Ian Rance Posted December 4, 2009 Share Posted December 4, 2009 <p>In April I had my 24mm f2.8 N.C lens serviced. This lens was over 30 years old, and whilst it worked fine the focus was dry and rough. I sent it to Luton Camera Repair and they did a full service (which included 'polishing' the aperture blades). The lens came back working smoothly (albeit with a few more dots of dust than it went in with) and I have used it for some projects with success.</p> <p>Last night I glanced inside it and saw the aperture blades were all quite wet with oil. They are not jammed at all, but if you look, you can see the oil moving around on them as you work the aperture.</p> <p>So, now I am wondering what to do. Is this something the repairers have done, or can this happen any time? Why would the blades suddenly go oily? Is it worth having it repaired again, or would it be a good move to get the latest 24mm AF-D and give up on the N.C?</p> <p>Thank you for your thoughts.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ronald_smith6 Posted December 4, 2009 Share Posted December 4, 2009 <p>I'd send it back for service, don't they give you a warranty of some kind for their work? It would probably be six months, which is standard, so you may be out of luck.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian Rance Posted December 4, 2009 Author Share Posted December 4, 2009 <p>Yes Ronald - I had six months, but now that is over. Before I ring and start discussing this issue I want to try to understand what could have happened. If it is 'just one of those things that could happen anytime' then I would not even suggest they do the work for free or discount, but if it something they have done (don't know what) then I would push them for help.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bjørn rørslett Posted December 4, 2009 Share Posted December 4, 2009 <p>The 24/2.8 isn't amongst the Nikkors with a known oil-on-blades issue. So they did something wrong with your lens.</p> <p>I have used 4 or 5 samples of the 24, including the NC version, over the years; none had any sign of oil seepage.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_levine Posted December 4, 2009 Share Posted December 4, 2009 <p>Dots of dust , and oily blades? I think in the future you need to find a better repair shop? I've had several old lenses CLA'd over the years at various places, and they all came back clear and bright, without any oil.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jerry_milroy Posted December 4, 2009 Share Posted December 4, 2009 <p>I wonder if thr oil on the blades would slow the AF down if the lens was use in cold weather. The oil would be thicker in the cold causing more drag.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bjørn rørslett Posted December 4, 2009 Share Posted December 4, 2009 <p>Get an AIs 24/2.8 instead. A very decent performer on the FX cameras.</p> <p>Ian's 24 was specified to be the NC model, meaning it is at least 30 years old.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian Rance Posted December 4, 2009 Author Share Posted December 4, 2009 <p>Bjorn, my NC has heavy coating marks so perhaps moving to a new lens may be prudent, however I am a bit upset as the NC worked fine otherwise. I don't think I want to spend any more on it though (service already cost me $100). I don't think I want to send a lens off for service again.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bjørn rørslett Posted December 4, 2009 Share Posted December 4, 2009 <p>The newer AIS is a better performer. But I do understand your situation. The idea of money going down the drain never is a pleasant one.</p> <p>However, anyone tinkering with old lenses is certain to get surprises and these can go in either direction.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul_wheatland Posted December 4, 2009 Share Posted December 4, 2009 <p>I'd diplomatically bring it to their attention even though warranty expired. They may surprise you and fix it without charge.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lex_jenkins Posted December 4, 2009 Share Posted December 4, 2009 <p>That's really odd. Lens iris blades are intended to run completely dry. Some techs even advise against using a dry power lube like graphite or moly dust.</p> <p>And a good grease shouldn't liquefy this quickly - it should take many years for grease to begin to break down, if it does at all. I've serviced some of my own lenses and use a grease that is very resistant to migrating.</p> <p>If you're reasonably handy with small tools you might want to tackle this one yourself. Take a look at <a href="http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/">Rick Oleson's website</a> for tips. There are also a few other sites with illustrations and tips for DIY lens maintenance.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akira Posted December 4, 2009 Share Posted December 4, 2009 <p>I would second paul. A properly CLA'ed lens shouldn't suffer from such an oil problem. I think improper oil (too thin) had been applied to the helix which spilled onto the aperture blades.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian Rance Posted December 4, 2009 Author Share Posted December 4, 2009 <p>OK, I will call them and see what they see. Must be super-polite though!</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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