Just "fixed" it
Just "fixed" it
Here how I "fixed' the problem:
I added a few tiny drop of Rust Check in the crease of the main helicoid. Rust Check is a corrosion inhibitor/lubricator we have here in Canada. It penetrates through the smallest creases and works amazingly well.
The seemed to help, but it was still stiff. I did notice a tiny bit of play in the gear mesh between the taking lens and the viewing lens when focusing near infinity. I then realized that it was the viewing lens helicoid that was stiff and not the taking lens helicoid.
So I put a few tiny drops of Rust Check in the crease where the viewing lens helicoid meets the body (without taking anything apart) and now focus is buttery smooth again.
I know this isn't a "proper repair" as the old grease is still in there, but it has been softened up by the Rust Check. And it sure beats sending it off for a CLA somewhere, and potentially having it come back worse.