Red 18-85mm Repair Recommendations

[nacamera]

Can anyone recommend a repair service that could fix a Red Pro Zoom 18-85mm OTHER THAN Red? Duclos doesn't touch Red lenses, and I got a $3100 quote from Red, that I think is ridiculous considering it's not like the lens fell down a flight of stairs. It's just not holding focus. Couple that with the lens is AT MOST worth $5k in good condition, it's going to be tough to justify this.
Thanks for your ideas!

 

[Steve Gal]

Can you focus on the long end? Then when you zoom out does it go out of focus and then back into focus?

 

[nacamera]

Steve, yes it will go out of focus when zoomed. It is also well off its marks real 12 ft. Target might come up at 4-5' on the barrel.

 

[Steve Gal]

I understand but I would like to know since I am trying to determine if it is a backfocus or even front focus issue or is it a problem with the zoom section. Simple test. Pick a distance (lets say 8'). Set lens to 85mm. Does the lens measure 8' properly? Now zoom out slowly to 18mm. Does the lens go out of focus and then when you reach 18mm go back into focus (8')?

 

[nacamera]

Steve, no it's not focusing on the proper marks. Focus charts at 8', to eye focus the lens it might be at 3-4' on the barrel. It will go out of focus when zoomed, either in or out. Sorry, but Red has the lens, so it's not possible for me to do any other testing. I'm in the Midwest, so I'd rather ship the lens from Red to anyone that can fix it for less (way) than $3100

 

[Steve Gal]

I cant determine what is wrong with the lens this way and if parts are needed, then we are at the mercy of Red to supply these parts which I do not think they do.

 

[nacamera]

Thanks anyhow Steve!

 

[Scot Yount]

You might try RP lenses? Not too far from you (if you are taking a world view haha) http://www.rplens.com

 

[Vance Colvig]

If you get the lens returned from Red, check if focus scale seems more accurate at 85mm than 18mm. If so, look for any burrs, deformation, or even minor damage to the PL mount flange on the lens. My 18-85 did something similar and it was a very small burr that prevented the lens from seating properly on the face of the Ti mount. If a burr is found, I would remove it with a fine wet stone.

 

[nacamera]

Thanks Vince. I'll check that.