| Author |
Message |
    
Markus
Tinkerer
Username: Markus
Post Number: 55
Registered: 08-2007
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, June 14, 2008 - 01:40 pm: | 
|
I have a Minolta MD 24mm lens whose focus is pretty stiff. I am getting good results from this lens, so I am wondering if it would be worth while to try to re-grease the helicoil. Is there a real chance that I will mess things up, or is this an easy job? |
Mndean
Tinkerer
Username: Mndean
Post Number: 52
Registered: 08-2007
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, June 14, 2008 - 04:42 pm: |
|
Is this the MD Rokkor-X where the front element rotates during focus, or the later plain MD that doesn't? I think the helicals are different in each, so make sure any advice you get is applicable to the one you have. I have the older of the two, it's a very nice lens. |
Markus
Tinkerer
Username: Markus
Post Number: 56
Registered: 08-2007
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 15, 2008 - 09:30 am: |
|
I have the newer plain MD version. |
Sigkyrre
Tinkerer
Username: Sigkyrre
Post Number: 6
Registered: 01-2007
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 16, 2008 - 05:56 am: |
|
If it's anything like the 135 f2.8 MD, you can get to the helicoils by taking off the lens mount ring. I assume there are two rails in there that keep the front element from rotating. Take these off and you should be able to twist off the outer part of the lens. Have a piece of tape ready and make a mark where the helicoils no longer engage. This is your starting position when you replace it.
You should use a grease that don't evaporate over time. You can get purpose made grease from micro-tools if you're in the states. They also have a German outlet that ships to Europe, but they are way more expensive for some reason. |
Markus
Tinkerer
Username: Markus
Post Number: 57
Registered: 08-2007
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 16, 2008 - 04:18 pm: |
|
Thanks! I will get some of that grease from micro tools and will give it a go. I've worked on a 35mm Rokkor HG lens before and I did not mark the spot where the two pieces come apart... what a pain to get the infinity focus right again. I will not make that mistake twice! Thanks for reminding me. |
Markus
Tinkerer
Username: Markus
Post Number: 59
Registered: 08-2007
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 29, 2008 - 10:46 am: |
|
So I attempted to take that MD 24mm lens apart and could not figure it out. Got it back together again and it seems to be focusing correctly. I decided it would be too expensive to mess it up, and it is still very usable, even with stiff focus. |
