My Nikkor 135mm f2.8 Ai focus ring has gotten stiff over time. it is still smooth, but now has enough resistance to hinder focusing. Looking for a recommendation for CLA service. I've used APS in the past with excellent results, but have read bad reviews recently. Any suggestions?
I can't answer your question directly, but I believe that it would probably cost less to find a used one in excellent condition than to have your lens repaired. The old Ai Nikkor 135mm f2.8 lenses had a long production run that included the AiS model. As such, these lenses are readily available.
MPB currently has one in excellent condition for $114. I doubt a camera repair facility would/could do a CLA for less.
You could buy one and then use your existing one to learn how the lens mechanics work, and possibly clean it yourself. I'm not handy, but I know people who have done this type of thing and then become proficient at servicing their own older optics.
Good Luck,
Bruce
I'd call some camera stores in your nearest metro area and see if they can do it. If any of them dabble at all with camera repair, a CLA on a manual lens should be no problem.
Alas, the replacement cost (for an excellent condition used copy) of this lens will exceed the typical CLA cost unless you can find a "friendly" technician who is willing to cut you a deal. It isn't a difficult job (see Richard Haw's excellent tutorial for the K/AI version), so you could almost tackle it yourself. The last lens I had with a stiff focusing ring (Nikkor 85/1.4 AiS) cost me $200 to get fixed which was less than the replacement cost, but the more common/cheaper Nikkors are often easier to "just buy another" than to fix.
Luke_Miller wrote:
Thanks for the suggestion to replace. I'll give that a shot. Mine is so minty it is hard to find one as nice.
OK, I understand THAT! My 85/1.4 AiS is super-minty, which is why I got the focus-helicoid re-greased: Would be a shame to give up on a lovely Light Cannon like that just because of some old grease. Are you married to the AI version? The AiS version has a shorter focus throw (which I personally like) and a built-in hood, so might be a worthy upgrade. For about the price of a CLA (or maybe $50 more) you can likely get a minty 135/2.8 AiS. That's how I would go..
