I have a 35-70mm f2.8 lens (all manual, old-school) lens that has some oil on the inside of one of the front elements.

Being an industrious little beaver, I set at it with my Leatherman and got about half way in before I got stuck. Ran out of things to take apart and couldn't figure how to seperate the "zoom" from the main body.

Anyway, does anyone know any links that show how to take a zoom lens apart? I found lots of photos of dismantled lenses, but no real instructions.

I've put it back together for now, but if I can't find any info, I'll give up and take it into a camera shop for a cleaning.

I doubt you'd find detailed info on that subject anywhere on the 'net. Those in the know are highly skilled camera repair techs and considering how few of them are actually in existence today would be virtual suicide for their careers.

Aside from the manufacturer itself the best camera/lens repair person I've ever met is here:

Camera Repair at Tempe Camera (http://www.tempecamera.biz/REPAIR_DEPARTMENT_s/17.htm)

Ask for Joe, he's the owner and uber-master tech.

What manufacturer? Is the front element/ lens group set in place with a screw set retaining ring, a spanner ring or a pressure actuated ring? Most times you have to get the front lens group out before the focus/ zoom assembly can be taken down further.

I just had a Minolta AF 35-70 with oil on the aperture blades. Had some fun taking it all apart and cleaning it up. Setting the focal point for the front element in the helical can be a bear after it comes apart- if it's not just right, your distance marking will not line up properly for range focusing.

Have fun!

-Michael