Stiff 85mm f2 Nikkor

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Sparrow

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I have chance to buy a Nikkor f2:1 85mm in outstanding condition, however the focus is extremely tight. While very tight it is smooth and consistent throughout the throw and there are no external marks on the lens, to suggest its been damaged, so I think it is a lubrication problem through lack use.

Has anybody any experience of dismantling the lens? Is it a possible DIY project?
 
I have a 55 / f2,8 micro lens that has the same problem. A repairman told me that the most likely cause was that the barrel had been deformed and was no longer perfectly round. I bought the lens used decades ago when it was a new introduction, so I doubt if the grease was hard or dry. The lens is mint so I have no idea what the previous owner did to cause it. I ended up using it only on a bellows.

The 85/2 was NOT the best lens Nikon ever made. The 1.8 before and after the 2.0 were way better. I'd pass if I was you.
 
The 85/2 Nikkor is generally regarded as better than the first model of the 90/2 Summicron. I foolishly sold mine years ago, but soon was looking for another. Yup, I found one. The diaphragm and optics are constructed as a unit, and in turn that's mounted in a single helical focusing mount. The lens turns when you focus it. Try putting a little bit of penetrating oil, like Marvel in the helical. Stand the lens front end down, camera bayonet up, on a flat surface. Put a drop on each side where it can run down between the rear barrel and the front, the one that turns. After a few minutes rotate the lens back and forth a few times. If it doesn't loosen up enough try another application of oil, but this time let it sit for several hours, and then work it back and forth.

As for the BEST medium tele lens by Nikon it was probably the 105/2.5
 
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The 85/2 never grew on me, so I sold it. Now it is too late to buy another one since I have too many tele lenses by now.
 
sorry for the confusion, it's the SLR lens, that's why i posted here.

I found a "brand new" 105 f2.5 so then bought a nikkromat so i could use it, it proved very impressive, so when this came up I thought it was worth a try as it's companion; if there's a cheap fix that is
 
Good companions for a 105/2.5 would be a 24/2.8 and perhaps a 50/1.4. Skip the 85/2 as you have a 105. If you were looking for a small kit the 85/2 would be a fine choice.

B2 (;->
 
I have a 55mm f3.5 which has a stiff focusing ring as well. I think it has more to do with aging or absence of lubricants in the lens.
 
Forget everything we said about a do-it-youself fix. That one has a double helix focusing mount with auto diaphragm linkages.
 
I've used both the Nikkor 85/2 and the 105/2.5. They are both
excellent in my opinion but the 105 stands out for portraits I
think. What's nice abut the 85 is its compact size.
 
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