NikonGear'23

Gear Talk => Lens Talk => Topic started by: Zang on May 04, 2021, 19:41:20

Title: Overhauling Nikkor 300mm f4.5 AIS, anyone?
Post by: Zang on May 04, 2021, 19:41:20

Hi all,

Has anyone tried re-greasing this one? I got one for cheap with stiff focusing and I will probably try taking it apart. Any help or advice would be appreciated!

Cheers,
Zang

Title: Re: Overhauling Nikkor 300mm f4.5 AIS, anyone?
Post by: Erik Lund on May 04, 2021, 20:44:23

Is it this version?
https://nikongear.net/revival/index.php?topic=7450.msg120834#msg120834

Title: Re: Overhauling Nikkor 300mm f4.5 AIS, anyone?
Post by: Zang on May 04, 2021, 21:12:16

Hi Erik,

No, it is AIS, non-ED.

Thanks,
Zang

Title: Re: Overhauling Nikkor 300mm f4.5 AIS, anyone?
Post by: Zang on May 05, 2021, 15:21:17

The lens is beaten up so I got it for less than 50 USD.

To my surprise, the image quality is impeccable!

There is very little difference in the quality between f4.5 and f8 as you may think. Below are pictures taken with f4.5 and f8 on APSC.

Title: Re: Overhauling Nikkor 300mm f4.5 AIS, anyone?
Post by: Zang on May 07, 2021, 04:23:02

Ok, the lens is already in pieces :)

Title: Re: Overhauling Nikkor 300mm f4.5 AIS, anyone?
Post by: Zang on May 09, 2021, 18:44:13

This one was an easier one. I opened it up totally by instinct. After putting it together back, I have come up with a much better procedure.

Title: Re: Overhauling Nikkor 300mm f4.5 AIS, anyone?
Post by: Erik Lund on May 10, 2021, 09:33:02

Looks clean and neat!
Interesting custom rubber handles you have on your screwdrivers  ;D

Title: Re: Overhauling Nikkor 300mm f4.5 AIS, anyone?
Post by: Zang on May 10, 2021, 14:07:52

Good catch Erik! I ordered Moose Tools screwdrivers 2 years ago and their grips are not good. I made the custom grips using an old bike tube :)

Title: Re: Overhauling Nikkor 300mm f4.5 AIS, anyone?
Post by: Zang on May 10, 2021, 14:10:21

Some real field tests from yesterday...

Title: Re: Overhauling Nikkor 300mm f4.5 AIS, anyone?
Post by: Zang on May 10, 2021, 14:11:54

A few more...

Title: Re: Overhauling Nikkor 300mm f4.5 AIS, anyone?
Post by: Erik Lund on May 10, 2021, 14:40:57

Quote from: Zang on May 10, 2021, 14:07:52

Good catch Erik! I ordered Moose Tools screwdrivers 2 years ago and their grips are not good. I made the custom grips using an old bike tube :)

There is a web shop called 'Micro tools' that sell them, the brand is 'Pollicis' that fit Nikon JIS heads very well- I agree they are very slim handles, I broke one I had to glue together using a metal tube  :o I often use rubber gloves when screws are very tight for friction - I can see the inner tube is a great idea!

Title: Re: Overhauling Nikkor 300mm f4.5 AIS, anyone?
Post by: Akira on May 10, 2021, 19:19:55

Quote from: Zang on May 10, 2021, 14:10:21

Some real field tests from yesterday...

Very nice results.  Congratulations!