Nikkor 55 micro 2.8 very stiff focus? DIY solutions?

[68degrees]

I understand this is a common problem with this lens? What is the proper way to fix it? Other than that , the lens is mint.

 

[sevo]

It is a common issue - the double helical makes the stiffening grease double stiff. And there are quite a few videos out on Youtube that walk you through a dis- and reassembly. It is not really that hard, and quite foolproof - with AI, Nikon had gone over to a modular lens build process where the final assembly did not need particularly special skills or training (nor tools like collimators).

 

[Landshark]

The lube they used sucks!.................Anyway. The lens comes apart from the rear. Three screws & the mount and stop down lever pops out.

The quick & 1/2 assed method is to fully extend the lens & clean the helical with Q-tips and Naptha. You can clean 80%+ this way.
The right way would be to take it completely down to clean it.
Now. The bugaboo is this may not totally fix it up. The floating element can be seen through an opening between the lens groups with the mount off and frequently it's gummed up in there.
Once upon a time I had a link, but can't find it now. Originally I got it from google.

 

[kxl]

Here are step by step instructions with pictures:

http://conradhoffman.com/MicroNikkor55.html

BTW, I used to own one. Great for macros as well as "normal" usage.

 

[68degrees]

Here are step by step instructions with pictures:

http://conradhoffman.com/MicroNikkor55.html

BTW, I used to own one. Great for macros as well as "normal" usage.

wow, thats a great link thank your very much!

 

[Phil_F_NM]

The only way to do it is to do it right. If you flush the old grease out, there is no way to get damping grease on the helical threads without complete disassembly. Then the lens will feel sloppy until the metal threads start grinding away at each other. Then it will just be a parts lens.

Phil Forrest