| Author |
Message |
    
Haig Hovaness
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, December 02, 2004 - 01:00 pm: | 
|
I am about to tackle a Konica Hexanon AR 50mm f1.4 lens with a stiff focus problem. Any advice on applying the correct amount of lubricant grease would be most welcome. What is the best technique for achieving just the right amount of friction in the lens focus action? |
Winfried
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, December 02, 2004 - 03:40 pm: |
|
First of all you have to remove the old grease as thoroughly as possible. You will have to scratch it off the threads with wooden toothpicks.
Micro-Tools sells special grease for helicals. A light blend should do the trick. I use a light silicone grease. You should avoid any grease made with mineral oil, it will bleed out over time (and may gum up the aperture blades) and there is risk of outgassing and fogging the lens elements.
For disassembly of the lens down to the helical see the articles about camera lenses in the article section. |
Haig Hovaness
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, December 02, 2004 - 07:26 pm: |
|
Thanks for the informative reply, Winfried. I am using the Nyogel 795A synthetic grease sold by Micro-Tools, and I find that it doesn't give me a light enough focus movement. Do you think I am applying it incorrectly, or should I switch to a different type of grease? What brand are you using? |
Winfried
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, December 03, 2004 - 06:40 am: |
|
I have to admit I took it from a big can lying around in the mechanical workshop of our company, it is some german brand I do not remember. The stuff I am using sometimes is too stiff for focussing. In these cases I use a blend of graphite powder and silicone oil.
Our mechanics also use a "lighter" (less stiff) variety of silicone grease. AFAIK Micro-Tools sells helical grease in different grades of dampening (stiffness). |
