Repair of the Nikon 100mm f/2.8 Series E!

[richardHaw]

http://richardhaw.com/2017/08/05/repair-nikon-100mm-f2-8e/

been getting plenty of requests to do this but I just cannot justify the current inflated price for used samples. 

the lens has so much plastics used in it!

[Bjørn Rørslett]

True, it has the pre-AF plastic feeling to it. Still a nice lens and a more than decent performer (while it lasts). Good for IR and adequate for some UV work as well.

On the positive flip side, it is an easy lens to CPU-modify

[richardHaw]

True, it has the pre-AF plastic feeling to it. Still a nice lens and a more than decent performer (while it lasts). Good for IR and adequate for some UV work as well.

On the positive flip side, it is an easy lens to CPU-modify

Thanks for the information on the IR performance! I will add that bit of info 
its a good lens. i had high expectations from this lens because of the hype but when I tested it against any of the newer 105/2.5's the difference showed easily.

less contrast wide-open
inferior coating (flares easily)
less sharpness and resolution
because of the high contrast the transition to unfocused areas is not as smooth

the only reason i would want to use one is for it's smallness.

[Bjørn Rørslett]

As the various 105/2.5 Nikkor versions tend to perform well in IR as well, it all boils down to considerations of weight and size. I admit having a weak spot for the Nikon 100/2.8 though, so I probably press it into service more often than I ought to. It fits and balances nicely on my D5200 IR camera, for example.

[pluton]

Does this 100/2.8 Series E have the all-plastic helicoid threads? 
>>>Does anyone know which, if any, of the Series E lenses do not have plastic helicoids?<<<
The 28s.E and the 35s.E interest me, but I'm hesitant to dump even a small amount of money into what is essentially a self-destructing lens.

[Roland Vink]

Ric, when I send you the next lot of lenses for servicing ( ) I'll include a 100/2.8 for you, for spare parts. It looks mint on the outside, but the previous owner dropped it - the focus ring is out of round and jams against the upper barrel. There is also fungus inside. Apart from that it looks like it has been barely used. You may as well put it to good use.

[Roland Vink]

Does this 100/2.8 Series E have the all-plastic helicoid threads? 
>>>Does anyone know which, if any, of the Series E lenses do not have plastic helicoids?<<<
The 28s.E and the 35s.E interest me, but I'm hesitant to dump even a small amount of money into what is essentially a self-destructing lens.

All lenses will wear out eventually, some sooner than others of course.
I think the plastic helicoids of the 100/2.8 should last many years if they are well-lubed and clean. I have used my series-E 75-150/3.5 for years - regular light use - and it still works perfectly. I have no idea if it is plastic or metal.

[Bjørn Rørslett]

There is a lot of metal in the 75-150 ...

One has to abuse these lenses quite a bit to wear them out, but of course they are not indestructible. In fact, no photo gear is.

[Mongo]

irrespective of the goods and bads of any lens, Mongo always appreciates your contribution of knowledge and information from these type of articles Richard. Many thanks

[richardHaw]

irrespective of the goods and bads of any lens, Mongo always appreciates your contribution of knowledge and information from these type of articles Richard. Many thanks

appreciated mr Mongo 

[richardHaw]

Ric, when I send you the next lot of lenses for servicing ( ) I'll include a 100/2.8 for you, for spare parts. It looks mint on the outside, but the previous owner dropped it - the focus ring is out of round and jams against the upper barrel. There is also fungus inside. Apart from that it looks like it has been barely used. You may as well put it to good use.

wow! Thanks! 
I will try and restore it. This is what I mean when I said that the lens will not hold up for long  a little bang on the front will kill it

[richardHaw]

There is a lot of metal in the 75-150 ...

One has to abuse these lenses quite a bit to wear them out, but of course they are not indestructible. In fact, no photo gear is.

Yes, that thing is tough 

[richardHaw]

Does this 100/2.8 Series E have the all-plastic helicoid threads? 
>>>Does anyone know which, if any, of the Series E lenses do not have plastic helicoids?<<<
The 28s.E and the 35s.E interest me, but I'm hesitant to dump even a small amount of money into what is essentially a self-destructing lens.

Hello, so far all of the zooms seem to have proper metal parts and only the cosmetic bits are plastic 

the 100/2.8E and the 35/2.5E both have the cheap plastic helicoid. I heard that the other primes are the same

[richardHaw]

Ric, when I send you the next lot of lenses for servicing ( ) I'll include a 100/2.8 for you, for spare parts. It looks mint on the outside, but the previous owner dropped it - the focus ring is out of round and jams against the upper barrel. There is also fungus inside. Apart from that it looks like it has been barely used. You may as well put it to good use.

By the way, what is your Tshirt size? 

[Roland Vink]

Have you run out of packing material again? Surely popcorn was cheaper