Stiff focusing rings

yyyzzz · 11-18-2009, 01:52 AM

Hi all, I searched but could not find a clear answer.

I have a bunch of K series lenses. K series The focus rings on two lenses are a bit more stiff than the rest. The two lenses are 200mm f2.5 and 100 f4 macro.

I am sure it is not due to dirt or sand, since there is no squeaky sound and the stiffness is throughout the focus range.

Any suggestions on whether the two lenses are particularly stiff and how to make them a bit smoother? I have heard that some K lenses have the stiff ring issues. I am not sure if the two lenses fall into this category.

Thanks.

tr13 · 11-18-2009, 04:53 AM

It can be ried oil, it an be badly regulated screws. In reality each lens is very different in constuction.

wlachan · 11-18-2009, 04:59 AM

If they aren't rough, it could be that the grease is getting old (about 30 years old by now). They can be cleaned and then relube with different "heaviness" to your taste.

yyyzzz · 11-20-2009, 05:07 AM

Are some lenses more stiff than others? Thanks.

hinman · 11-20-2009, 11:46 AM

I have the Pentax 100mm f/4.0 1:2 macro before. You may have the similar lens. As far as I remember, the focusing ring is smooth and great for macro shots. It was one of my biggest mistakes in selling the old lens for newer one

It is one of my memorable shots that I can salvage from. Some lens are more stiff than others but to the best of my memory, that macro is smooth.

Thanks,
Hin

yyyzzz · 11-24-2009, 09:15 PM

Wow! This is a fantastic photo. Very balanced color. It is very difficult to have such a steady shot given the fact that bees like to move around like my kids.

**monochrome** · 11-24-2009, 10:19 PM

Email Eric Hendrickson at Pentax Camera Service from his website and ask if he can service / renew these lenses. He has done amazing things for some mebers here on fine older Pentax lenses recently.

yyyzzz · 12-08-2009, 09:12 PM

Thanks a lot for the information. I am accumulating lenses and cameras now. I plan to send them together to Eric to save on shipping.

11-18-2009, 01:52 AM	#1
yyyzzz Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Salt Lake City, UT Photos: Gallery Posts: 509	Stiff focusing rings Hi all, I searched but could not find a clear answer. I have a bunch of K series lenses. K series The focus rings on two lenses are a bit more stiff than the rest. The two lenses are 200mm f2.5 and 100 f4 macro. I am sure it is not due to dirt or sand, since there is no squeaky sound and the stiffness is throughout the focus range. Any suggestions on whether the two lenses are particularly stiff and how to make them a bit smoother? I have heard that some K lenses have the stiff ring issues. I am not sure if the two lenses fall into this category. Thanks.

11-20-2009, 05:07 AM	#4
yyyzzz Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Salt Lake City, UT Photos: Gallery Posts: 509 Original Poster	thanks for the information Are some lenses more stiff than others? Thanks.

11-24-2009, 09:15 PM	#6
yyyzzz Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Salt Lake City, UT Photos: Gallery Posts: 509 Original Poster	Wow! Wow! This is a fantastic photo. Very balanced color. It is very difficult to have such a steady shot given the fact that bees like to move around like my kids.

12-08-2009, 09:12 PM	#8
yyyzzz Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Salt Lake City, UT Photos: Gallery Posts: 509 Original Poster	Thanks a lot. Thanks a lot for the information. I am accumulating lenses and cameras now. I plan to send them together to Eric to save on shipping.

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11-18-2009, 04:53 AM	#2
tr13 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Russia Posts: 343	It can be ried oil, it an be badly regulated screws. In reality each lens is very different in constuction.

11-18-2009, 04:59 AM	#3
wlachan Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Canada Photos: Albums Posts: 2,625	If they aren't rough, it could be that the grease is getting old (about 30 years old by now). They can be cleaned and then relube with different "heaviness" to your taste.

11-20-2009, 11:46 AM	#5
hinman Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Fremont, CA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,473	I have the Pentax 100mm f/4.0 1:2 macro before. You may have the similar lens. As far as I remember, the focusing ring is smooth and great for macro shots. It was one of my biggest mistakes in selling the old lens for newer one It is one of my memorable shots that I can salvage from. Some lens are more stiff than others but to the best of my memory, that macro is smooth. Thanks, Hin

11-24-2009, 10:19 PM	#7
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Email Eric Hendrickson at Pentax Camera Service from his website and ask if he can service / renew these lenses. He has done amazing things for some mebers here on fine older Pentax lenses recently.