Fixing Nikkor Zoom Creep.

[Rob-F]

I have an 80-200mm f/4.5 with the usual zoom creep. I'm thinking of trying a DIY to fix the zoom creep. I have very little money in it, so I won't be upset if I mess it up. I've got good screwdrivers and a spanner. But I never took a zoom lens apart before. How can I get some info and suggestions for doing this?

 

[ChrisPlatt]

Not sure if applicable to the creep problem on a one touch zoom, but
I had an old 105/2.5 Nikkor lens that had a very worn focusing helical.
A coworker replaced the grease with a stiffer type, which helped a bit.

Chris

 

[Dwig]

I have an 80-200mm f/4.5 with the usual zoom creep. I'm thinking of trying a DIY to fix the zoom creep. ...

You can't "fix" something that isn't broken. The "creep" is as designed, and Nikon's "fix" is for you to keep your hand on the zoom/focus grip while shooting. These lenses had very light operation when new out-of-the-box.

The zoom action on one-touch Nikkor zooms of that era is intended to be light and smooth to allow fast easy change in hand-held operation. You'll find it a rather difficult task to modify the lens to increase the drag while maintaining any degree of smooth operation.

 

[ChrisPlatt]

No, zoom creep is not a design feature. Zooming should be smooth but there should be some resistance.
Typically a lens is said to exhibit zoom creep when it changes focal length when stood on end.
A workaround is to keep your hand on the collar at all times, but that shouldn't be required.

Chris

 

[Shac]

I know it's a different Nikon zoom but Richard Haw (an RFF member) has this info on his site and the technique might work for your 80-200

https://richardhaw.com/2016/03/20/e-75-150mm-f3-5/

also

https://richardhaw.com/2016/01/30/project-zoom-nikkor-80-200mm-f4-ai-s/

 

[Dwig]

No, zoom creep is not a design feature. Zooming should be smooth but there should be some resistance. ...

Perhaps in your opinion, but not in Nikon's at the time the 80-200 f/4.5 was being sold.