz and good luck with the greenhouse.
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