Repair of the Nikkor 28mm f/2.8 Ai-S!

[richardHaw]

http://richardhaw.com/2018/02/04/repair-nikkor-28mm-f-2-8-ai-s/

by popular request

[Bent Hjarbo]

Nice writeup, thanks 

[John Geerts]

Thanks for the article, Richard. 

Nice lens also for night shots.

October 2017 post:

[Jacques Pochoy]

Nice article Richard !  I was getting a thrill in seing the inside of my 28mm F/2.8 lens... Happily mine hasn't got all that fungi (yet)!

[pluton]

Thanks Richard, for a fascinating look inside an amazing lens design.  My copy has slight wobble from [I think] loose helicoid key(s);  maybe I'll see if I can tighten the keys. 
One problem I always have:  The slot-type grub screws.  None of my existing screwdriver tips fit them exactly, and if the tip doesn't exactly fit, the screw will likely be destroyed. 
Is there a specific set of slot-type screwdrivers that will fit these old Nikon grub screws without the screwdriver tips having to be re-shaped by filing?

[Jack Dahlgren]

Thanks Richard, for a fascinating look inside an amazing lens design.  My copy has slight wobble from [I think] loose helicoid key(s);  maybe I'll see if I can tighten the keys. 
One problem I always have:  The slot-type grub screws.  None of my existing screwdriver tips fit them exactly, and if the tip doesn't exactly fit, the screw will likely be destroyed. 
Is there a specific set of slot-type screwdrivers that will fit these old Nikon grub screws without the screwdriver tips having to be re-shaped by filing?

Look for JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard) screwdrivers. This is most true for cross head screws, but should be helpful with slot head as well.

[Øivind Tøien]

Thanks Richard, very nice and thorough write up!

[Chulster]

Hi Richard,

I've been unable to remove the front optical unit of this lens. I see the two slots for a lens spanner, but they exist in a space that is far too narrow for my spanner's tips. There is about 1–2mm of space to access these slots. Do you have any advice? Do I need to disassemble the CRC unit in order to be able to remove the front optical unit?

[Erik Lund]

Buy smaller tips for your spanner or cut them down so they fit.