Nikon 105 2.5 problem

[Phil_F_NM]

My understanding has always been that the 105 both F and RF both use bronze not brass, so need little or no grease. Careless use of grease which are corrosive to bronze gears may be part of problem.

The RF version of the 105 definitely is all brass but I think the inner helicoid on the newest version of the SLR lens may be aluminum alloy. A few years ago I worked on an 85mm f/1.8 Ai that had both metals AND they were in contact with each other. This is a big problem with helicoids since mixing metals can often lead to galvanic corrosion. The 85mm I mentioned was completely locked up because it had either orange juice (with pulp) or V8 tomato juice spilled on it which literally ate pits into the alloy helicoid but the brass was fine. Petroleum lubricants that break down into acids and fatty solids can do this too as was previously mentioned.
Fortunately, the only Nikon RF lenses with mixed metal helicoids that I know of are the FSU lenses but they are usually so over-greased that corrosion isn't a problem, cleaning them to get them to move smoothly is. Now, even Leica mixed their helicoid metals in the 90mm thin Tele-Elmarit and the 90mm f/4. When I got into that lens I was very disappointed to see the mixed metal helicoid.

As for sending a lens to me to work on; I'm flattered. I would do it but I recently moved a few times and I don't have the work space available that I would want for the lens of an RFF member. If the lens is being sent to the US, Youxin is a good repair tech in Canton, Mass.

Phil Forrest

 

[rbsinto]

For the time being the lens is staying here in Canada, as I've got at least three experienced people within driving distance to handle the problem.
And as for Mr. Smith's comments, I'm not inclined to condemn him for making them, as I think he was simply being cautious and prudent. Diagnosing a problem over the phone is risky business at the best of times, so I'm inclined to take a wait and see attitude.
First we'll see and then we'll know.

 

[Highway 61]

First we'll see and then we'll know.

Saint-Thomas wouldn't have said it better.

 

[rbsinto]

Saint-Thomas wouldn't have said it better.

Actually it was first said by Dr. Sidney Freedman to Colonel Flagg in an episode of M.A.S.H. 😉

 

[Highway 61]

Actually it was first said by Dr. Sidney Freedman to Colonel Flagg in an episode of M.A.S.H. 😉

Too bad you didn't quote Margaret "Hot Lips" O'Houlihan... 😀

 

[rbsinto]

Too bad you didn't quote Margaret "Hot Lips" O'Houlihan... 😀

Very little she said was worth quoting.
Sidney Freedman on the other hand.....

 

[Highway 61]

Very little she said was worth quoting.
Sidney Freedman on the other hand.....

Not only words can be quoted... 😛

Best of luck with your 105, but don't give up (quoting Kate Bush here).

 

[Highway 61]

I still have my 105/2.5 AI-S lens (last version with telescopic hood and, photographic results wise, the best of all IMO) but I have owned the first F model as well as the RF one.

The F and RF models were quite comparable in my hands, with very firm but not excessively damped focusing action (what I like very much).

The AI-S lens is quite lighter and its focusing action is smoother. But I can feel a tiny bit of play in it (what I don't like).

I was born in 1966 so buying new Nikkor lenses at that time was still a bit out of reach for me... 😉

 

[rbsinto]

Well......neither Gerry Smith at Kindermann nor Raymond Fung at Winball is willing to tackle this job, so I'm taking the lens to David Eve in Oakville tomorrow after work. He sounds confident that it isn't a serious problem to rectify, so again, first we'll see, and then we'll know.

 

[ZeissFan]

The "Sidney Freedman" character in M*A*S*H was portrayed by Allan Arbus, who was the husband of photographer Diane Arbus. They were childhood sweethearts, married in 1941, separate in 1958 and divorced in 1969. She committed suicide in 1971.

I have an AI version of the 105. Always thought it was a fabulous lens.

 

[rbsinto]

The "Sidney Freedman" character in M*A*S*H was portrayed by Allan Arbus, who was the husband of photographer Diane Arbus. They were childhood sweethearts, married in 1941, separate in 1958 and divorced in 1969. She committed suicide in 1971.

I have an AI version of the 105. Always thought it was a fabulous lens.

I too have an AI 105 2.5 which I got close to thirty years ago.
Brilliant lens and in all these years, I've never had a problem with it.

 

[Clay]

Another happy AI 105mm f/2.5 with HS-8 hood owner. It has always
been my favourite. A little gem! (35 years ago now, ha!)
Best regards,
/Clay

 

[ZeissFan]

I took mine to Spain on one trip and came back with some grit in the helicals. It worked its way out eventually (or at some point), and that's the only problem that I've ever had with it. I've always kept a B+W filter on it.

 

[rbsinto]

Back to my original problem...
David Eve spoke to a few knowledgeable repair people who told him not to open the lens, so he's a no go. That's three local people who have given me the same reasons for not wanting to work on it.
I'm rapidly coming to the conclusion that no one is willing to work on this lens, so I may just buy one I've seen advertised locally if I can play with it first.
If I do that I'm going to ask Mr. Fung if he'll show me how to open the old one with the proviso that he's not responsible for any damage. Perhaps that way I can see how its done, and have a look inside it.

 

[Highway 61]

Back to my original problem...

Back to my first post in that thread : don't look for not experienced enough people in your neighbourhood and send it to DAG right away.

Many people living in NYC send their photo gear for repair or service to him so there is no reason for a Torontoise not to do it as well.

 

[daveleo]

Send it to someone who knows how to do the job.
What's the worse possible outcome for doing that?
I think it's an easy fix for the right expert.

 

[leicapixie]

Send it to Dag or similar. I think it's a bad idea to play with it yourself!
Did you phone Nikon? In Toronto or States?
My 105mm f2,5 Nikkor developed a small fault, it would not open completely the aperture.It would close somewhat down as one focussed closer..
It was repaired here in Toronto. Gave it to Kominec, who had someone do it.
Nikon S.A could not get rid of problem. Mine is a very worn lens having literally been in wars..Fallen a few times badly.One fall about 8' high. The filter mulched.
The strength of the lens is stunning. My Leica Tele-Elmarit 90mm fell less than 12" and required a major repair and new bayonet section..Took more than a year to get back..

 

[rbsinto]

I decided not to screw about with it any more, as I wasn't inclined to send it off to someone who would do a wonderful job on it, but keep it for who-knows-how-long, if he in fact, decided to even work on it.
I bought a very nice user locally yesterday and will recoup the cost (which was quite reasonable) when I sell an S3 body and my original 105 to an adventuresome acquaintance who will probably climb inside it and play.
Thanks everyone for the advice and information.