Focusing ring problem on Canon 50mm 1.2 ltm

[RainDance]

I have had this lens for about 2 years and a half, I constantly use it and the focusing ring has more of a resistance now. I like it to be smooth and slick. Any guides or videos on cleaning/disassembly of the focus helical? I clean the elements about once a year because it is easy to disassemble but I have not messed with the focusing mechanism at all.

 

[peterm1]

Fortunately this one is pretty easy to disassemble and clean as you say. There are a few web links that may help even though you have already done some cleaning of this lens type.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWOmrRb7d1c

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGp0zR28-rw

https://oldcam.wordpress.com/2014/01/19/canon-rangefinder-lens-servicing/

If you have not disassembled the focussing helicals on a lens for cleaning make sure you study some videos on how to do that too. Of particular importance is the need to mark the inner and outer helical where they come apart as you unscrew them for cleaning and relubing and also measure the helical positions relative to the rest of the assembly before disassembling the helical. If you do not you will have big issues getting the helicals back together in a way that focuses correctly (there is only one correct way) I guess you are aware of this though.

This link covers that issue.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0U5gq-hKTc

The following link provides a step by step instructions for disassembly of the helicals in a Canon FL 35mm lens. Though entirely different in detail it may give you some hints on what needs care in your lens and how you might go about marking positions etc before completing disassembly of the helicals.

https://www.photrio.com/forum/threa...n-fl-35-2-5-step-by-step-instructions.121207/

When regreasing less is more. Don't over do the lube or you will have future problems. Most people seem to recommend white lithium grease as a substitute for dedicated lens grease which is harder to get and expensive and that is what I use. I have found that spray can delivered white lithium grease which is thinner than the thick stuff from a tube, works OK. Spray a little into a tin and then use a cotton ear bud to spread it on the helical threads, don't spray it directly of course. I usually find that when you reassemble the lens, it may take a day or so of light use for the grease to spread out inside the helical threads to get optimum smoothness.