Cross posted from alternative gear forum, no takers
Anyway, lens is in good condition for it`s age (not sure how old but serial is 1018406) probably would be termed as mint by most shops. Focussing is smooth and positive (perhaps a little more free than my contax gear) no lubricant on iris and no dents or dings on front or built in hood.
The aperure ring is stiffer than any of my other Nikon lenses and certainly stiffer than my contax stuff. To the point where it shows up a slight movement in the adapter when used on a Canon.
I notice screws on the rear mount, would this give me access to the aperture mechanism? because I feel that it probably just needs a careful touch of lubricant. If so, are things and springs likely to fire out if I undo and remove that rear section?
Or what would you suggest? I don`t really want to send it to Nikon because that would push the cost up and maybe take the edge off of the purchase.
you could do it your self it's very easy to take the mount off and ais lens and clean up the aperture ring, works a treat. it wont need lube just a cleaning.
louis fusco wrote:
you could do it your self it's very easy to take the mount off and ais lens and clean up the aperture ring, works a treat. it wont need lube just a cleaning.
I spoke to a guy that used to repair cameras and lenses and he confirmed that is was easy to get to the ring, so I delved in
As you and he said it was very easy to get at. Basically, the thing that controls the f stops is just a copper spring with a built in dimple that engages with indentations in the ring. He suggested some high melting point grease on the dimple which I`ve done and it is easier. what strikes me about the set up is that as light as the copper spring is the nature of it is to pull the aperture ring to one side slightly which doesn`t help matters. I tested one of my other Nikon lenses and it is similar (not quite as stiff but nearly) I`m quite surprised to be quite honest that it`s really quite a basic design and even putting pressure on the aperture ring slightly distorts it enough to add to the problem (the stiffer the ring the more you grip and the stiffer it becomes) Perhaps it`s more or less standard now and I noticed it because I use different lenses which of late has been Contax which although very positive in the stops are a lot esier to turn.
