I'm Heartbroken Oil on the Blades A-50mm Macro F 2.8

Indecent Exposure · 04-11-2010, 05:44 PM

My favorite lens the A 50mm 1:2.8 Macro was pulled out of its case today for a shoot and I am heartbroken. It was fine last time I used it a few days ago.

I noticed when opening the aperture slight oil starting to show on the blades. I have been using this lens for more than 30 years and remember going with out food or gas for my car for a weeks time just to buy it.

Oh well she's still clear silky smooth in operation but having the thought of this lens starting it's demise just breaks my heart. It has been an absolute sweetheart of a lens.

jct us101 · 04-11-2010, 05:47 PM

Oh no! I'm so sorry that has happened to it. Do you have a strong emotional attachment to this one in particular, I mean I know it won't be the same, but you can probably find another one on PF's marketplace for a lot cheaper than you originally paid for it, will be better than nothing. Or maybe you can find a way to fix it?

VF-19 · 04-11-2010, 06:08 PM

Why not send it in for some TLC? If it's just oil, it can be cleaned off. Since the lens will be taken apart anyways, you could have it re-lubed.

I bought a Vivitar lens that had an unbelievable amount of oil on the blades, and I sent it in for repair. Good as new.

hangu · 04-11-2010, 06:27 PM

This is a $50 fix. You should do it before the oil gets on the glass, then it's over.

Try Ralph Innes, he's extremely affordable and very very good at what he does.
Repair Resources & Rates

GerryL · 04-11-2010, 06:34 PM

You might try the fix and learn something in the process.
If it were AF, then I think I would not have the gall to even open it, but with MF, that's a whole different story.

Tuner571 · 04-11-2010, 07:01 PM

I'm sorry to hear about this. I too have many old lenses and would be heartbroken if one began to go. However, this does sound fixable and I would contact Eric on this forum to help you out.

seacapt · 04-11-2010, 07:50 PM

Check with Eric Hendrickson - a forum member and honest repair guy . He's listed in the links section.

**monochrome** · 04-11-2010, 07:57 PM

Originally posted by hangu

This is a $50 fix. You should do it before the oil gets on the glass, then it's over.

Try Ralph Innes, he's extremely affordable and very very good at what he does.
Repair Resources & Rates

Originally posted by seacapt

Check with Eric Hendrickson - a forum member and honest repair guy . He's listed in the links section.

Both Ralph and Eric are reviewed in the Camera Repair section.

Ralph is en excellent lens technician. Eric is just the best Pentax tech out there - he can CLA your lens and reset everything to factory spec. - probably necessary after 30 years.

Eric Hendrickson - Pentax Camera Service

Indecent Exposure · 04-11-2010, 09:11 PM

Wow!,,

Got to love you all for such an honest response

Having intentions of looking in to this post a few days later and having just looked at it before going to bed.

My sincere thanks to all of you.

So if I understand correctly this lens has a chance of possible repair?

It would be most appreciated for this lens just started showing signs of oil and the development is in its early stages.

My hands at 50 plus years old can not handle a repair in any way.

If someone could expand the Eric repair option it would be so much appreciated.

Hugs to all of you and thank you for your very kind and honest replies.

JeffJS · 04-11-2010, 09:29 PM

Originally posted by Indecent Exposure

Wow!,,

Got to love you all for such an honest response

Having intentions of looking in to this post a few days later and having just looked at it before going to bed.

My sincere thanks to all of you.

So if I understand correctly this lens has a chance of possible repair?

It would be most appreciated for this lens just started showing signs of oil and the development is in its early stages.

My hands at 50 plus years old can not handle a repair in any way.

If someone could expand the Eric repair option it would be so much appreciated.

Hugs to all of you and thank you for your very kind and honest replies.

Anything can be cleaned and repaired. I've been doing Medium and Large format leaf shutters for years (for hire). No real experience with Pentax lens apertures though but if you can get it refurbed at a reasonable rate, definitely worth doing.

**monochrome** · 04-11-2010, 09:41 PM

The traditional first response to a new member goes something like this:

Dear Indecent Exposure: SO sorry to hear the sad news about your fine Pentax lens. It is ruined forever and cannot be repaired.

I guess our loved ones all take their final path eventually. We all, as PF members understand your grief and support you.

In fact, why don't you just send your lens over to me and I will see that it retires in a gracious, pleasant and happy repose.

Of course we wouldn't do that to you.

Here's the LINK to the Repairs section, where you can read about Ralph, Eric and others we recommend from personal experience (we have no money interest in these reviews).

To use Eric, you send him an email describing your problem. He will reply, usually "Send it on."

When he gets your lens he will evaluate the problem, email you a quotation to repair it and ask for a payment in advance by PayPal. If you want the repair, you pay. If you don't want the repair,you don't pay - and he SENDS THE LENS BACK TO YOU AT NO CHARGE. How's that for a deal?

Cleaning a lens usually doesn't take long.

Click the link in the prior reply and read his website. He's a straght shooter.

Originally posted by Indecent Exposure

Wow!,

Got to love you all for such an honest response

Having intentions of looking in to this post a few days later and having just looked at it before going to bed.

My sincere thanks to all of you.

So if I understand correctly this lens has a chance of possible repair?

It would be most appreciated for this lens just started showing signs of oil and the development is in its early stages.

My hands at 50 plus years old can not handle a repair in any way.

If someone could expand the Eric repair option it would be so much appreciated.

Hugs to all of you and thank you for your very kind and honest replies.

jct us101 · 04-11-2010, 10:56 PM

Heh, I suppose our mean spirited honesty (well maybe not mean spirit, but definitely realistic) can help out a lot sometimes.

axl · 04-12-2010, 12:11 AM

sorry to be ignorant, but can someone post a pic with first traces/signs of oil on blades? Just to know what to look out for...

Thanks

jct us101 · 04-12-2010, 12:16 AM

I'm also wondering what the oil on the blades can do that is bad for the lens. I guess having anything wet inside a lens would be bad, and that's kind of a dumb question, but I'm just wondering what effects it can possibly have on it.

little laker · 04-12-2010, 12:39 AM

Originally posted by axl

sorry to be ignorant, but can someone post a pic with first traces/signs of oil on blades? Just to know what to look out for...

Thanks

Not a pic, but a sign of oil on the blades is they don't close as fast, or all the way.

04-11-2010, 05:44 PM	#1
Indecent Exposure Inactive Account Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Michigan Photos: Albums Posts: 78	I'm Heartbroken Oil on the Blades A-50mm Macro F 2.8 My favorite lens the A 50mm 1:2.8 Macro was pulled out of its case today for a shoot and I am heartbroken. It was fine last time I used it a few days ago. I noticed when opening the aperture slight oil starting to show on the blades. I have been using this lens for more than 30 years and remember going with out food or gas for my car for a weeks time just to buy it. Oh well she's still clear silky smooth in operation but having the thought of this lens starting it's demise just breaks my heart. It has been an absolute sweetheart of a lens.

04-11-2010, 09:11 PM	#9
Indecent Exposure Inactive Account Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Michigan Photos: Albums Posts: 78 Original Poster	Wow!,, Got to love you all for such an honest response Having intentions of looking in to this post a few days later and having just looked at it before going to bed. My sincere thanks to all of you. So if I understand correctly this lens has a chance of possible repair? It would be most appreciated for this lens just started showing signs of oil and the development is in its early stages. My hands at 50 plus years old can not handle a repair in any way. If someone could expand the Eric repair option it would be so much appreciated. Hugs to all of you and thank you for your very kind and honest replies. Last edited by Indecent Exposure; 04-11-2010 at 09:17 PM.

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04-11-2010, 05:47 PM	#2
jct us101 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Rohnert Park, CA Posts: 3,793	Oh no! I'm so sorry that has happened to it. Do you have a strong emotional attachment to this one in particular, I mean I know it won't be the same, but you can probably find another one on PF's marketplace for a lot cheaper than you originally paid for it, will be better than nothing. Or maybe you can find a way to fix it?

04-11-2010, 06:08 PM	#3
VF-19 Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Ottawa Posts: 364	Why not send it in for some TLC? If it's just oil, it can be cleaned off. Since the lens will be taken apart anyways, you could have it re-lubed. I bought a Vivitar lens that had an unbelievable amount of oil on the blades, and I sent it in for repair. Good as new.

04-11-2010, 06:27 PM	#4
hangu Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: NYC Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,071	This is a $50 fix. You should do it before the oil gets on the glass, then it's over. Try Ralph Innes, he's extremely affordable and very very good at what he does. Repair Resources & Rates

04-11-2010, 06:34 PM	#5
GerryL Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: CA Posts: 2,731	You might try the fix and learn something in the process. If it were AF, then I think I would not have the gall to even open it, but with MF, that's a whole different story.

04-11-2010, 07:01 PM	#6
Tuner571 Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Ohio Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,549	I'm sorry to hear about this. I too have many old lenses and would be heartbroken if one began to go. However, this does sound fixable and I would contact Eric on this forum to help you out.

04-11-2010, 07:50 PM	#7
seacapt Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: North Carolina , USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,271	Check with Eric Hendrickson - a forum member and honest repair guy . He's listed in the links section.

04-11-2010, 07:57 PM	#8
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Originally posted by hangu This is a $50 fix. You should do it before the oil gets on the glass, then it's over. Try Ralph Innes, he's extremely affordable and very very good at what he does. Repair Resources & Rates Originally posted by seacapt Check with Eric Hendrickson - a forum member and honest repair guy . He's listed in the links section. Both Ralph and Eric are reviewed in the Camera Repair section. Ralph is en excellent lens technician. Eric is just the best Pentax tech out there - he can CLA your lens and reset everything to factory spec. - probably necessary after 30 years. Eric Hendrickson - Pentax Camera Service

04-11-2010, 09:29 PM	#10
JeffJS Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Michigan, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,484	Originally posted by Indecent Exposure Wow!,, Got to love you all for such an honest response Having intentions of looking in to this post a few days later and having just looked at it before going to bed. My sincere thanks to all of you. So if I understand correctly this lens has a chance of possible repair? It would be most appreciated for this lens just started showing signs of oil and the development is in its early stages. My hands at 50 plus years old can not handle a repair in any way. If someone could expand the Eric repair option it would be so much appreciated. Hugs to all of you and thank you for your very kind and honest replies. Anything can be cleaned and repaired. I've been doing Medium and Large format leaf shutters for years (for hire). No real experience with Pentax lens apertures though but if you can get it refurbed at a reasonable rate, definitely worth doing.

04-11-2010, 09:41 PM	#11
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	The traditional first response to a new member goes something like this: Dear Indecent Exposure: SO sorry to hear the sad news about your fine Pentax lens. It is ruined forever and cannot be repaired. I guess our loved ones all take their final path eventually. We all, as PF members understand your grief and support you. In fact, why don't you just send your lens over to me and I will see that it retires in a gracious, pleasant and happy repose. Of course we wouldn't do that to you. Here's the LINK to the Repairs section, where you can read about Ralph, Eric and others we recommend from personal experience (we have no money interest in these reviews). To use Eric, you send him an email describing your problem. He will reply, usually "Send it on." When he gets your lens he will evaluate the problem, email you a quotation to repair it and ask for a payment in advance by PayPal. If you want the repair, you pay. If you don't want the repair,you don't pay - and he SENDS THE LENS BACK TO YOU AT NO CHARGE. How's that for a deal? Cleaning a lens usually doesn't take long. Click the link in the prior reply and read his website. He's a straght shooter. Originally posted by Indecent Exposure Wow!, Got to love you all for such an honest response Having intentions of looking in to this post a few days later and having just looked at it before going to bed. My sincere thanks to all of you. So if I understand correctly this lens has a chance of possible repair? It would be most appreciated for this lens just started showing signs of oil and the development is in its early stages. My hands at 50 plus years old can not handle a repair in any way. If someone could expand the Eric repair option it would be so much appreciated. Hugs to all of you and thank you for your very kind and honest replies.

04-11-2010, 10:56 PM	#12
jct us101 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Rohnert Park, CA Posts: 3,793	Heh, I suppose our mean spirited honesty (well maybe not mean spirit, but definitely realistic) can help out a lot sometimes.

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04-12-2010, 12:11 AM	#13
axl Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Nove Zamky, Slovakia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,183	sorry to be ignorant, but can someone post a pic with first traces/signs of oil on blades? Just to know what to look out for... Thanks

04-12-2010, 12:16 AM	#14
jct us101 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Rohnert Park, CA Posts: 3,793	I'm also wondering what the oil on the blades can do that is bad for the lens. I guess having anything wet inside a lens would be bad, and that's kind of a dumb question, but I'm just wondering what effects it can possibly have on it.

04-12-2010, 12:39 AM	#15
little laker Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,697	Originally posted by axl sorry to be ignorant, but can someone post a pic with first traces/signs of oil on blades? Just to know what to look out for... Thanks Not a pic, but a sign of oil on the blades is they don't close as fast, or all the way.