Fantastic video: I just repaired my Micro Nikkor 55mm 1:2.8 with sticky aperture blade! ... AND... I just checked a juicy tutorial for the Sekor 150mm sticky blades!!!! \ ° / THANKS Mikeno!!!!
I was able to loosen the outer helicoid in my lens after partial disassembly by simply spraying with 'green' brake cleaner. Took about 10 seconds of spray and then some compressed air to free the focusing ring completely!
Wonderful lighting, framing and focus for this difficult and small project! Even the tiny holes show when they're aligned!! Beautifully produced. Now I can get this pesky focus ring moving again on my Micro 55 2.8
God bless you Mike!! now I can try to fix it!! I lost the mesure on the internal part by accident, apparently there are 2 types of Ais versions with different internal design,...mine has the internal helicoid with diferent color/material so I will need the gadget to micro adjust the internal distance but before anything I needed this awesome video to finish the problem of the outside focus helicoid! thank you so much!!! Regards from Spain!!
Thank you for this video. I had the same issue with a Nikon micro-nikkor 55mm 3.5 and I just put some spray of silicone lubricant in between the two rings and in minutes was ok again.
I´m learning a lot in your channel. I´m trying to fix a Vivitar 200 3.5 which has also the helicoid out of focus. Somebody dismantled it and dind´t take care to do some reference marks like you 15:59 and assembled it in a wrong position :D
Thank's LR, it can sometims be a problem to find out the correct helicoid thread, one thing could maybe help if you can find out, how long or short is the lens when set to infinity, and in that way get closer to a kind of result.
Are you quite sure that the screws on the mount are JIS screws? I don't see the usual "dot" on the screw-head that would indicate it's a JIS screw. I understand that one CAN use a JIS screwdriver on a phillips-head screw, just not the other way around, so I guess it's all good.
Hello there my name is David..i have the exact same lens you were just working on and my lens is very nice but it is very stiff and i cant fix it..i have my hand in a cast from surgery carpal tunnel and its gonna be a slow heal time..do you allow anyone to send their les to you to do that same fix to take my lens apart and relubricate the focus barrel. i would be happy to pay you for your time if you can do this..i live in North Carolina..thank you ..fabulous video..funny thing is i use to work on Camerz Zll cameras and my job was working on sticky lenses taking out the aperture blades and replacing them.and man is that a job replacing aperture blades..would you be willing to fix my nikkor 55mm micro Ais 2.8 lens..like yours
Hello Kenneth, I need to relube 50mm 1.2 AI-S lens’ helicoid (it’s too stiff). Are you planning to demonstrate to the interested people how to do it? Thank you!
Well, it depence about the lens construction and the purpose the lens will use for and the brand. In Nikon Nikkor world it's called "CRC" Close range correction. Other brand's maybe have different names for the similar thing. Here is actually a good website that tells a lot about Nikkor lenses: www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/nikon/nikkoresources/micronikkor/55mmmicro.htm www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/nikon/nikkoresources/28mmnikkor/28mmf28.htm
Thanks for posting these great videos! I have this lens and my aperture ring turns and clicks normally, but the aperture doesn't change (from wide open) when the lens is off the camera. Also, there is no spring tension on the stop down tab. I assume there is a spring broken or missing somewhere. Perhaps under the plate with the stop down tab? That would be too easy. More likely it's in the aperture assembly somewhere? I watched many of your 55 2.8 micro videos and I can't see a spring anywhere. Or, the entire assembly is broken and there is no connection between the aperture ring and the blades. Would appreciate advice if you have any. Otherwise, I'll need to order another on ebay. I've had this lens for 40 years, but it's been unused for about 30 of those! Still focusses smoothly and otherwise seems in excellent condition.
I see the spring in your 2013 55 2.8 Micro video. Not sure that's the problem (as I explained above) since the blades don't move when I turn the aperture ring.
Well, as I continue digging through you videos and others, it looks like the blades are stuck due to lubricant migration (a known issue). As your earlier video shows how to clean them, I'm going to oder some tools and give it a go. Sorry to bother you with these comments--should have dug around a little more before commenting.
In many older lenses of different brands, they will over long time show some oil, (that comes from the focus helicoids) on the aperture blades and the aperture assembly, and the only way to fix it, is to disassemble the aperture assembly with the blades and cleaning it in Isopropylalcohol 99% (or 91%, 85%, or 70%). DO NOT thinking of trying to use Acetone, IT WILL DAMAGE the blades. And REMEMBER to set a small mark before unscrew the aperture assembly, so you have the correct aperture setting when assemble it again! It's important because the repair manual does not tell how to assemble the aperture assemble correct, also, take a lot of pictures during the disassemble process, it's your only "backup" to assemble it correct. Hope it make sense.
@@mikeno62 Turns out I jumped the gun. I was so focused on a successful aperture cleaning that I didn't notice the focus was locked up! I took it apart again and when I loosened the three long screws holding the lens assembly, the focus frees up. The lens assembly does not come flush with the flanges for the long screws. The guide pin sits in its notch and I'm at my marks. If I only loosely tighten the long screws, the lens will focus OK, but I fear that the rear element is now not at the correct position. Have you experience this issue before?
Thanks for this great tutorial. I watched your video on how to unstick a sticky inner helicoil on the Nikon 55mm f2.8 micro. Do you suggest relubing the outer helicoil when cleaning and relubing the inner one? It seems like lubing the outer helicoil is more difficult. Thanks again for these great instructional videos.
Thank's Rafael, well, If the inner helicoid is working really good I would not disassemble it, but only clean and re-lube the outer helicoid's. And it would be the same if it was the opposit situation, of course it all depending how does the focus feels when moving the focus ring, because it will tell how much do you actually need to disassemble.
I can not undo the screws at the back of my 55 mm for love nor money. Nothing works. Heat, pure acetone, nail varnish remover, etc. I don't know what the heck they have put on the screws?
Hello! I am reaching out to you for I am having trouble with my 70-200 vr1. Watched your videos regarding fixing the focus problem of the lens but mine is still faulty. The focus is not stuck but it is having problem turning from infinity to 1.5 (vice versa) also manual focus is gritty. Do you have any email address so i can send a video to you?
The "stickyness" around 1,5m up to Infinity could be the problem that I show in this video: ua-cam.com/video/tFOdU76xymk/v-deo.html It's much more easy to upload your video so other people also can see what's wrong in your lens, many people have problem with the same lens.
@@mikeno62 Indeed, i was working on my minolta rokkor 58/1.2 . Has a single starting point on the inner helicoid; Only way to mark it is to measure the distance to the mount.
Very grateful Mike for your help to repair my Nikon 55mm 2.8, it is ready, do you have Facebook? or email to send you some photos? thanks, I'm Guillermo Reza from Mexico
Fantastic video: I just repaired my Micro Nikkor 55mm 1:2.8 with sticky aperture blade!
... AND... I just checked a juicy tutorial for the Sekor 150mm sticky blades!!!! \ ° /
THANKS Mikeno!!!!
Thank's, I'm happy to know that :-)
I was able to loosen the outer helicoid in my lens after partial disassembly by simply spraying with 'green' brake cleaner. Took about 10 seconds of spray and then some compressed air to free the focusing ring completely!
I was able to use lighter fluid to clean mine the same way. Why tear it all apart when you don't need to?
Ok, thank you very much! I will wait.
Wonderful lighting, framing and focus for this difficult and small project! Even the tiny holes show when they're aligned!! Beautifully produced. Now I can get this pesky focus ring moving again on my Micro 55 2.8
Thank's Kevin :-)
God bless you Mike!! now I can try to fix it!! I lost the mesure on the internal part by accident, apparently there are 2 types of Ais versions with different internal design,...mine has the internal helicoid with diferent color/material so I will need the gadget to micro adjust the internal distance but before anything I needed this awesome video to finish the problem of the outside focus helicoid! thank you so much!!!
Regards from Spain!!
Thank you for this video. I had the same issue with a Nikon micro-nikkor 55mm 3.5 and I just put some spray of silicone lubricant in between the two rings and in minutes was ok again.
I´m learning a lot in your channel. I´m trying to fix a Vivitar 200 3.5 which has also the helicoid out of focus. Somebody dismantled it and dind´t take care to do some reference marks like you 15:59 and assembled it in a wrong position :D
Thank's LR, it can sometims be a problem to find out the correct helicoid thread, one thing could maybe help if you can find out, how long or short is the lens when set to infinity, and in that way get closer to a kind of result.
Are you quite sure that the screws on the mount are JIS screws? I don't see the usual "dot" on the screw-head that would indicate it's a JIS screw. I understand that one CAN use a JIS screwdriver on a phillips-head screw, just not the other way around, so I guess it's all good.
Hello there my name is David..i have the exact same lens you were just working on and my lens is very nice but it is very stiff and i cant fix it..i have my hand in a cast from surgery carpal tunnel and its gonna be a slow heal time..do you allow anyone to send their les to you to do that same fix to take my lens apart and relubricate the focus barrel. i would be happy to pay you for your time if you can do this..i live in North Carolina..thank you ..fabulous video..funny thing is i use to work on Camerz Zll cameras and my job was working on sticky lenses taking out the aperture blades and replacing them.and man is that a job replacing aperture blades..would you be willing to fix my nikkor 55mm micro Ais 2.8 lens..like yours
Hello Kenneth, I need to relube 50mm 1.2 AI-S lens’ helicoid (it’s too stiff). Are you planning to demonstrate to the interested people how to do it?
Thank you!
Sorry Akif but I do not a the moment have a Nikkor 50mm 1.2.
hello , can you please tell me what is the distribution of the Nail Polish Remover with Aceton pls , rgds Marc
Do you work on medium format folding cameras..? I'm looking for someone to clean and lubricate my Iskra 6x6 folding camera.
Thank you for this detailed video! Do all lenses have inner and outer focus helicoids?
Well, it depence about the lens construction and the purpose the lens will use for and the brand. In Nikon Nikkor world it's called "CRC" Close range correction. Other brand's maybe have different names for the similar thing. Here is actually a good website that tells a lot about Nikkor lenses:
www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/nikon/nikkoresources/micronikkor/55mmmicro.htm
www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/nikon/nikkoresources/28mmnikkor/28mmf28.htm
Thanks for posting these great videos! I have this lens and my aperture ring turns and clicks normally, but the aperture doesn't change (from wide open) when the lens is off the camera. Also, there is no spring tension on the stop down tab. I assume there is a spring broken or missing somewhere. Perhaps under the plate with the stop down tab? That would be too easy. More likely it's in the aperture assembly somewhere? I watched many of your 55 2.8 micro videos and I can't see a spring anywhere. Or, the entire assembly is broken and there is no connection between the aperture ring and the blades.
Would appreciate advice if you have any. Otherwise, I'll need to order another on ebay.
I've had this lens for 40 years, but it's been unused for about 30 of those! Still focusses smoothly and otherwise seems in excellent condition.
I see the spring in your 2013 55 2.8 Micro video. Not sure that's the problem (as I explained above) since the blades don't move when I turn the aperture ring.
Well, as I continue digging through you videos and others, it looks like the blades are stuck due to lubricant migration (a known issue). As your earlier video shows how to clean them, I'm going to oder some tools and give it a go. Sorry to bother you with these comments--should have dug around a little more before commenting.
In many older lenses of different brands, they will over long time show some oil, (that comes from the focus helicoids) on the aperture blades and the aperture assembly, and the only way to fix it, is to disassemble the aperture assembly with the blades and cleaning it in Isopropylalcohol 99% (or 91%, 85%, or 70%).
DO NOT thinking of trying to use Acetone, IT WILL DAMAGE the blades.
And REMEMBER to set a small mark before unscrew the aperture assembly, so you have the correct aperture setting when assemble it again! It's important because the repair manual does not tell how to assemble the aperture assemble correct, also, take a lot of pictures during the disassemble process, it's your only "backup" to assemble it correct.
Hope it make sense.
@@mikeno62 Finished! Cleaned blades and reassembled. Worked great. Thanks again for the great tutorial videos. Pure gold.
@@mikeno62 Turns out I jumped the gun. I was so focused on a successful aperture cleaning that I didn't notice the focus was locked up! I took it apart again and when I loosened the three long screws holding the lens assembly, the focus frees up. The lens assembly does not come flush with the flanges for the long screws. The guide pin sits in its notch and I'm at my marks. If I only loosely tighten the long screws, the lens will focus OK, but I fear that the rear element is now not at the correct position. Have you experience this issue before?
Thanks for this great tutorial. I watched your video on how to unstick a sticky inner helicoil on the Nikon 55mm f2.8 micro. Do you suggest relubing the outer helicoil when cleaning and relubing the inner one? It seems like lubing the outer helicoil is more difficult. Thanks again for these great instructional videos.
Thank's Rafael, well, If the inner helicoid is working really good I would not disassemble it, but only clean and re-lube the outer helicoid's. And it would be the same if it was the opposit situation, of course it all depending how does the focus feels when moving the focus ring, because it will tell how much do you actually need to disassemble.
@@mikeno62 the focus is very stiff like the lens you repaired in your Nikon 55mm f2.8 video.
I can not undo the screws at the back of my 55 mm for love nor money. Nothing works. Heat, pure acetone, nail varnish remover, etc. I don't know what the heck they have put on the screws?
Do you repair lenses for customers????
Sorry, I do not have repair service.
@@mikeno62 thats too bad
Hello! I am reaching out to you for I am having trouble with my 70-200 vr1. Watched your videos regarding fixing the focus problem of the lens but mine is still faulty. The focus is not stuck but it is having problem turning from infinity to 1.5 (vice versa) also manual focus is gritty. Do you have any email address so i can send a video to you?
The "stickyness" around 1,5m up to Infinity could be the problem that I show in this video: ua-cam.com/video/tFOdU76xymk/v-deo.html
It's much more easy to upload your video so other people also can see what's wrong in your lens, many people have problem with the same lens.
Hmm, there are cases when the internal helicoids aren't multi -thread or entering point.
That's true, some lenses do only have one long thread with 1 starting point.
@@mikeno62 Indeed, i was working on my minolta rokkor 58/1.2 . Has a single starting point on the inner helicoid; Only way to mark it is to measure the distance to the mount.
Very grateful Mike for your help to repair my Nikon 55mm 2.8, it is ready, do you have Facebook? or email to send you some photos? thanks, I'm Guillermo Reza from Mexico