AF-S Nikkor 16-85/3.5-5.6G...repairable?

[stenrasmussen]

As Bjørn R asked: "Do they throw those lenses at you?"...Yes!
I now have this baby which I intend to try fixin'. My thought is to use it for IR if feasible.
Will post pics here as I dive into the patient.

[Erik Lund]

Whats wrong with it? Have fun

[stenrasmussen]

Whats wrong with it? Have fun

Autofocus erroneous and not driving the lenses. I have an idea what it might be...but won't tell yet in case I am wrong 

[Bjørn Rørslett]

Just put it on an IR camera, forget about AF, and have fun

[Erik Lund]

He he - But you know Sten - He will for sure dismantle it first

[charlie]

Have you ever pulled apart a 70-200mm VRI?
Mine has acquired a focus issue recently, I wonder if it is a similar problem to this lens?
When focusing at the near limit sometimes it will get stuck in the near range, neither auto focus nor manually focusing will regain control over the focus mechanism unless I tap the lens a bit. Have you ever seen that issue?

[stenrasmussen]

As a matter of fact I have. But the issue then was excess dust that needed removal.
As for your AF issue I cannot tell if it's the same as for the 16-85. My immediate thought when I read your description are misaligned guides and/or dirt/debris cramping a smooth operation.

[Erik Lund]

Some of these first AFS zoom lenses that have seen a lot of action start to wear out by now, the motor and guides as Sten states, knock, bumps and dirt over the years... It's really sad, but just as predicted by many,,,
The 70-200 is not something I would recommend to DIY repair!!! There are some many delicate mechanical/electronic components that are extremely fragile when exposed/opened,,,

[stenrasmussen]

Well, that was easy.
Open up, disconnect some flat cables, take out motor, reassemble and Bob's yer uncle!
Some pics from the procedure. Note how one of the four screws in the bayonet is different - it threads into the plastic casing. Otherwise, pretty standard interior.

[Thomas G]

Watching with growing interest. My wife has one where the VR sometimes seem stuck.
Please go on with this level of detail, appreciate it!

[Andrea B.]

This post drives home to me in a BIG way to never, never, ever, ever get rid of my manual focus lenses. I was tempted to do so recently because I don't really use them anymore. But no. I'm keeping them around in case one of the delicate little electronic monsters like my new 24/1.8AFS ever goes haywire.

[charlie]

Sten & Erik, thank you for your insights on the 70-200mm. I wasn't planning on trying to fix this one myself just curious what the problem might be.

[Tristin]

Well done Sten.

[Øivind Tøien]

Thanks for posting; it is always interesting with these kind of pictorial reports. So now you have a manual focus 16-85mm?

[stenrasmussen]

Thanks for posting; it is always interesting with these kind of pictorial reports. So now you have a manual focus 16-85mm?

Nah, tis back to where it was when new