"tight" focus rings on older lenses at DVinfo.net

Henry Cho · November 18th, 2006, 10:24 AM

i have a couple of older canon fd and fl lenses that are optically perfect, but the focus rings seem to have become a little "tight" with age. i imagine it is solidifying grease and nothing mechanical. does this condition mandate a trip to a shop to clean and correct, or is this something anyone has experience taking care of without professional assistance? thanks...

Frank Granovski · November 20th, 2006, 04:14 AM

If there're "too stiff," and these lenses are pricey, take 'em to a repair shop.

Don Blish · December 1st, 2006, 09:14 PM

Reapir shop is best answer. I had a Nikon 50mm f1.4 many years ago that got champagne on the focus ring. When I wanted to use it again, I would put ONE drop of lens cleaner on it and it would work for another several weeks. I suppose ONE drop of 3inOne might work, but WD40 would be too agressive and too short lived. If you try the either, wait a few minutes and then work the ring back and forth a few times.

Henry Cho · December 3rd, 2006, 09:42 PM

thanks for the responses fellas. i researched a little bit before asking here and read about some pretty crazy homebrew fixes, like placing the lens in a toaster oven to melt the grease out, then reapplying oil. almost tried it too... well, off to the repair shop. thanks again.

November 18th, 2006, 10:24 AM	#1
Henry Cho Major Player Join Date: May 2005 Location: NYC Posts: 516	"tight" focus rings on older lenses i have a couple of older canon fd and fl lenses that are optically perfect, but the focus rings seem to have become a little "tight" with age. i imagine it is solidifying grease and nothing mechanical. does this condition mandate a trip to a shop to clean and correct, or is this something anyone has experience taking care of without professional assistance? thanks...

November 20th, 2006, 04:14 AM	#2
Frank Granovski Outer Circle Join Date: May 2002 Location: Hope, BC Posts: 7,524	If there're "too stiff," and these lenses are pricey, take 'em to a repair shop.

December 1st, 2006, 09:14 PM	#3
Don Blish Major Player Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Portland OR Posts: 227	Reapir shop is best answer. I had a Nikon 50mm f1.4 many years ago that got champagne on the focus ring. When I wanted to use it again, I would put ONE drop of lens cleaner on it and it would work for another several weeks. I suppose ONE drop of 3inOne might work, but WD40 would be too agressive and too short lived. If you try the either, wait a few minutes and then work the ring back and forth a few times.

December 3rd, 2006, 09:42 PM	#4
Henry Cho Major Player Join Date: May 2005 Location: NYC Posts: 516	thanks for the responses fellas. i researched a little bit before asking here and read about some pretty crazy homebrew fixes, like placing the lens in a toaster oven to melt the grease out, then reapplying oil. almost tried it too... well, off to the repair shop. thanks again.