I'm wondering what level of service/repair for lenses (MF) should generally be expected DIY.
In other words, what can be done more or less by yourself, what can an independent workshop do and what can only the manufacturer do (who no longer offers anything for older lenses).
My experiences DIY
Do it yourself - or not?
In summary …
… smaller - more frequent - jobs should be done at home; everything else should go where know-how, measuring instruments and, if necessary, spare parts are available.
In all cases where old stock is involved, this will be an independent workshop as manufacturers do not offer service/repair for their discontinued products.
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All information provided without guarantee and use at your own risk.
In other words, what can be done more or less by yourself, what can an independent workshop do and what can only the manufacturer do (who no longer offers anything for older lenses).
My experiences DIY
- Removing and cleaning lenses - usually possible without any problems
- Clean the aperture blades and aperture register as well
- Remove the aperture register and clean it in detail - rarely possible without major disassembly
- Separating helicoids, cleaning, regreasing - feasible, but correct reassembly difficult
- Infinity adjustment - feasible
- Adjust the distance scale for all zoom focal lengths - not possible
- Adjustment of the aperture mechanism and setting points in the other mechanics to factory standard - not possible, despite markings when dismantling.
- Loosening stuck screws and separating optical units - possible to a limited extent, but often a showstopper
- Replacement of worn plain bearings - dependent on replacement from discontinued lenses
- Complete disassembly for cleaning and correct reassembly with adjustment is possible to a limited extent, especially with complex zooms. However, factory standard cannot be achieved.
- Cleaning the helicoids, aperture register, aperture mechanism and tube interior in assembled condition with lighter fluid and then regreasing largely preserves the adjustments, but is less thorough. The optics must first be removed, if possible.
- Clouding and separation in cemented lenses cannot be resolved by yourself.
Do it yourself - or not?
In summary …
… smaller - more frequent - jobs should be done at home; everything else should go where know-how, measuring instruments and, if necessary, spare parts are available.
In all cases where old stock is involved, this will be an independent workshop as manufacturers do not offer service/repair for their discontinued products.
+++
All information provided without guarantee and use at your own risk.
