Nikkor 28mm f/2.8 front element removal

[Vintage35]

serial no. 382992, the 'Photosynthesis' chart http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/serialno.html says it's a type K from 1974-77. it has the nameplate on the outer front edge of the focus ring, not on the usual face plate. there is a ring to get at the front element but it gets blocked by the flat part of the plate that usually has the name on it (filter ring). how do I get the filter ring off?

 

[papaki]

With caution, remove the rubber ring. remove the side screws on the focusing tube and unscrew the front block.
I have been unable to bring the two front elements apart as they are in some kind of a metal tube with no screws.

 

[Vintage35]

With caution, remove the rubber ring. remove the side screws on the focusing tube and unscrew the front block.
I have been unable to bring the two front elements apart as they are in some kind of a metal tube with no screws.

you're sure we're talking about the same beast? when I unscrewed the lens retaining ring as far as it would go, the lens elment was loose, and could rattle around. The newer AIs has a slightly different looking front ring and 8 elements not 7 like mine?

 

[farlymac]

It looks like just a cover ring over the element retaining ring, Richard. Should back out with a rubber gripper of some sort, then you can free the front element. It could be locked in with some glue though.

PF

 

[Vintage35]

It looks like just a cover ring over the element retaining ring, Richard. Should back out with a rubber gripper of some sort, then you can free the front element. It could be locked in with some glue though.

PF

I did end up getting it apart, see my set on Flickr like the fellow said above you have to remove the rubber grip from the focus ring, you then can unscrew the front half of the focus ring, exposing a set screw on the filter ring, loosen that then unscrew the filter ring, exposing the front element. difference from mine (non-ai) and the fellow above is mine had an easy slotted ring holding the front element. some newer have the front group in one setting(?)

 

[ashfaque]

Thanks for sharing Richard.

Somewhat related: I like mikeno62's time-lapse videos of various repair jobs. I find them quite useful. 🙂