Backside of lens broken - can it be fixed?

<p>Hi,<br>

My friends 18-55mm lens broke - on the backside of the lens there is a small black "thing" which fixes the lens to the camera itself.</p>

<p>When you twist the lens onto the house then you should here a "click" - it is secured by two black "things". One of these has fallen off.<br>

<br />Question is - can this be replaced by him or does he need to go to a garage? does anyone know what this "thing" is called?</p>

<p>Cheers!</p>

 

<p>It sounds like the plastic bayonet lens mount has fractured.... <br /> He can replace the mount himself, you only need a screwdriver. Telephone Nikon (your location) to purchase a replacement mount.</p>

<p>The 18-55 has a black plastic bayonet mount, so I think your friend has broken off one of the bayonet "lugs" that engage the camera body lens mount. If this is the case, you'll need a complete new bayonet for the lens, which I'm pretty sure any Nikon repair facility can install. A couple of things, however, if the damage was a result of impact or trauma, there may be more damage to the lens than just the mount, so the lens should be checked while it's in for repair. Considering how inexpensive these lenses are, it may be more worthwhile just buying a new one. If this isn't an option, another possibility is to find a dead/parts example and scavange the mount.</p>

<p>The lens mount is user replaceable <strong>with the proper skills and JIS drivers</strong>. It is slightly more involved then just removing the three mount screws and swapping the mounts. Also note that there are THREE versions of the 18~55mm, and the cost of a replacement mount from the vendor below ranges from $16 to $40 (plus shipping) depending on which version your friend owns.</p>

<p>Parts here:<br /> http://www.uscamera.com/1c999-601.htm (AF-S 18-55 3.5-5.6G VR DX)<br /> http://www.uscamera.com/1c999-488.htm (AF-S 18-55 3.5-5.6G II ED DX)<br /> http://www.uscamera.com/1c999-357.htm (AF-S 18-55 3.5-5.6G ED DX)</p>

<p>Caveat emptor, attempt at your own peril. Usually, if you have to ask how, it's not the best idea to attempt a repair. But I guess he has nothing to lose.</p>

<p>Many folks are leery of the plastic mounts but until now I hadn't heard of any breaking. I hope no pieces ended up in the camera.<br>

Stan</p>