Nikon d50 Lens broken...?

Question

http://img356.imageshack.us/img356/6401/d50ne6.jpg

(exact camera and exact lens I have)

This part of my lens one day just detached itself from the.. lens. I can still use my camera and all and I am able to kind of stick it back in and its usually fine. But when I am outside and I take pictures sometimes there is a black shadow around the edges. UGH i'm so annoyed, because I am not sure how this could have happened. one incident comes to mind when i was holding my camera (without the neck strap) and i walked in and one of my friends decided to surprise me by HITTING ME WITH A PILLOW. and consequently, i DROPPED my friggin $700 camera -_- but it was fine surprisingly.. until maybe two months later this thing fell off so idk.

So do you think this is seriously fatal for my camera in the long run? (you know cause of dust and what not entering the interior of the lens...) Should I take it to a professional? Do you think it will it cost a lot of $$$? I can't really afford fixing my camera atm as there are more important matters right now.. idk.

Answer 1

Your camera should be fine, as long as there are no other issues than the lens.  It sounds like your lens is falling apart, though.  Do you have any other lenses?

It may or may not be related to the pillow incident.  Anyway, get the lens looked at.  Might be an easy fix.

Answer 2

You'll probably be OK, as long as it's not open so that dirt and grit can get inside the lens.  You might see if there are any independent camera repair shops in your area.  They would probably fix the lens much more cheaply than a dealer or the manufacturer would.