Nikon SP, Focus Cam issue, Cold Weather.

[B-9]

Hello everyone!

We had our first Ice Moto yesterday on the newly excavated pond (at my work) and I was the lucky guy in charge of parking some 250+ vehicles full of spectators and racers.

My trusty SP stood out with me in 30 degree F and Wind Chill.

I noticed after awhile, I was not getting any action from RF closer than say 10-15 feet. Took off my 50 and peeked inside to see the roller cam had not sprung forward, instead appeared stuck not touching the focus helical.

Easy enough, gently nudge it out.

After a night inside, I'm noticing my camera is still doing this! Now a bit closer at 4-5feet.

The more I work the cam and arm, the better it's getting. So I'm not totally freaked out or depressed about it 😉

My question for you is simple,

Is this being caused by a stiff lubricant or a worn out spring?

I also noticed the Mirror that reflects the RF patch appears to have gotten a more pronounced shadow (less opacity) that doesn't seem to affect my view much, could this be separation caused by the extended exposure to cold?

Basically, the cookie crumbles, and my SP is not a winter camera 😉

 

[kdemas]

I agree, someone put some lube in there.

 

[B-9]

Lol, poking around sounds so obtrusive, I simple gave the cam a gentle nudge forward.

Wallah, close focus once again.

I will admit my heart dropped a bit, thinking it was a terminal issue, until having that genius spark... "It's the roller cam!"

Hmm, so now I'll need to source a repair manual, and crack this one open! Sounds relatively painless.... Assuming I can get to the bronze bushings without dismantling the RF assembly...

 

[B-9]

would it be possible, with any luck, to spot treat the cam and arm with ronsonol?

eh... or maybe just keep the camera warm like my feet :] when shooting outside in this weather.

 

[aoresteen]

Or send it to Don Goldberg and let him sort it out. Ever since Pete Smith passed, I'd use Don for Nikon RF repairs.

 

[B-9]

No no no,

I don't want to spend the money.

Plus I'm capable!

 

[Dante_Stella]

I had that happen on a 135 Nikkor post-CLA, and DAG told me to apply a drop of oil. Break-free is good. Use a tiny amount.

D

 

[Highway 61]

would it be possible, with any luck, to spot treat the cam and arm with ronsonol?

Of course. This is what to do first. It happened on my S3 once, not even in cold weather. Cleaned it with ronsonol, the problem never came back. It also happens on Leica M cameras... 😀

I also noticed the Mirror that reflects the RF patch appears to have gotten a more pronounced shadow (less opacity) that doesn't seem to affect my view much, could this be separation caused by the extended exposure to cold?

No it couldn't.