Stiff focus ring on M 300/4

**akptc** · 01-19-2015, 11:49 AM

The focus ring on my otherwise clean copy of the M 300/4 is bit too stiff for my liking. It feels like it has not been used in years and the lubricant stiffened up with age. So I have a couple of questions:

(1) is this lens typically stiff to focus?
(2) Is it likely to improve with use or should I look into a CLA?
((3) any idea how difficult it would be to re-lube it by someone with almost zero experience disassembling lenses?

Thanks a bunch in advance for suggestions.

Andy

**Mikesul** · 01-19-2015, 12:14 PM

My experience is with the M*300. It was super smooth and exact to focus. Is yours the one with the green star? Perhaps the non-star M300/4 is different in operation but I think the main difference between it and the star model was in the optics.

Adam · 01-19-2015, 12:14 PM

If you're lucky, it will improve on its own with use. I had an A-series 35-105mm with an incredibly stiff zoom ring, but after using for a few days, it went back to feeling like new.

**akptc** · 01-19-2015, 12:52 PM

Originally posted by Adam

If you're lucky, it will improve on its own with use.

I will take this answer and cross my fingers

. The lens is the green star version. I am still in shock how well proportioned it is, wow.

**akptc** · 01-19-2015, 05:58 PM

Originally posted by dcshooter

get a similar effect also by blowing on the outside of the focus ring with a hairdryer

Thanks dcshooter, this sounds like something I can try, appreciate the tip.

**akptc** · 03-07-2015, 11:10 PM

Update: I sent the *300/4 to a well-known Pentax repair person for a re-lube, the lens just arrived back. The focus is smoother now, but still 2-3 times more stiff than any of my M lenses. I am rather confused by this. Wouldn't a complete re-lube make the focus buttery smooth and not-stiff. When I say "stiff", I mean it is impossible to quickly turn the focus ring with one hand while the lens is mounted and the camera is at eye level, something that I've come to expect from all my lenses, no matter how old. This really bums me out

01-19-2015, 11:49 AM	#1
akptc Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 771	Stiff focus ring on M 300/4 The focus ring on my otherwise clean copy of the M 300/4 is bit too stiff for my liking. It feels like it has not been used in years and the lubricant stiffened up with age. So I have a couple of questions: (1) is this lens typically stiff to focus? (2) Is it likely to improve with use or should I look into a CLA? ((3) any idea how difficult it would be to re-lube it by someone with almost zero experience disassembling lenses? Thanks a bunch in advance for suggestions. Andy

01-19-2015, 12:14 PM	#3
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	If you're lucky, it will improve on its own with use. I had an A-series 35-105mm with an incredibly stiff zoom ring, but after using for a few days, it went back to feeling like new. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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01-19-2015, 12:14 PM	#2
Mikesul Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 7,594	My experience is with the M*300. It was super smooth and exact to focus. Is yours the one with the green star? Perhaps the non-star M300/4 is different in operation but I think the main difference between it and the star model was in the optics.

01-19-2015, 12:52 PM	#4
akptc Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 771 Original Poster	Originally posted by Adam If you're lucky, it will improve on its own with use. I will take this answer and cross my fingers . The lens is the green star version. I am still in shock how well proportioned it is, wow.

01-19-2015, 05:58 PM	#5
akptc Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 771 Original Poster	Originally posted by dcshooter get a similar effect also by blowing on the outside of the focus ring with a hairdryer Thanks dcshooter, this sounds like something I can try, appreciate the tip.

03-07-2015, 11:10 PM	#6
akptc Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 771 Original Poster	Update: I sent the *300/4 to a well-known Pentax repair person for a re-lube, the lens just arrived back. The focus is smoother now, but still 2-3 times more stiff than any of my M lenses. I am rather confused by this. Wouldn't a complete re-lube make the focus buttery smooth and not-stiff. When I say "stiff", I mean it is impossible to quickly turn the focus ring with one hand while the lens is mounted and the camera is at eye level, something that I've come to expect from all my lenses, no matter how old. This really bums me out