aperture ring tough to move!

[noah b]

Hello all, I recently received a 50mm f/2 collapsable summicron. The lens is great except for the fact that when I move the aperture past f/4 its a pain in the ass to move, almost like it has no grease in it. Do any of you know how to lubricate the lens or should I just consider sending it off?

 

[payasam]

Two small drops -- no more -- of light oil with the point of a needle. May help and shouldn't do any harm.

 

[Sparrow]

Gently warming it under a desk-lamp (to a little above body temperature), for a couple of hours and then gently exercising it would be my first action.

 

[Kim Coxon]

I would be wary of oil or warming. Warming can spread any grease and the oil can seep. If either get onto the elements you are in for a complete lens CLA. It could just as easily be a speck of muck causing the binding and neither of these cures will help that. You should be able to get a pro repair done if that is all that is wrong at a reasonable cost without the need for a complete CLA.

Kim

 

[Gumby]

I'd suggest listening to Kim. There is likely a reason for the binding... and grease/oil (lack of) is likely NOT the issue!

 

[noah b]

anyone else have any input? i'd like to send it off as a last option, dont wanna part with it just yet 😛