canon zoom lens got stuck

[extraball]

went to use our canon 70-300 EF lens today, and it wouldnt zoom past 200. It did with a little force, but now I look back, that prob wasnt the best thing to do? It works fine now, but how could this happen?
Thanks

[ricktas]

Just the same as any other mechanical device, a lens can break down.

[extraball]

whenever I set the aperture past 4.5 the camera wont take the photo, it displays an error, lens not communicating, clean lens contacts. The contacts are not dirty. I did a little research, and it seems the ribbon cable has been damaged when the zoom got stuck. Shame, this was an as-new lens, but the wife uses her camera on auto, so maybe it wont be an issue for her. I took a bunch of photos tonite on auto, in different light, and it performed perfectly. Then I set the aperture to 5, and beyond, and problem comes straight back.

[ameerat42]

The like happened on a compact of mine. Ribbon cable, as far as I was made to understand. Getting it repaired.
:( m.

[extraball]

wouldnt like to pay for a repair, and its not under warranty, just chalk it up to bad luck I guess!

[ameerat42]

My repair cost $165. It depends on how good/worth/etc it is. Can you use it in manual mode at all?
Am.
PS. Neither was mine under warranty.

[Roosta]

Extraball, you could always let the wife have the lens, and, best of all, buy a new piece of glass and don't tell her. Simple. Well maybe.