I'm just curious after reading about all the Canon 50mm f/1.4's that have had issues with the autofocus breaking/malfunctioning... how does the lens hold up after it goes to Canon for repair? Is it still just as fragile or do the repairs make the lens a bit more durable? Anyone who has had this repair done and had the lens back for a while, your feedback would be great.
Unfortunately, I had the 50mm f1.4 a few years ago that developed the faulty focus issue. I sent it for repair under guarantee, but it didn't fix it. I exchanged it for another and it happened again so I got a refund in the end. Unlucky? Maybe, but I have the 50mm f1.8 Mk1 now and it's great! But I have L fever now so I'm looking at the 1.2L. Sorry if this post isn't what you wanted to see
I've had similar issues. I bought a 50mm 1.4 2nd hand off ebay and it performed perfectly for years. Then I dropped it on the objective lens end and the focus got stiff and the barrel wobbled. Sent it to a Canon repair centre who fixed it for £70. It worked ok for another 6 months or so but gradually the focus became more and more unreliable. Eventually it totally locked up so I replaced it on my insurance for a new one.
I'm not sure whether the eventual failure was due to the drop, a duff repair or other mechanical breakdown that others have experience.
So far the new one is working perfectly, and I am trying hard not to drop it.
