My first lens dissembly, tips?

[richardHaw]

i just got 200 screws for the aperture ring. i bought them last week 

[Tristin]

When/if I get around to replacing the stripped screws, I will PM you and send you funds.  Thanks Richard.  Now it looks like I need to find a screwdriver to deal with the set screw and spend another day trying to get the helicoids lined back up.     I would not have thought they would be assembled in such a fashion, does not seem logical to provide no markings for parts than can be put together in many incorrect positions.  Well, I know for the future.

[richardHaw]

that's OK the screws are cheap anyway. believe me, that lens is easy compared to zooms. AF-D lenses can also be a pain. AF-S lenses are also annoying. I fixed my 24-70 f/2.8 before and i swore not to take apart any AF-S lenses again 

some AF-S lenses are easy by the way. i just hate puzzles and electronics. that is why i like old cameras old cars and old lenses

[Tristin]

It is a good thing I have no interest in zooms.  As much as I am hating this process, I need to be able to do basic repairs such as this on my own lenses.  I can not afford to pay for simple repairs like these and refuse to not use my gear due to issues like sand possibly getting in the lens.

[John Geerts]

Good luck with the re-assembly, Tristin.   I hope the 'original' problem is fixed... 

[Erik Lund]

I'm sorry that we have created an impression that repairing lenses is easy DIY work,,, It's not,,,

As already stated:

Helicoils must be marked before disassembly or the whole functionality of the lens is lost, infinity etc.
You may be extremely lucky and the person assembling or repairing the lens has made marks for you! Check carefully for these marks!

Or you will have to trial and error assemble the two sets of threads where you 'think' is the right position, mark that, reassemble the whole lens and check infinity,,, it only takes about 4-8 hours to go through the possibilities and; Mark new position re-assemble check fail - think mark re-assemble check fail - think mark re,,,,,,,, and success will come at a some point

The threads are precision geometry that only go together when they are aligned 100% in all planes and must be absolutely clean,,,

If you force the threads at any point you will newer have smooth focus again ever,,,

Sorry.

[Tristin]

Erik, I do not feel anyone made it seem easy.  I jus5 somehow missed the whole marking the helicoid part.   

[richardHaw]

the first time i cleaned a manual lens (200mm f/4 Ai-S) I forgot to mark the helicoids. it took me the whole evening to determine the proper position. 

that is why i repeat "mark where the helicoids separate" more than 3x in all of my tear downs hahaha

nikon sometimes marks where the helicoids should join. you will know if nikon did that or not simply by looking at how it was marked (by a machinist).
sometimes, landmarks give you clues on where things should go. like the letter "i" in "made in Japan" or a screw mark.
buying repair manuals would do you no good as most of the repair manuals that I saw from Nikon (official, the real deal) will never tell you where helicoids separate

the videos on youtube should give you a hint.

[Erik Lund]

Technical Writing is an art-form

[Tristin]

The only video of a 105mm 1.8 i found was an assembly in stop motion, did not see anything of help with the helicoids.  Will be spending tomorrow trying and will report back.

[Erik Lund]

There is some logic involved as to how the lens is put back together; At infinity the whole lens assembly is at a minimum build length so the threads are almost at limit of their length.

[richardHaw]

yes. always work at infinity 

[Tristin]

I tried the smallest slot screwdriver I could find locally (3/64") but it is too large.  adoes anyone know what I would need to access this?  I'm  ot even sure this is what will release the helicoid from this section, but I cannot see any other way

[Erik Lund]

Just get a smaller screwdriver,,, Micro-Tools has the ones you need

Also the tape you see holds the two parts together, infinity adjustment as Rick told you.

Usually this is the first part you remove 

[Tristin]

So . . . I need to remove the tape?  As I do not not how to adjust this, I am afraid to remove it unless it is necessary to get to the helicoid I need to clean.  I am already looking at who knows how many hours of getting my helicoids lined up properly.   

Also, Micro-tools has precision slotted screwdrivers in 1.2, 1.5 and 1.8mm.  The one I tried, which was too big, was roughly 2.4mm.  Which one should I try?  Im guessing the thickness of the tip is a non-issue as they do not state it?

Thanks for all the help guys.    Total amateur at work