Multiple dents in SMC-A 24-50/4 filter thread repaired

**steamloco76** · 02-20-2021, 01:36 PM - **15 Likes**

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I bought an “experienced” SMC-A 24-50mm f4 on ebay for $42 total, delivered to me.The lens had multiple deep dents in its front filter ring, bad enough that even a lens cap wouldn’t mount. Optically, it has the fine dust inside typical of a much used 1980’s lens, but no fungus, oil or mechanical issues.

My filter ring repair spanner has been used to massage some fairly significant dents out filter rings, but never several spread across the threads. Surprisingly, in less than half an hour of work, I was able to carefully, fully mount and remove filters and lens hoods. This one repair is worth the price of the tool.

The trick is, put the tool threads on the side opposite the damage deep, as close to bottoming out as possible. Put the tool threads high, at near the top of the damage then slowly turn the screw to add pressure. Work the tool further down as the threads resume shape. Keep repeating for each dented area. When it looks good, loosen the tool enough to screw it into the threads lightly, then screw then lens in and out slowly feeling for binding. Tight areas need a bit more massaging with the tool. Check your work with a good quality, metal ring filter or lens hood.

*** I have since done some limited test shots with this lens and the results are very good. No lasting effects other than cosmetic.****

Attached Images

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Last edited by steamloco76; 02-22-2021 at 02:42 PM.

stevebrot · 02-20-2021, 01:53 PM - **2 Likes**

I am impressed! Good work!

Steve

**pepperberry farm** · 02-20-2021, 02:01 PM - **1 Like**

bravo- saved another lens!!!

**Kerrowdown** · 02-20-2021, 02:05 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by steamloco76

filter thread repaired

That's a mighty impressive result from the before to the after... well done indeed.

**Sakura** · 02-20-2021, 02:37 PM - **1 Like**

Very impressive work.

I have a 40mm pancake lens with the same problem, dents in the filter ring, maybe i also have to get that tool.

**TwoUptons** · 02-20-2021, 02:49 PM - **1 Like**

Well done!

I wonder what was mounted on there before.

It’s pretty clear they cranked something on there hard.

-Eric

**jatrax** · 02-20-2021, 03:58 PM - **2 Likes**

I was expecting a thread on "how can I fix my poor lens". Wow, was I surprised. That lens looks like it dropped off the back of a truck and bounced down the road 30mph.

And now it looks remarkably good. Thanks for posting this.

Do you have a source for that tool? I'm not in need at the moment but you never know..............

**steamloco76** · 02-20-2021, 04:54 PM - **3 Likes**

Originally posted by jatrax

I was expecting a thread on "how can I fix my poor lens". Wow, was I surprised. That lens looks like it dropped off the back of a truck and bounced down the road 30mph.

And now it looks remarkably good. Thanks for posting this.

Do you have a source for that tool? I'm not in need at the moment but you never know..............

Amazon. $30. I saved a really badly mangled Vivitar 28/2.0 Close Focusing with this tool. The threads had a slight crack, so I took the glass out of a filter, put blue Loctite on the threads and put the filter ring on. New, clean threads and protection for the crack at the thread edge of the lens.

---------- Post added 02-20-21 at 06:56 PM ----------

Originally posted by TwoUptons

Well done!

I wonder what was mounted on there before.

It’s pretty clear they cranked something on there hard.

-Eric

I’m betting nothing was mounted. The guy said it was his favorite lens on hikes, looks like he smacked it off trees, rocks, car doors and a few other things.

**ismaelg** · 02-20-2021, 05:59 PM - **1 Like**

GREAT job! Love it!
Bravo!
Thanks for sharing.

Aaron28 · 02-20-2021, 06:15 PM

sweet! great job

**ramseybuckeye** · 02-20-2021, 06:41 PM

Well done, I impressed that the lens had not suffered internal damage after being abused that bad. I've not seen a Pentax lens with that many dents, usually they are Mamiya Sekors, which seem hard to find without dents.

**Mr. Ed** · 02-20-2021, 09:31 PM

Very impressive indeed. Sure hoping I don't have need for that special tool!

SharkyCA · 02-21-2021, 05:37 AM

Originally posted by steamloco76

Amazon. $30. I saved a really badly mangled Vivitar 28/2.0 Close Focusing with this tool. The threads had a slight crack, so I took the glass out of a filter, put blue Loctite on the threads and put the filter ring on. New, clean threads and protection for the crack at the thread edge of the lens.

Nice work! Here is the link for Amazon Canada!

---------- Post added 02-20-21 at 06:56 PM ----------

I’m betting nothing was mounted. The guy said it was his favorite lens on hikes, looks like he smacked it off trees, rocks, car doors and a few other things.

Neewer Camera Lens Vise Repair Tool for Lens and Filter, Ring Adjustment Range 27mm to 130mm, Steel Construction: Amazon.ca: Home & Kitchen

SharkyCA · 02-21-2021, 05:39 AM

Originally posted by steamloco76

Amazon. $30. I saved a really badly mangled Vivitar 28/2.0 Close Focusing with this tool. The threads had a slight crack, so I took the glass out of a filter, put blue Loctite on the threads and put the filter ring on. New, clean threads and protection for the crack at the thread edge of the lens.

---------- Post added 02-20-21 at 06:56 PM ----------

I’m betting nothing was mounted. The guy said it was his favorite lens on hikes, looks like he smacked it off trees, rocks, car doors and a few other things.

Nice work! Here is the link for Amazon Canada!

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07NJS1RML/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_imm_RDVJQ1DJQPMJC1RYZSC3

**steamloco76** · 02-21-2021, 06:11 AM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by SharkyCA

Nice work! Here is the link for Amazon Canada!

Neewer Camera Lens Vise Repair Tool for Lens and Filter, Ring Adjustment Range 27mm to 130mm, Steel Construction: Amazon.ca: Home & Kitchen

The tool is quite well made and can be used to remove stuck filters too. Mine has certainly paid for itself a few times over.

02-20-2021, 04:54 PM - 3 Likes	#8
steamloco76 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Pennsylvania Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,710 Original Poster	Originally posted by jatrax I was expecting a thread on "how can I fix my poor lens". Wow, was I surprised. That lens looks like it dropped off the back of a truck and bounced down the road 30mph. And now it looks remarkably good. Thanks for posting this. Do you have a source for that tool? I'm not in need at the moment but you never know.............. Amazon. $30. I saved a really badly mangled Vivitar 28/2.0 Close Focusing with this tool. The threads had a slight crack, so I took the glass out of a filter, put blue Loctite on the threads and put the filter ring on. New, clean threads and protection for the crack at the thread edge of the lens. ---------- Post added 02-20-21 at 06:56 PM ---------- Originally posted by TwoUptons Well done! I wonder what was mounted on there before. It’s pretty clear they cranked something on there hard. -Eric I’m betting nothing was mounted. The guy said it was his favorite lens on hikes, looks like he smacked it off trees, rocks, car doors and a few other things. Attached Images

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stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	I am impressed! Good work! Steve

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pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,660	bravo- saved another lens!!!

02-20-2021, 02:05 PM - 1 Like	#4
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,816	Originally posted by steamloco76 filter thread repaired That's a mighty impressive result from the before to the after... well done indeed.

02-20-2021, 02:37 PM - 1 Like	#5
Sakura Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Netherlands Photos: Gallery Posts: 438	Very impressive work. I have a 40mm pancake lens with the same problem, dents in the filter ring, maybe i also have to get that tool.

02-20-2021, 02:49 PM - 1 Like	#6
TwoUptons Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2015 Photos: Albums Posts: 4,213	Well done! I wonder what was mounted on there before. It’s pretty clear they cranked something on there hard. -Eric

02-20-2021, 03:58 PM - 2 Likes	#7
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	I was expecting a thread on "how can I fix my poor lens". Wow, was I surprised. That lens looks like it dropped off the back of a truck and bounced down the road 30mph. And now it looks remarkably good. Thanks for posting this. Do you have a source for that tool? I'm not in need at the moment but you never know..............

02-20-2021, 05:59 PM - 1 Like	#9
ismaelg Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Puerto Rico Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,681	GREAT job! Love it! Bravo! Thanks for sharing.

02-20-2021, 06:15 PM	#10
Aaron28 Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Huntsville, Al Posts: 7,131	sweet! great job

02-20-2021, 06:41 PM	#11
ramseybuckeye Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Hampstead, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 17,291	Well done, I impressed that the lens had not suffered internal damage after being abused that bad. I've not seen a Pentax lens with that many dents, usually they are Mamiya Sekors, which seem hard to find without dents.

02-20-2021, 09:31 PM	#12
Mr. Ed Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2014 Posts: 563	Very impressive indeed. Sure hoping I don't have need for that special tool!

02-21-2021, 05:37 AM	#13
SharkyCA Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Carleton Place, Ontario, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 806	Originally posted by steamloco76 Amazon. $30. I saved a really badly mangled Vivitar 28/2.0 Close Focusing with this tool. The threads had a slight crack, so I took the glass out of a filter, put blue Loctite on the threads and put the filter ring on. New, clean threads and protection for the crack at the thread edge of the lens. Nice work! Here is the link for Amazon Canada! ---------- Post added 02-20-21 at 06:56 PM ---------- I’m betting nothing was mounted. The guy said it was his favorite lens on hikes, looks like he smacked it off trees, rocks, car doors and a few other things. Neewer Camera Lens Vise Repair Tool for Lens and Filter, Ring Adjustment Range 27mm to 130mm, Steel Construction: Amazon.ca: Home & Kitchen

02-21-2021, 05:39 AM	#14
SharkyCA Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Carleton Place, Ontario, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 806	Originally posted by steamloco76 Amazon. $30. I saved a really badly mangled Vivitar 28/2.0 Close Focusing with this tool. The threads had a slight crack, so I took the glass out of a filter, put blue Loctite on the threads and put the filter ring on. New, clean threads and protection for the crack at the thread edge of the lens. ---------- Post added 02-20-21 at 06:56 PM ---------- I’m betting nothing was mounted. The guy said it was his favorite lens on hikes, looks like he smacked it off trees, rocks, car doors and a few other things. Nice work! Here is the link for Amazon Canada! https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07NJS1RML/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_imm_RDVJQ1DJQPMJC1RYZSC3

02-21-2021, 06:11 AM - 2 Likes	#15
steamloco76 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Pennsylvania Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,710 Original Poster	Originally posted by SharkyCA Nice work! Here is the link for Amazon Canada! Neewer Camera Lens Vise Repair Tool for Lens and Filter, Ring Adjustment Range 27mm to 130mm, Steel Construction: Amazon.ca: Home & Kitchen The tool is quite well made and can be used to remove stuck filters too. Mine has certainly paid for itself a few times over.

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