Wren Photography is reader-supported. When you buy through a link on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional costs to you. Learn More
We are a generation that believes in creating moments and making them memorable for the rest of our lives. Technology today is so progressive that we have access to the most suitable device in this regard. All hail the mighty DSLR cameras!
Now, these cameras are available at varying prices, but each one does burn a hole in the pocket. Whether you are a photography enthusiast or a professional, either way, if you dropped your expensive camera, it equals skipping your heartbeats.
Needless to say, a broken camera and its broken lens is not only a sentimental issue. You have to lose quite a couple of bucks to revive its life.
So, the main question is, how to fix a broken camera lens without costing much? Well, in this article, we will discuss exactly the same thing. Here, you will learn everything you need to know and do when your camera is broken. So, let’s start.
Table of Contents
What to do after you have dropped your camera?
So before you panic, take a deep breath and follow these steps.
- Examine the exterior thoroughly to identify cracks or gashes.
- Switch off and then on your camera to ensure that the lens retracts and extends.
- Try some feature adjustments to ensure that the software is working properly.
- Do test shots to verify that nothing appears different in the photos post the drop.
While it may seem that you have broken your lens, the actual reason behind your lens not retracting or extending may sometimes be a need for thorough cleaning of any possible deposit restricting such action.
What to do with a broken camera?
When you have dropped your camera, the glass elements inside can potentially get damaged. They may get misaligned, scratched, or broken. Scratches in the frontal element often create halos or artifacts yielded by a broken DSLR lens, which can be understood through pictures shot in different light conditions.
The lens mount is most likely to break if you have dropped your camera. The parts that you should mainly inspect are the outer case, viewfinder, LCD screen(if you have a digital camera), and the lens.
The great dilemma of repairing or replace
A DSLR camera lens can be repaired. But it is only possible in the case of selective lenses and depends on the extent of damage caused.
While external elements of the camera lens are usually repairable, the internal elements comprising the moving parts cannot be repaired. If the fault is mechanical, it is repairable. If not, then your lens needs to be replaced.
If the actual lens glass (or plastic) is broken, it cannot be repaired and turned back to its original form. In this matter, it is advisable to reach out to a professional camera shop for the replacement of your broken lens. Often the extent of damage is severe enough, and replacing the lens becomes more cost-effective than repairing it.
However, if the lens mount or the filter mount has cracked, it has a higher chance of repair. Buying a new lens mount is only expensive in case of expensive lenses. It is better to buy it from the manufacturer as it would cost lesser.
Make sure you have the proper tools and knowledge to install the lens mount. Replacing a lens mount is usually an easy task to be done by oneself.
Chances of restoration when a camera lens is broken
When you are not dealing with a broken lens and are struggling with scratches on the lens coating or the lens, you may try using some scratch-removing wax. You know the ones that we use on a car, a wax cleaner, or a polishing drill.
However, you may run the risk of peeling off the lens coating, which can adversely affect the picture quality in the future.
Also, operating on the lens may cause dust particles to settle inside and tamper with the optical quality. If the scratch refuses to come off, do not risk your lens and send it off to a professional shop.
The Safest Option
Taking the situation into your own hands and trying to repair the broken DSLR lens without special equipment can further damage the lens. The best option is always to send the lens for a professional inspection which sometimes is free of charge.
They will suggest to you whether or not it can be fixed. They will also give you an estimate for their repair services if you choose to do the same by the given authorized dealer you have contacted.
What is the pocket pinch?
Unfortunately, along with the agony of losing your valued asset to a small mishap, appear the doubts about whether to repair or replace when your camera lens is broken and the actual expenditure for it.
Many types of lens repair are possible but not practical and economically viable. Even if the repair comes cheap, spending a fat sum on an old lens is not recommendable. A replaced lens often becomes the better alternative. Repairs at your camera’s authorized manufacturer can help you avail benefits of the warranty.
Conclusion:
We are programmed in ways where we find ourselves obsessing over our cameras and trying to hold on with our dear lives to the moments made and the moments spent. If you are on board with me, you may take an oath not to let your camera go through a single mishap and swear to have tools to fix it if ever the dreaded day comes. Here are some basic tools that you should have if you are a camera parent.
- Screwdrivers, mainly JIS Crosspoint Screwdrivers and Flat-Head and Philips Driver
- Spanner Wrenches
- Pliers
- Soldering iron and supplies
- Flexi clamps
- Voltmeter
- Ultrasonic Cleaner
- Blowers
- Lubricants and Chemicals
- Alcohol Dispenser
- Miscellaneous tools for maintenance and cleaning
This list is not an exhaustive one but it will surely save you the trouble and wait that a professional help brings along. We know it shall always fix your heart to try if it does not always fix your broken camera.
