randomm
Well-known
Yeah, one can only dream
I did this with a Dremel and hobby hand files. You keep Dremel at a slight angle against the surface you're working on - that lets Dremel rotate the helicoid (helicoid on a level surface, of course - you have to use something that fits snug inside the helicoid to keep it in place while it rotates freely) while its evenly removing material from it, works almost like a lathe. Hand filing all the entry/exit points was a must.
I wholeheartedly admit that this was a hack, but it worked.
menos
Veteran
So, what about those nitty gritty photos from inside the 35/2 then ;-)
Seriously, I didn't open up the Canon lenses yet - I bought one from a forum member here, that was in worse condition, than described, which I plan, to modify and see, if something about the optical cell wobble can be done + another one in really beautiful cosmetic condition, which I will just CLA and keep for occasional workout.
I am not afraid of mods - look at my 500px description, summing up a bit on who I am ;-)
I have currently only limited access to machines (basically only my suppliers), but that will do and can be managed with some planning.
I won't touch a lens with a Dremel though, that goes against my ethics in metal works - hehe (if you do it, do it in German perfect fashion).
Seriously, I didn't open up the Canon lenses yet - I bought one from a forum member here, that was in worse condition, than described, which I plan, to modify and see, if something about the optical cell wobble can be done + another one in really beautiful cosmetic condition, which I will just CLA and keep for occasional workout.
I am not afraid of mods - look at my 500px description, summing up a bit on who I am ;-)
I have currently only limited access to machines (basically only my suppliers), but that will do and can be managed with some planning.
I won't touch a lens with a Dremel though, that goes against my ethics in metal works - hehe (if you do it, do it in German perfect fashion).
Phil_F_NM
Camera hacker
The optics in my Canon 35 /f2 were wobbling and I took out the retaining collar at the rear, cleaned the threads of the collar and the optics well then really tightened it down. Never wobbled again.
If it's the inner helicoid then it will probably be a lube and guide pin issue. I never had the helicoid in that particular lens apart though so of course I can't be too sure.
Ahh, it reminds me of my UC Hexanon. How I miss that lens...
Phil Forrest
If it's the inner helicoid then it will probably be a lube and guide pin issue. I never had the helicoid in that particular lens apart though so of course I can't be too sure.
Ahh, it reminds me of my UC Hexanon. How I miss that lens...
Phil Forrest
randomm
Well-known
If you have other tools than a Dremel at your disposal, then use them. I don't so I didn't. However, if you want my help, please do not insult me and the circumstances in which I do my stuff (family home, two very small kids, kitchen table and some inexpensive tools).
The logic of the modification is pretty straightforward, so if you wish to proceed, just take the lens apart and start figuring it out. That way its not me telling you to take metal off here or there, but you yourself knowing what you need to do to make it work. The main issue being that the outer half of the rearmost helicoid (as its not a 51.6mm lens it does have two) does not have enough room to move further inside the focusing mechanism to provide closer focus. When you take out of the close focus limiter pin this will become obvious. This half of the helicoid moves into a groove cut into the main metal block holding the focusing mechanism together. Machining that cut deeper might be possible, but I would be worried about cutting the block in two. This certainly would not be possible with a Dremel, shortening the helicoid half while retaining smooth focus throughout the focusing range yes.
As for photos, I'm afraid those'll have to wait. My newborn is coming home today from the hospital, and I'm pretty sure I'll have more pressing issues at hand than take apart an already perfectly working lens
The logic of the modification is pretty straightforward, so if you wish to proceed, just take the lens apart and start figuring it out. That way its not me telling you to take metal off here or there, but you yourself knowing what you need to do to make it work. The main issue being that the outer half of the rearmost helicoid (as its not a 51.6mm lens it does have two) does not have enough room to move further inside the focusing mechanism to provide closer focus. When you take out of the close focus limiter pin this will become obvious. This half of the helicoid moves into a groove cut into the main metal block holding the focusing mechanism together. Machining that cut deeper might be possible, but I would be worried about cutting the block in two. This certainly would not be possible with a Dremel, shortening the helicoid half while retaining smooth focus throughout the focusing range yes.
As for photos, I'm afraid those'll have to wait. My newborn is coming home today from the hospital, and I'm pretty sure I'll have more pressing issues at hand than take apart an already perfectly working lens
Phil_F_NM
Camera hacker
My newborn is coming home today from the hospital, and I'm pretty sure I'll have more pressing issues at hand than take apart an already perfectly working lens
Congratulations! And get some sleep while you still can!
Phil Forrest
randomm
Well-known
Thanks Phil!
menos
Veteran
If you have other tools than a Dremel at your disposal, then use them. I don't so I didn't. However, if you want my help, please do not insult me and the circumstances in which I do my stuff (family home, two very small kids, kitchen table and some inexpensive tools).
The logic of the modification is pretty straightforward, so if you wish to proceed, just take the lens apart and start figuring it out. That way its not me telling you to take metal off here or there, but you yourself knowing what you need to do to make it work. The main issue being that the outer half of the rearmost helicoid (as its not a 51.6mm lens it does have two) does not have enough room to move further inside the focusing mechanism to provide closer focus. When you take out of the close focus limiter pin this will become obvious. This half of the helicoid moves into a groove cut into the main metal block holding the focusing mechanism together. Machining that cut deeper might be possible, but I would be worried about cutting the block in two. This certainly would not be possible with a Dremel, shortening the helicoid half while retaining smooth focus throughout the focusing range yes.
As for photos, I'm afraid those'll have to wait. My newborn is coming home today from the hospital, and I'm pretty sure I'll have more pressing issues at hand than take apart an already perfectly working lens
slowly, slowly Jani, back off a bit
I guess, you got my post quite wrong there - I am not the guy, you think, I am !
Never would I even think on criticizing someones methods of tinkering with gear -far from it
Never mind though.
randomm
Well-known
slowly, slowly Jani, back off a bit
I guess, you got my post quite wrong there - I am not the guy, you think, I am !
Never would I even think on criticizing someones methods of tinkering with gear -far from it
Never mind though.
I'm sorry. It seems I misunderstood what you were trying to say in your original post.
Anyway, I can try to take some photos at some later date. However, I would strongly encourage you to take yours apart if you're thinking of modifying yours. That's going to be much more informative than my photos, I think...
menos
Veteran
Haha - Jani, nothing happened ;-)
Thanks for the info, I'll proceed with one of the Canons, once we have finished rearranging the apartment (living among cartoons at the moment).
I will share some pictures as well, once done, …
Thanks for the info, I'll proceed with one of the Canons, once we have finished rearranging the apartment (living among cartoons at the moment).
I will share some pictures as well, once done, …