Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM disassembly for replacing the aperture flex cable

[@mariomuller4075]

Definitely a very professional, precise and easy to follow instruction. The aperture of my lens was not functional anymore even though no error code was shown on the camera (EOS 6D). I replaced the aperture unit following this tutorial (and your assambling video) and finally it is working again. Thanks for that! Anyway, re-assambling was more difficult and it took me two attempts because the secondary aperture fell apart during assembling...

[@CamerasLensesEtc]

Thank you very much for your comment, and I'm glad that my video has helped you!

[@alexonsabi]

You save my lens!!! Just replaced the flexible cable (ordered on EBAY 2pieces for 10€) by following your 2 videos, thanks a lot!!!

[@CamerasLensesEtc]

Glad I could help!

[@blakops316]

This tutorial saved me a trip to the repair shop. Thank you!

[@CamerasLensesEtc]

Glad it helped!

[@benzo245]

Seriously, unless you are very experienced just don't attempt this, it is an absolute nightmare and so many of the parts are extremely fragile and very easy to break, even when taking extreme caution! These tutorials are very thorough, but this man is a professional and this is not as easy as it looks!

[@CamerasLensesEtc]

Thank you for your comment!

[@TekAutomatica]

Same problem after fixing canon EF 50mm f1.4 focus problem using your excellent guide.

[@teenyson2939]

I subscribed simply because I am in awe of your skill in this 😀 I'd never have the courage to do this on my own lenses!! haha

[@CamerasLensesEtc]

Thank you so much!!

[@ginocenti5972]

Great video! I have to replace the cable you disconnect at minute 4:48 and i don't know what name to look for the spare part by, can you help me? Thanks

[@CamerasLensesEtc]

That is the cable of the image stabilization unit, and I don't think that the cable can be replaced, you should buy a new IS unit.

[@kjearkri]

Thanks for this information. I tried to find out why I can`t use my lense in manual focusing. This focus ring can not be moved. Hope I can find the problem and repair it by using Your video.

[@CamerasLensesEtc]

Good luck!

[@TimS123hotmail]

Thanks for great video.. just did it on my 24-105.. couldnt seem to figure out What was causing my zoom to stuck.. the ”arm” at 7:18 is in its position and also when taken out the zoom sometimes gets stuck. Also my focus wont seem to find focus after taking it apart.. need to reassemble it again to find the reason. Guess it has something to Do with the thing ur holding at 12:00. Not sure if I put it back in the right way. Any tips?

[@CamerasLensesEtc]

Do you still have the zoom problem? The lever I hold at 12:00 should be connected to the lever of the USM motor, as you can see at kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYLIdmaOp61nZ5Y

[@TimS123hotmail]

@@CamerasLensesEtc focus problem is solved, it was indeed the leveler. Zoom hasnt gotten stuck yet but i think its more of an zoom housing problem since it got stuck while everthing was apart aswell. When it gets stuck, i give it a little smack and it works again.. guess it could be alignment with the zoom housing and all of its screws? Idk.. ill give it a go when it gets stuck for real.

[@Napster050]

Hello, does every 24-105 F4 L have those shims which you can see at 22:27 ? Mine didnt have these... or someone before lost it... I have a problem, that my Lens is not sharp in corners, actually its quite bad. Maybe those missing shims can cause it ?

[@CamerasLensesEtc]

Is your lens not sharp since you repaired it, or it wasn't sharp when you bought it?

[@Napster050]

@@CamerasLensesEtc i'm not sure, i bought it with broken aperture flex cable, so i could'nt use it fully before. I repaired couple of lenses before and never had any problem...

[@CamerasLensesEtc]

@@Napster050 Try to loosen the three screws which I removed at 24:15 Once I had the same problem as you (the image of the lens wasn't sharp), and the problem was that I tightened those three screws too much. What I do now is I tighten it then rotate the screw back about half - 3/4 turn.

[@jakefactor8632]

Thank you sir. Awesome video, I recommend to everyone

[@CamerasLensesEtc]

Thank you very much!

[@TheJimmyM78]

Just broke my flex cable following your video. The top part was much, much tighter to remove. Now I'll have to ty and re-solder to the board 😭 I was actually only looking to see why one of the screws would never tighten up, which caused photos to be out of focus on one side, as the barrel wouldn't be straight. It turns out that the plastic thread part that the screw screws into had broken anyway.

[@CamerasLensesEtc]

Good luck with the repair. I guess you broke the flex cable between the connector of the bayonet and the PCB. If that broke, you can buy that cheaply as new from ebay or aliexpress.

[@TheJimmyM78]

@@CamerasLensesEtc I managed to fix the screw problem by superglueing the broken plastic part. I can still use the lens on my Panasonic G7, using an adapter

[@ts97]

Is it possible that there are older revisions of that same lens? I followed the video and everything was identical. I finally got to the point where the aperture cable needs to be desoldered and that end of the cable looks entirely different than the replacement part i bought or the one shown in the video here. Instead of those 4 soldering spots around the lens it is connected in a patch of 4 spots right next to each other simillar to the other connections. I cannot find that cable anywhere.

[@ts97]

Apparently the last owner of that lense replaced the aperture control unit with a second generation (EF 24-105mm f/4L II IS USM) aperture control unit. Would that be possible? The cable definetly looks like the second generation one and not like the one in this video

[@CamerasLensesEtc]

Could be possible, but it is very unlikely that the second generation aperture unit would have the same dimensions. I would recommend to buy a new aperture unit with flex cable, it is quite cheap on ebay.

[@djoordge]

Very interesting work. Congrats!

[@CamerasLensesEtc]

Thank you very much!

[@ml102576]

Thank you!! This is extremely useful!!

[@CamerasLensesEtc]

Thank you for the feedback, and I'm glad my video has helped!

[@nunika1975]

Mine started doing this. Will try this.

[@romeosliveindiemusicchanne6365]

I stripped and need replacement screws for part at 9:38. Anyone know the size so I can buy replacements?

[@CamerasLensesEtc]

If you have a non working Canon lens, you can use that as donor lens, or you can buy screws on ebay: www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l1313&_nkw=canon+24-105+screw&_sacat=182074&LH_TitleDesc=0&_sop=15&_osacat=182074&_odkw=canon+24-105+screw

[@JorgeTamezPhoto]

I think I ruined my lens just by daring to look at this video

[@andresaguirre3683]

Do you have any tips for tight camera screws?

[@CamerasLensesEtc]

Usually the screws which are holding the USM motor are very tight, and the head can be stripped off if the screwdriver is not the perfectly suitable one... so generally, I have many screwdrivers, and I test which one fits the screwhead perfectly, then I use that one. If the head is stripped off, then you can try to remove the screw with a pliers.

[@DustyRiderTrailSeries]

Hi. I have 24-105mm lens and if i on the IS . The image jump on either video mode and picture mode whats wrong my lens? Do i need to change the flex cable ?

[@CamerasLensesEtc]

I had this problem with lenses with aperture problems. I would replace the aperture cable, and if the problem is still there, then you need a new IS unit.

[@DustyRiderTrailSeries]

@@CamerasLensesEtclastly.. when you replace the aperture cable on your lens 24-105 , does the issue gone ? Thanks a lot for your kind response. It can help me save a lot of $$$ if i only buy the aperture cable

[@CamerasLensesEtc]

@@DustyRiderTrailSeries Yes, the problem has gone with the lens I repaired.

[@LunkerFishing]

I purchased a new ribbon cable, followed your detailed video, and when I attempted to de-solder the old the cable a post broke off. I have ordered a new Aperture Diaphragm Shutter group Unit For Canon EF 24-105 mm 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Repair Part. Now that I am replacing that part I suspect I need to calibrate the lens or clear focus will be evasive. I tried to follow the link you provide to calibrate the lens but, to me, it makes little sense. I searched for videos to calibrate the lens but cannot find one anyplace. Do you have any suggestions to obtain clearer information, especially a video, to perform this calibration procedure? Your videos are very clear but this aspect is just not clear to me.

[@CamerasLensesEtc]

First, I would check if the lens needs calibration... are the taken photos sharp and there is no or minimal amount of chromatic aberration?

[@Equilion]

Is it possible to get a new bajonett rubber gasket somewhere? Mine has gaps here and there and I'm afraid, it's not that weathersealed anymore. Chanking the rubber ring shouldn't be difficult at all. Just remove the first 6 screws, right? Anyway... I don't have a clue, where to get the rubber ring :/

[@CamerasLensesEtc]

Hi! You can buy it on ebay or aliexpress etc... just search for "canon lens seal". You just have to remove the two small screws from the electronic connector then the four bigger screws from the bayonet, then you can replace the rubber. Just be careful, there is a flex cable between the electronic connector and the PCB, and you have to be careful when you remove the plastic cover in the metal bayonet.

[@Equilion]

@@CamerasLensesEtc Thanks so much for your quick informative reply! Found it. It's shipped from China, so I guess I have to wait a little and be careful with the lens in that wet autumn weater until then ;) Oh one more thing though: Do I have to glue the rubber ring on, or does it just "fall into place"?

[@CamerasLensesEtc]

Originally the rubber ring slides on the metal bayonet ring, and no gluing is needed.

[@jaycolon4772]

So I disassembled it until 10:20 and I was able to slide out the barrel and tighten slightly the screws to hopefully stop the lens from creep out by itself like you recommended. I was able to tighten the screws lightly (not much). I pushed the barrel back like it was originally on 10:20 and now it feels stuck. It rotates slightly but it will not come out. I do hear clunking like something is hitting something and it will not allow it to slide out. I am going to put it back together and see if maybe it will work. Any ideas or advice on why it is stuck and will not come out? The plastic tab that you move at 10:34 is not showing up but i think it is because I am not able to rotate the barrel for it to slide out.

[@CamerasLensesEtc]

Most likely the lever of the focusing lens element stuck. This is the lever on the side of the lens barrel which connects to the USM motor. Zoom back the lens, and in the window on the side of the lens you can reach the lever with a tweezers, and twist it to make it slide out. I hold this lever with my thumb at 11:57.

[@jaycolon4772]

Somehow the focusing element came loose. I had to disassemble a little more and I was able to reattach it. Thank you for the videos and quick response. Tightening the screws with the plastic spacers in the barrel area fixed the loose zoom creep when the lens is facing downwards.

[@mikejensen9120]

Thanks for the video. Is there any way to tighten the zoom ring on these lenses so I can ditch the rubber band?

[@CamerasLensesEtc]

Do you mean that the lens has zoom creep, and you want to tighten the zooming? If that is the case, one possible solution would be to tighten the screws of the front lens barrel inside the lens. (The three screws which connects the front lens barrel to the rest of the lens. You can access them after removing the USM motor.) I used this for tightening the zooming mechanism of the Canon 18-200 IS lens, and after that the lens had significantly less zoom creep.

[@pedrobranco8098]

Thanks for the video. I need to clean my Canon EF 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM, did you have some information, for this lens. Thanks

[@CamerasLensesEtc]

I don't have video about it, but my guess would be that the technique is the same as cleaning the other lenses, so check my video about it.

[@AAshok-zn3gv]

Please provide EF 16-35 L II USM ASSEMBLY N DISASSEMBLY

[@CamerasLensesEtc]

I don't have that.

[@dharmeshhande9628]

Great sir.. 👍

[@iorramgx2]

Hello, I'm about to change the diaphragm flat cable, watching your video I realized that it is not necessary to remove the part that needs alignment, only the part that contains 3 legs that is fixed by 3 screws on the inside. So, every risk of misaligning the lens can be avoided. Unless I missed something in the video, am I right?

[@CamerasLensesEtc]

Well, I don't know, when I'll have that lens I'll try what you're suggesting. Thank you for your comment.

[@iorramgx2]

@@CamerasLensesEtc tomorrow I'm going to open my 24-105 and try to change the flat cable without touching the part that needs alignment, after that I'll come back here to comment if it worked or not. I watched a few more videos and some dismantle and others don't, I'll risk it, I have faith that it will work. See you tomorrow 🙏🏼 thanks for your content

[@iorramgx2]

@@CamerasLensesEtc it is not possible to change the cable without disassembling the 3 parts :(

[@CamerasLensesEtc]

@@iorramgx2 I'll have a lens soon, so I'll try it myself also!

[@jman6311968]

Where can I get the first set of screws you took out?

[@CamerasLensesEtc]

I guess you mean the two screws which were removed from the electronic connector. Generally, those screws are the same on every Canon EF / EF-S lens. Just search for "Canon bayonet screws" on ebay. I saw the full set (4 bigger and the two smaller) for around 15 USD.

[@glockshoota3063]

How long u think it’s going to really take to fix it myself?

[@CamerasLensesEtc]

I think it can be done 2-3 hours per disassembly and assembly if you do it the first time.

[@michaeltrieustudio2267]

Can you show me how to replace ring front lense 24 to 105 on KZbin thanks friend

[@CamerasLensesEtc]

If you mean the red ring, then I have a video about it on my channel.

[@michaeltrieustudio2267]

No the front ring 24 to 105 sir

[@swedesam]

Holy mother of camera gods....I hope Canon still repairs this lens. There is no way I'm taking this apart down to this level and hope to put it back.

[@CamerasLensesEtc]

I think they still repair this lens, but I guess it comes with a price.

[@mrhollisterjr]

I recently made the mistake of sending it to Canon to be repaired. The cost in USD was $400+ shipping, and taxes. I could buy another used lens (mine was used) for the same price. I think I'd rather spend my money on a 3rd party lens than buy any more of Canon's uncorrected design flaws.

[@gordont9754]

Sam I am with you on your reply..... However I think one would need to have a few scrap lenses to practice on before attempting to repair a lens you intend using in the future..

[@johnnysneds]

Thanks for the great instructional video. I have just disassemble my lens using your video and all has went great, so far! one question how did you initially diagnose the aperture flex cable as the fault in the first instance? For me I was getting the Err 01 message. I would get this error mostly when zoomed right into 105mm. I could hear the focus motor or maybe something else hunting for adjustment. Im hoping it is this cable as it seems to be a well documented fault from my research online. thanks in advance.

[@CamerasLensesEtc]

Diagnosing without disassembly: check the aperture with the DOF button on different zoom settings. If the aperture doesn't work in certain zomm settings, but works on other settings, then 99% that the aperture cable is broken partially. If the aperture is not working at all, or stuck at a small setting, then I would say it is 90% that the aperture cable is completely broken. Both of the cases if you use small aperture, the camera should give ERR01 error message.

[@johnnysneds]

@@CamerasLensesEtc ok great feedback. Actually when I was re-assembling the lens the aperture cable fractured right at the bend with minimum amount of force so im now 100% certain its this ribbon cable. Again many thanks for posting your videos they have been invaluable!

[@TheTransfix]

Is this the screw that tightens the front barrel 11:36 (we discussed that in the comment section of your other video.)

[@CamerasLensesEtc]

Yes.

[@spel2024]

Great informative video... Thanks. i'am wondering how do you keep the dust from going into the lens when dissembling?

Dust is not an issue when I disassemble the lens. When I see visible dust particles, then I use an airpump to remove it. The lens is not completely sealed anyway, so if you zoom in and out, smaller dust particles will eventually get inside the lens.

[@VikasKumar-mn4le]

thanx sir , usefull video for me could you make video nikon lens 18-140 dust clean inside body

[@CamerasLensesEtc]

I have only Canon lenses, it is very unlikely that I'll have Nikon lenses in the future.

[@Sandy-gx5ll]

Successfully done. Thank you very much. 👍👍😍🍻❤❤

[@antoniomauricio4246]

Obrigado pelo vidio .Eu desmontei a miinha lente seguindo este vidio sem qualquer problema Subestitui o cabo felex e voltei a montar o certo perdi um parafuso que fixa um tornilo do diafragma. Onde posso encontrar parafusos e tornilos do diafragma e do estabelizador são 3 +3 e parafusos. Sem isso perco a lente. Obrigado

[@CamerasLensesEtc]

You can buy screws on ebay, or if you have a non-working donor lens, then you can get screws from that also.

[@felipevece]

it is possible to turn a electronic lens like these one into a mecanical one? made de diaphragm blades into mechanical, like a cine lens

[@CamerasLensesEtc]

No, it is not possible to do that.

[@Marginal391]

Thank you :-).

[@CamerasLensesEtc]

You are welcome!

[@mehulp7128]

SUPERB

[@CamerasLensesEtc]

Thank you for your comment!

[@rajeshingole5612]

Where this lene cervice centar

[@CamerasLensesEtc]

?

[@DustyRiderTrailSeries]

New sub here

[@CamerasLensesEtc]

Thank you very much!

[@topflight2358]

where are you located?

[@CamerasLensesEtc]

I'm living in The Netherlands.

[@timothylatour4977]

You've got to be kidding! Who the heck would ever do this? Wow!

[@CamerasLensesEtc]

Me! :)

[@timothylatour4977]

@@CamerasLensesEtc You're amazing! Are you a lens/camera engineer?

[@CamerasLensesEtc]

I'm self employed, trading with photogear, and repairing is just a hobby.

[@timothylatour4977]

@@CamerasLensesEtc Well, taking apart something as complicated as that lens is still amazing to me, whether it's a hobby or not. I applaud you for that skill and for the courage to risk the lens in the process. If I tried it I would end up with "extra" pieces!

[@ketankarelia2203]

hey guy, no need to open upper ring and brushes..whole drum comes out.. anyway good work..

[@CamerasLensesEtc]

If you remove the zoom lever, then the zoom ring can rotate around, and if it goes out of the place where the brush supposed to go, it could damage the brush. So it is safer to remove the brush.

[@jefferygivens9993]

I'm pretty handy, there's no way I'm taking apart a >$1000 lens and maintaining any hope of ever putting it back together properly.

[@CamerasLensesEtc]

This lens is much cheaper than 1000 USD, and I do have an assembly video! :)

[@SCIFIaction]

Use good screwdrivers, destroyed a lense trying this

[@CamerasLensesEtc]

Some of the screws are hard to remove. I have many screws in different sizes, and choose which fits the best.

[@barkeeperJJ]

I just went deaf at my right ear

[@CamerasLensesEtc]

Is your left still working?

[@diegolorenzo5684]

Screws, screws & screws. Jesus Christ!

[@ericfanucchi7120]

After viewing this video .. Do not try this at home !!

[@CamerasLensesEtc]

Should people do this at their workplace then? :)

[@New777World]

@@CamerasLensesEtc 😅😂🤣 that made me crack up! wow it was painful to see and endless dismantled, it was like the Energizer bunny keep going keep going just when i was thinking oh that it i can do it🤔 you keep chopping pieces off the lens and it keept getting worse towards the end! my main worry was loosing pieces and mixing them while assembling back!

[@New777World]

@@CamerasLensesEtc any tips or word of advice to reassemble it back? how do you keep all pieces to put them back together and not forget what goes where?🤔

[@CamerasLensesEtc]

When I disassemble the lens, I place the parts next to eachother from left to right as they are removed from the lens. When assembling, I just go back the reverse order, so this way I know which part comes next. If I disassemble a lens that I haven't done before, I record it on video. Also, I mark the inner lens tubes inside the lens, so I see which position they should be when the lens is assembled. In this particular lens I have an assembly-video, check the videos on my channel, or the description.

[@New777World]

@@CamerasLensesEtc thanks! ill try to do the same once i get the parts in!