lens tune up?? cleaning etc

**dcmsox2004** · 04-05-2009, 05:36 PM

i've seen some anectdotal threads about folks having
their older (and maybe newer, heavily used) lenses having
a 'tune up'...... cleaning, lubrication etc...
does anyone have any experience with this... and how much
one should expect to pay??
i live in rhode island, and there is a reputable repair shop, but
i've not asked yet... i'd like to get some idea from those out
there who have had this done and their experiences/costs...
thanks, dave m

**monochrome** · 04-05-2009, 06:00 PM

Originally posted by dcmsox2004

i've seen some anectdotal threads about folks having
their older (and maybe newer, heavily used) lenses having
a 'tune up'...... cleaning, lubrication etc...
does anyone have any experience with this... and how much
one should expect to pay??
i live in rhode island, and there is a reputable repair shop, but
i've not asked yet... i'd like to get some idea from those out
there who have had this done and their experiences/costs...
thanks, dave m

I've read your recent posts on the Vivitar/Komine 70~210 ver. 3. Mine does not have your problem, but these lenses are beginning to suffer from all manner of age issues - zoom ring creep, helicoid grease breakdown, your pin issue, etc. They are 25 years old now, and quite complex, even for zoom lenses (which are more complex than primes).

Unfortunately the cost to bring one of these lenses back to good working condition may be more than the value of the lens, parts are not available, etc.

There is a Camera repair links list - Go to the Forum Home Page, click Links, then Camera Repair and Service.

Read these websites.

For Pentax lenses, look at Eric Hendrickson - Pentax Camera Service.
For everything else look at Lens Tech - Ralph Innes.

Both have generous estimate policies and are accomplished technicians.

Otherwise, now that the lens is in auto-aperture, just use it (unless you also want to use it on an older film camera).

The aperture locking pin on my Vivitar/Kiron 105/2.5 recently broke internally. After much email discussion I have learned that the part was under-engineered and breakage is common. There are no parts available for this 25-year-old (at least) lens, so I have to buy a beater lens to harvest a replacement from.

amicah22 · 04-06-2009, 06:00 PM

I had my Elicar 90mm f2.5 completely broken down and cleaned for 95 in Arizona.

Fl_Gulfer · 04-10-2009, 08:30 PM

What's the best thing to use to clean the glass? I live at the ocean and somtimes I get a little salt mist on my lenses.

**monochrome** · 04-10-2009, 08:38 PM

Originally posted by Fl_Gulfer

What's the best thing to use to clean the glass? I live at the ocean and somtimes I get a little salt mist on my lenses.

That one's above my pay grade. The worst I would get in St. Louis is Mississippi, Missouri and Meramec River mud.

I would guess, though, that if the salt mist crystalizes one runs the risk of scratching the coatings when wiping.

jaitas · 04-14-2009, 03:56 AM

hi!

question regarding SMC coating and what to use to clean SMC coated lenses. do you have any suggestion, is basic Isopropenyl alcohol suitable to job?

I'm having some smears in my FA 17-28... (was taking pictures and someone managed to touch it with his finger)

Any responses highly appreciated!

-Juho

04-05-2009, 05:36 PM	#1
dcmsox2004 Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: rhode island Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,522	lens tune up?? cleaning etc i've seen some anectdotal threads about folks having their older (and maybe newer, heavily used) lenses having a 'tune up'...... cleaning, lubrication etc... does anyone have any experience with this... and how much one should expect to pay?? i live in rhode island, and there is a reputable repair shop, but i've not asked yet... i'd like to get some idea from those out there who have had this done and their experiences/costs... thanks, dave m

04-05-2009, 06:00 PM	#2
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Repair resources links Originally posted by dcmsox2004 i've seen some anectdotal threads about folks having their older (and maybe newer, heavily used) lenses having a 'tune up'...... cleaning, lubrication etc... does anyone have any experience with this... and how much one should expect to pay?? i live in rhode island, and there is a reputable repair shop, but i've not asked yet... i'd like to get some idea from those out there who have had this done and their experiences/costs... thanks, dave m I've read your recent posts on the Vivitar/Komine 70~210 ver. 3. Mine does not have your problem, but these lenses are beginning to suffer from all manner of age issues - zoom ring creep, helicoid grease breakdown, your pin issue, etc. They are 25 years old now, and quite complex, even for zoom lenses (which are more complex than primes). Unfortunately the cost to bring one of these lenses back to good working condition may be more than the value of the lens, parts are not available, etc. There is a Camera repair links list - Go to the Forum Home Page, click Links, then Camera Repair and Service. Read these websites. For Pentax lenses, look at Eric Hendrickson - Pentax Camera Service. For everything else look at Lens Tech - Ralph Innes. Both have generous estimate policies and are accomplished technicians. Otherwise, now that the lens is in auto-aperture, just use it (unless you also want to use it on an older film camera). The aperture locking pin on my Vivitar/Kiron 105/2.5 recently broke internally. After much email discussion I have learned that the part was under-engineered and breakage is common. There are no parts available for this 25-year-old (at least) lens, so I have to buy a beater lens to harvest a replacement from. Last edited by monochrome; 04-10-2009 at 08:35 PM.

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04-06-2009, 06:00 PM	#3
amicah22 Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Queen creek, az Photos: Gallery Posts: 81	I had my Elicar 90mm f2.5 completely broken down and cleaned for 95 in Arizona.

04-10-2009, 08:30 PM	#4
Fl_Gulfer Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Florida Gulfer Photos: Albums Posts: 3,054	What's the best thing to use to clean the glass? I live at the ocean and somtimes I get a little salt mist on my lenses.

04-10-2009, 08:38 PM	#5
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Originally posted by Fl_Gulfer What's the best thing to use to clean the glass? I live at the ocean and somtimes I get a little salt mist on my lenses. That one's above my pay grade. The worst I would get in St. Louis is Mississippi, Missouri and Meramec River mud. I would guess, though, that if the salt mist crystalizes one runs the risk of scratching the coatings when wiping.

04-14-2009, 03:56 AM	#6
jaitas Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Oulu Posts: 124	hi! question regarding SMC coating and what to use to clean SMC coated lenses. do you have any suggestion, is basic Isopropenyl alcohol suitable to job? I'm having some smears in my FA 17-28... (was taking pictures and someone managed to touch it with his finger) Any responses highly appreciated! -Juho