p.1 #1 · Have you ever repaired a Tamron Adaptal lens?
I bought a Tamron Adaptal SP 90mm Macro f/2.5 a while back, and have been using it as my Macro lens. It's pretty solid really, really sharp and contrasty, and have been serving me well. However, I was using it the other day, and while zooming out, I must've zoomed out a bit too much, and it essentially unscrewed itself into two parts. Now I think it's possible to use it again, but it's ridiculously hard putting it back together. Inside, there are at least 20-30 screw grooves (like the spiriling lines around a screw), so you have to put it in exactly at the right place for it to screw back properly. There is also a small lever that has to go in the groove from the bottom piece in order for the aperture ring to work. On top of that, there is a hood-like portion that extends a bit from the bottom half, so you have to do this whole process (lining up the aperture lever with the opening on the bottom, and place it exactly where all the grooves match from both pieces) without being able to see anything since the hood is covering it.
So what I want to know is, has anyone ever repaired something like this. Since this lens is so old, I doubt that Tamron could even fix such a problem these days.
p.1 #2 · Have you ever repaired a Tamron Adaptal lens?
I think that any competent camera/lens repair shop could fix it, but it might cost more than the value of the lens. The 'screw grooves' is the focus helical gear. In the old days, I've taken more than a few lenses apart and usually been able to get them back together OK. Generally, it's best to put tape and marks on the lens barrel parts before opening up the helical, but it's a bit late for that. I've even bought a used lens that had been reassembled with the helical "off". The clue was that it could focus much closer than its MFD, and it didn't reach infinity. I got that one fixed at my local Camera Repair Centre.
p.1 #3 · Have you ever repaired a Tamron Adaptal lens?
As Jim says, any reputable and competent camera repair shop should be able to reassemble the lens. Get a quote for the repair before proceeding. If it is excessive versus the value of your lens, post your findings here and you will likely either get some advice to carry out the repair yourself or otherwise be able to work something out with another capable FM member to carry out the repair for you.
Posting some pictures of the separated components from various angles will go a long way toward getting some useful repair help here.
Reassembling the lens is important but without repairing the cause of the problem....it will happen again.....and possibly with more disastrous consequences if one or more components falls or is lost.
p.1 #4 · Have you ever repaired a Tamron Adaptal lens?
Thank guys. I'll see if I can post some photos of it a bit later. I just figured that the lens was too old for any shop to repair, but I didn't actually check. I'll try to call around to some local places as well as find some quotes online. Good thing is, this lens is fairly cheap, so if I want to replace it, I could probably replace the whole thing if I can find one on KEH or ebay. Otherwise, I may just finally get the canon 100 macro since it'll have the AF. Thanks for the help.
