Can I disassemble a Canon 18-55mm lens to clean internal water residue myself?
Asked 9/16/2016
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2 answers
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My Canon 18-55mm kit lens has residue inside, likely from water exposure. I tried removing the screws with several screwdrivers, but they won’t budge. Is this something I can realistically disassemble and clean myself, and if not, what’s the best alternative?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
10y ago
2 Answers
22
Taking apart lens to fix yourself isn't usually a good idea. Due to the precision in optics, lens assembly is only ever really done by professionals who know what they're doing, have access to equipment and usually work in a clean room (plus more importantly can put it back together again.) Sadly being the 18-55 and what it is, it wouldn't be cost effective to get done properly. I'd suggest looking at buying a replacement.
Originally by user55814. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user55814
10y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Usually, no. Lens disassembly is precision work: optics must stay aligned, parts must be kept clean, and reassembly often requires specialized tools and experience. On many lenses, the screws are JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard), not standard Phillips, so the wrong screwdriver can strip them. Some repairs also need tools such as a small spanner, and turning the wrong screws can disturb optical alignment.
For an 18-55mm kit lens, professional repair is often not cost-effective compared with replacing or renting another copy. If you need a working lens soon, the safest option is to buy or rent a replacement rather than attempt a rushed DIY repair.
If you still choose to try, do so only at your own risk and assume the lens may become unusable. But based on the answers here, the practical recommendation is replacement, not self-repair.
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