Post by doubs43 on Dec 2, 2005 14:43:20 GMT -5
Having recently acquired a very nice Nikkormat FTn, late model, I was in need of shorter focal lengths than the 105mm & 135mm lenses that I bought with the body. Soooo, it's off to ebay.
A 50mm f/1.4 Nikkor lens that's fully functional with smooth controls came my way for a grand total (including postage) of $30.50.
It arrived yesterday and a quick examination showed that it has perfect optics and the exterior is at least in VG condition. BUT, the focusing collar was set to the nearest distance and wouldn't move more than a little! NOT GOOD!
My first impulse was to return it but the glass is so good I finally decided to have a go at fixing it. After all, $30.50 is a price I'm unlikely to duplicate any time soon.
Long story short, it required about 90 minutes to find the problem and fix it. The rear optics block screws into a piece that houses the aperture blades. It was raised on one side, and the threads could clearly be seen. Being tilted, the block interferred with the focus action and bound everything tightly. I was able to remove the block and install it correctly. While apart I also cleaned and re-lubed the main helical threads. Once back together, it worked correctly and smoothly.
Did the seller know that the lens had a problem? My guess is he did but what he didn't know was how easily it could be repaired. I let him know that it was bad upon receipt but that I'd fixed it very quickly. I'm happy and I hope he is too.
Walker
A 50mm f/1.4 Nikkor lens that's fully functional with smooth controls came my way for a grand total (including postage) of $30.50.
It arrived yesterday and a quick examination showed that it has perfect optics and the exterior is at least in VG condition. BUT, the focusing collar was set to the nearest distance and wouldn't move more than a little! NOT GOOD!
My first impulse was to return it but the glass is so good I finally decided to have a go at fixing it. After all, $30.50 is a price I'm unlikely to duplicate any time soon.
Long story short, it required about 90 minutes to find the problem and fix it. The rear optics block screws into a piece that houses the aperture blades. It was raised on one side, and the threads could clearly be seen. Being tilted, the block interferred with the focus action and bound everything tightly. I was able to remove the block and install it correctly. While apart I also cleaned and re-lubed the main helical threads. Once back together, it worked correctly and smoothly.
Did the seller know that the lens had a problem? My guess is he did but what he didn't know was how easily it could be repaired. I let him know that it was bad upon receipt but that I'd fixed it very quickly. I'm happy and I hope he is too.
Walker