Lubricate stiff Macro-Tak?

*newarts* · 03-15-2009, 07:13 AM

I just received a Macro-Takumar 50/4 1:1 through ebay.

The optics look good, but the focusing ring is too difficult to turn in some regions of its extension. It feels like lubrication is needed (no bad noises, grinding feeling, etc). Is it too risky to put a penetrating lubricant into the helicoid area?

Any other suggestions? I've not taken one of these lenses apart & don't know how to proceed.

Thanks for any suggestions,
Iowa Dave

*ovim* · 03-15-2009, 07:30 AM

I think trying to lubricate from the outside is not a good idea. You can't control where the lubricant goes and it can(/will) end up on the lens elements or aperture blades.

*newarts* · 03-15-2009, 08:42 AM

I dived in and began removing screws. It was esy. The three screws on the outside of the base were sufficient to expose the helix. It was also helpful to loosen the screws securing the focus ring.

I cleaned off the old grease & appied a bit of vaseline. YAY. Like new!

Smooooooth!

Iowa Dave

*Ratmagiclady* · 03-15-2009, 09:59 AM

Hrm, I think you'll want to substitute something more appropriate than Vaseline, there. the Vaseline could migrate, and you probably don't want a soft focus lens.

*newarts* · 03-15-2009, 10:23 AM

Originally Posted by Ratmagiclady

Hrm, I think you'll want to substitute something more appropriate than Vaseline, there. the Vaseline could migrate, and you probably don't want a soft focus lens.

What might be appropriate?

Dave

Fritz · 03-15-2009, 10:59 AM

There is a specific helicoil grease that is used, but it is spendy. I picked up some NAPA Sil-glyde to use on my Super Tak 85mm f1.9. I did that about a year ago and have had no problems.

Zewrak · 03-15-2009, 11:50 AM

Micro-Tools

*Blue* · 03-15-2009, 03:16 PM

Definitely get the petroleum jelly, aka Vaseline out of there!

Mike Cash · 03-15-2009, 03:28 PM

Good Lord.

For people who scratch their heads in amazement at all the lenses on auction sites that have suffered from some boneheaded attempt at DIY repairs and been ruined, we've just had a ringside seat to the birth of one.

*HansenTsang* · 03-18-2009, 12:45 AM

Actually vaseline is not all that bad if used sparingly. I would clean out the old grease, apply a small amount of vaseline and remove it completely with a q-tip. Just the trace amount of vaseline would be more than enough to keep the lens smooth. More is not better in this case.

Vaseline is simply another petroleum base grease. OTOH WD-40 is bad news.