NikonGear'23
Gear Talk => Lens Talk => Topic started by: jhinkey on March 31, 2016, 20:21:07
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Just took possession of a 500/4P in excellent condition, EXCEPT that the aperture ring is very stiff and obviously needs a disassembly, cleaning, and re-lubrication.
Some lenses are easy in this regard, others not so much.
How easy will this be to do with this lens? I have the JIC screw drivers and aperture grease (at lease the grease that Leica uses).
I can likely get this done it town, but it will cost me ~$100 and likely a couple of hours of travel time, so if it's a 1/2 job that would be nice to know :)
- John
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You need to take off the lens mount and don't forget first to remove the two retaining screws for the contact block or you will damage the contact strip from the block to the CPU located deeper inside the lens casing.
Can't remember the exact layout of the aperture collar on this lens, but usually there is a small ball bearing or spring inside, so be careful when you lift off the aperture collar so parts don't fly away. These tiny rascals can be infuriatingly hard to find later ....
Thereafter, just clean out all the dirt and grime inside and add the minimum of lubrication before you put the ring back. Finally, put the screws for the contact block in place and ensure they hold the contact block well and tight. If the block is worn or damaged, which apparently happens more easily on this lens because the block lacks the metal backing seen on later models, you can get a replacement from me.
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Thanks Bjorn - perhaps this weekend I'll do this - I'll take pictures of it as well.
Also, I found that my (tab-modified) TC14E-II did not report the correct focal length nor aperture when connected to this - is this normal?
- John
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Also, I found that my (tab-modified) TC14E-II did not report the correct focal length nor aperture when connected to this - is this normal?
Yes, this is normal - it will still say 500mm f/4 with the TC connected - so no need to worry about that.
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Yes, this is normal - it will still say 500mm f/4 with the TC connected - so no need to worry about that.
Great - - just wanted to make sure the lens CPU or my TC weren't broken in some way.
- J
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Well, I started taking it apart and found the problem - the sliding tab that locks the aperture at f/22 was jammed and was not letting the aperture ring rotate freely. Took it out, put it back in and all is good. Also three is a small brass tab underneath the mount flange (which I took off) that was letting the aperture ring turn past f/22, which I think contributed to the locking tab jamming.
Adjusted and fixed and it's now working OK. The aperture ring could still use a cleaning and lube, but it's totally usable.
BTW - I did not actually take the aperture ring off - is there a hidden screw underneath the rubber grip ring that needed to be loosened? Otherwise I did not see how I could slide the aperture ring all the way off.
Thanks - John
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Sometimes the aperture follower is screwed into the side of the aperture ring with two small screws.
I have seen aperture rings that where damaged by deformation, usually the taps can get a bump, will make the ring stiff to move,,,
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Sometimes the aperture follower is screwed into the side of the aperture ring with two small screws.
I have seen aperture rings that where damaged by deformation, usually the taps can get a bump, will make the ring stiff to move,,,
Thanks - I did not see that, but these screws could have been covered up by the rubber grip ring on the aperture ring. I did not take the rubber grip ring off for fear of damaging it. I would like to know ahead of time if in fact I need to get this off to pull the aperture ring off for lubrication.
- John