Lens grease for servicing Super Takumar?

Mosier · 09-08-2016, 11:36 AM

I've got a vintage Super Takumar 135mm f/3.5 that I'm working on.

There is some lubricating grease in the iris ring (the part where the ball bearing lives and clicks against the outer ring) and I was wondering if anybody knows what grease this is and where I can get some more? I've got a couple of these lenses to work on and I want to make sure I get the correct stuff as I know the wrong kind of grease can goop it up, leak everywhere, or react badly with the metal and other parts.

Thanks.

Not a Number · 09-08-2016, 11:51 AM

Many people use Synco's Super Lube brand products but I'm not sure exactly which one.

Synthetic Greases

**PJ1** · 09-08-2016, 03:57 PM

Try this:

https://www.amazon.com/Helical-Grease-250-15ml-HG-250/dp/B005X386SM

Not a Number · 09-09-2016, 04:39 PM

I find the helical grease a little to light for aperture rings, which is why some people use the Super Lube for that purpose. The helical grease works on aperture rings but doesn't give enough damping and feel as "smooth" to my liking.

stevebrot · 09-09-2016, 05:04 PM

Another popular grease is MicroLubrol Helimax-XP. While usually used for focus helicoids, it would probably work well for for aperture ring bearings. It is available from Amazon and eBay and probably other sources as well.

Steve

Audi 5 cyl · 09-10-2016, 07:58 AM

For aperture ball bearings, I am using the same synthetic grease as for my jackhammer, and it works very well and costs peanuts. It stays dense until about a hundred degrees Celsius or so. And as I won't be cooking or frying my lenses...

Helimax XP is more adapted for helicoids but it will work as well, I've tried it and it gives a loose feel to most lenses with ball bearing click mechanism, though this depends on the lens as well. On the helios 44-2 or Biometar 2.8/80 (no ball bearing, but kind of a metal clip), Helimax did magic to the diaphragm ring, before it was a tough one to turn on both lenses.

Mosier · 09-12-2016, 09:44 AM

Thanks for the suggestions. One of these has actually been declicked. Without the pressure of the ball bearing there is only the slightest, barely detectable play in the iris ring. Are the various greases being mentioned thick enough to eliminate this play or too thin?

09-08-2016, 11:36 AM	#1
Mosier New Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Posts: 3	Lens grease for servicing Super Takumar? I've got a vintage Super Takumar 135mm f/3.5 that I'm working on. There is some lubricating grease in the iris ring (the part where the ball bearing lives and clicks against the outer ring) and I was wondering if anybody knows what grease this is and where I can get some more? I've got a couple of these lenses to work on and I want to make sure I get the correct stuff as I know the wrong kind of grease can goop it up, leak everywhere, or react badly with the metal and other parts. Thanks.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Carl Zeiss Cardinar 4/100 for Werra camera / grease leakage inside the lens (?)	Bart92	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	4	07-10-2016 11:45 PM
Advice needed on screwdrivers and oils for lens servicing	BigMackCam	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	13	12-21-2015 02:31 PM
Servicing/ refurbishing Takumar 50mm 1.4 lens	crosssquare	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	3	09-22-2014 11:02 AM
Super Takumar 135mm 3.5 lens servicing	Arcane	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	8	04-11-2013 12:00 PM
What type of grease for Takumar focus ring?	Fritz	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	9	02-27-2008 03:27 PM

09-08-2016, 11:51 AM	#2
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	Many people use Synco's Super Lube brand products but I'm not sure exactly which one. Synthetic Greases

09-08-2016, 03:57 PM	#3
PJ1 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Toowoomba, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,484	Try this: https://www.amazon.com/Helical-Grease-250-15ml-HG-250/dp/B005X386SM

09-09-2016, 04:39 PM	#4
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	I find the helical grease a little to light for aperture rings, which is why some people use the Super Lube for that purpose. The helical grease works on aperture rings but doesn't give enough damping and feel as "smooth" to my liking.

09-09-2016, 05:04 PM	#5
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Another popular grease is MicroLubrol Helimax-XP. While usually used for focus helicoids, it would probably work well for for aperture ring bearings. It is available from Amazon and eBay and probably other sources as well. Steve

09-10-2016, 07:58 AM	#6
Audi 5 cyl Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: France Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 363	For aperture ball bearings, I am using the same synthetic grease as for my jackhammer, and it works very well and costs peanuts. It stays dense until about a hundred degrees Celsius or so. And as I won't be cooking or frying my lenses... Helimax XP is more adapted for helicoids but it will work as well, I've tried it and it gives a loose feel to most lenses with ball bearing click mechanism, though this depends on the lens as well. On the helios 44-2 or Biometar 2.8/80 (no ball bearing, but kind of a metal clip), Helimax did magic to the diaphragm ring, before it was a tough one to turn on both lenses.

09-12-2016, 09:44 AM	#7
Mosier New Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Posts: 3 Original Poster	Thanks for the suggestions. One of these has actually been declicked. Without the pressure of the ball bearing there is only the slightest, barely detectable play in the iris ring. Are the various greases being mentioned thick enough to eliminate this play or too thin?