Sticky Lenses

I'm having some difficulty working the lenses of my "new" $30

Ricohflex VII. I suspect that the years have congealed whatever

lubricant that once allowed the lenses free and easy action. Is there

a safe, easy fix that may help un-gum the lenses? Remember, I only

spent $30, so professional repair is probably not practical. Thanks!

We need more information. What is sticky? Focus? Aperature control? Shutter Speed control? Or shutter? They all have different fixes. Whatever you do, however, do not use WD-40!

It's sticky and sluggish when I turn the viewing lens, which of course is geared to the taking lens. Everything else is moving freely.

You might try electronic contact cleaner (Freon). It evaporates almost instantly and leaves no residue. But don't blame me if you make things worse. Try your best not to allow the solvent into the lens itself. I screwed up a 150mm f/4 Sonnar for my Hassy this way! Had to bring it in to be professionally cleaned.

The lubricant has congealed, so you have to take the lens apart and clean out the old, then install fresh. After that, it will be perfect. This is a fairly common problem with old German lenses such as E German Zeiss, etc...referred to in books on the subject. The repair is quite simple. Actually, you are not taking the lens apart - you are rolling it in situ out of its focusing barrel (on an SLR lens, that is - I am have not examined Rollei). If you cannot undertake it yourself, you need a repairman. Don't spray anything in there - you will be wasting your time. Until relubrication, it is best to leave the lens set at Infinity and shoot landscapes.