Starting learning how-to repair DSLR lenses

[Torsten Wagner]

Hey all,

actually this mail is mainly addressed to Kalin (since he uses Nikon
as I do) but since others (Mikele?) might be interested too, I made it
public.
Recently, I put some money aside (by not feeding the vending machines
anymore) and went a bit shopping on Yahoo Auction. I looked out for
trash lenses.
I know you all can get lenses from a dozen of second hand camera shops
in Tokio but here in Sendai access is rather limited.
FYI, Yahoo Auctions works out well for me as soon as I managed to
set-up a reasonable amount of Japanese email templates to relatively
fast communicate with the sellers.
So far I was not fooled.

Ok, recently I bought 3 old Nikon AI-s lenses all described as defect
(mold, blind spots etc.) I got them for little over 2000 Yen.
I plan to sacrisfy them to learn how to open, clean, repair and
maintain such lenses.
Maybe I even manage to get them to use again.
I know it requires some special tools and I look out from where to get
it. I guess such tools need to be of good quality, otherwise one might
damage the lens rather quickly and render it irreparable. A single
"screwed screw" would be enough already. (btw. what is the english
word for a screw for which the screw-head is so heavily damaged that
you can't get it in or out anymore?). If someone here has an idea
about that already or want to share experience I am happy to make
photos and write about it and to discuss it here. Links or how-tos are
welcome too.


Another topic:
I figured out that my D90 is restricted by its firmware not to meter
with manual lenses. This is solely an artificial limitation by design
due to plain stupid selling reasons (make sure people by more
expensive models) and I dislike Nikon for that. Anyhow on my trips
through the internet I found a Russian/Chinese group who sell chips
which convert any manual focus Ai lens into a CPU-based lens.
Basically this chips delivers data to the camera make the camera
believe a modern CPU lens is attached. Hence my D90 would activate
metering for manual lenses.
The chip called Dandelion

http://filmprocess.ru/nikon_spec_en.htm

I hesitate to modify my manual lenses because I do not want to break
them and even more I do not want to break my camera body. Does someone
have experience with those chips? People are concerned that the
attached chip might get loose and fall back into the camera body
damaging, mirror, sensor chip etc.


Ok finally, something completely OT:
A while back I asked here for sources of videotubes (you might
remember) I got one from Yahoo Auction as well. Well I did not check
carefully it seems to be an oldtimer of an Russian model. Manual is in
Russian too. If some Russian speaker might just get me the most
important keywords, I would be very glad.

Totti

[Mikele]

Kalin posted a link to a specialized online tool shop before, I want to buy some myself, I will post it again later, after I find it.

When will u be in Tokyo?

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[MRE]

for a screwed screw (or FUBARd, or broken, or damaged.. etc)
You need an Easyout kit.
They are most commonly available for bigger screws like drywall or
whatever.. but they make them for micro sized screws as well.
http://www.amazon.com/Piece-Small-Extractor-Remover-Included/dp/B0058PJ06M

Also, just a note:
Walking around my new neighborhood I came across a vintage camera
shop. One whole wall was covered in used lenses. Baskets of old film
cameras for cheap.
Next time you come to town, you might want to check it out. I didnt
look at lens prices.

[MRE]

Smaller Easy Outs:
http://www.handhelditems.com/micro-drillout-power-bolt-screw-extractor-piece-804500-helicoil-p-57187.html
http://www.skygeek.com/alden-power-driven-10pc-master-extractor-kit-1007p.html?utm_source=googlebase&utm_medium=shoppingengine&utm_content=alden-power-driven-10pc-master-extractor-kit-1007p&utm_campaign=froogle

[Torsten Wagner]

Hey MRE,

thanks. Actually I look out for quality tools which would avoid that I
have to use those extractor kits.
But they might come handy if a screw is already damaged or due to
corrosion not removable by normal ways.

Thanks

Totti

[Kalin KOZHUHAROV]

On Fri, Jun 29, 2012 at 9:24 PM, Torsten Wagner
<torsten...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Actually I look out for quality tools

I love those: http://www.ifixit.com/Tools/JIS-Driver-Set/IF145-115

I also use Vessel precision drivers (and lots of other of their hand
tools) for the last 14 years - great!

http://www.vessel.co.jp/handtools/info/precision/ (see the 9900 series)
http://www.vessel.co.jp/handtools/info/torxsupapozi/ (see 5400TX series)
http://www.vessel.co.jp/handtools/info/plastic/ (see 6300 series, I
love the long ones)

> which would avoid that I have to use those extractor kits.
>

I somehow missed to buy these:
http://www.ifixit.com/Tools/Precision-Screw-Extractor-Set/IF145-118

Alternatively, using rotary tool with a very thin diamond disc to
re-cut the head is what I have used in the past.
I have used the big extractor to get a broken hinge out of a metal
door frame (long story!) , it works OK if you are carefull (I broke
one).

I also have used extractor pliers, they work very well if you have
space around the screw (if it is mounted on a plate, not in a hole):
http://www.engineer.jp/appeal/solu_02

Cheers,
Kalin.

[Torsten Wagner]

Thanks for all the links

Actually, the screw was meant to be an negative example. I would like
to avoid any damaging of the screw heads.
This means using the correct and high quality screwdriver.
Other then this I am looking what tools, material I need to open,
maintain, clean and assemble lenses.

Thanks again

Totti