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Sticky zoom ring: any easy fixes?
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roger2 View Drop Down
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Posts: 132 		Post Options Post Options   Quote roger2 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Sticky zoom ring: any easy fixes?
    Posted: 20 November 2022 at 19:50
I have a new to me Minolta 35-105 N that is in great shape.

But the zoom ring is sticky. It feels fine if I zoom through the entire range in one motion. But when attempting to adjust in small increments it gets very sticky.

I am wondering if there is any way to loosen a zoom ring without disassembling the lens?

A google search turned up one forum post (not Dyxum) where it was suggested that a sticky zoom ring could be improved by applying paraffin wax, optionally diluted/liquefied by mixing with acetone, into the gaps between the lens body and the zoom ring. This idea seems like it might potentially have some merit...I don't know.

I found other suggestions of oil, WD-40, etc. Frankly, I would be reluctant to use any type of oil on (I believe) a plastic bodied lens.


Thoughts anyone?
a57 | Sony DT 35/1.8 | Minolta 50/1.7, 28/2.8, 28-105/3.5-4.5, 28-75/2.8 D, 75-300/4.5-5.6 New, 35-105/3.5-4.5 N
 



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amozak View Drop Down
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Posts: 55 		Post Options Post Options   Quote amozak Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 November 2022 at 21:16
I've had sticky zoom and focus rings loosen up at least somewhat by just rotating them a lot through their entire range, back and forth. Mostly not even on camera, just sitting watching a movie or whatever. Some take longer than others to loosen up, I think maybe the existing lubricant dries up a bit and gets better with a bit of friction from rotating the ring. Best of luck to you!
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QuietOC View Drop Down
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Posts: 3616 		Post Options Post Options   Quote QuietOC Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 November 2022 at 22:21
I'd expect a bent guide pin/screw in the zoom helicoid. I haven't taken this lens apart, so I am not sure what it contains.
Sony A7RIV LA-EA5
Pentax Q7 5-15 15-45/2.8 8.5/1.9 11.5/9
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roger2 View Drop Down
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Posts: 132 		Post Options Post Options   Quote roger2 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 November 2022 at 15:22
Thanks for your replies
a57 | Sony DT 35/1.8 | Minolta 50/1.7, 28/2.8, 28-105/3.5-4.5, 28-75/2.8 D, 75-300/4.5-5.6 New, 35-105/3.5-4.5 N
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Miranda F View Drop Down
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Posts: 4067 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Miranda F Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 November 2022 at 15:38
You could try warming it up before manually rotating it, but my experience of stiff rings is that once you've left them for a few days they go back to being stiff.
Miranda F & Sensorex, Sony A7Rii, A58, Nex-6, Dynax 4, 5, 60, 500si/600si/700si/800si, various Sony & Minolta lenses, several Tamrons, lots of MF primes and *far* too many old film cameras ...
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roger2 View Drop Down
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Posts: 132 		Post Options Post Options   Quote roger2 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23 November 2022 at 04:52
Thank you Miranda. It might amuse you to know that I wanted to try out this lens based on your comments in the thread linked below, 3rd post from the top of page 2. The soft look that you describe is the kind of look that I like to explore.

https://www.dyxum.com/dforum/amount-lens-bargains-but-which-ones_topic141616_page2.html

Edited by roger2 - 23 November 2022 at 05:16
a57 | Sony DT 35/1.8 | Minolta 50/1.7, 28/2.8, 28-105/3.5-4.5, 28-75/2.8 D, 75-300/4.5-5.6 New, 35-105/3.5-4.5 N
 



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roger2 View Drop Down
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Posts: 132 		Post Options Post Options   Quote roger2 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 November 2022 at 15:27
Thanks again everyone. I really like this lens. Some sample shots I took look good. And it is in excellent shape cosmetically. Hopefully, at some point I will have time to address the sticky zoom properly.

a57 | Sony DT 35/1.8 | Minolta 50/1.7, 28/2.8, 28-105/3.5-4.5, 28-75/2.8 D, 75-300/4.5-5.6 New, 35-105/3.5-4.5 N
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QuietOC View Drop Down
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Posts: 3616 		Post Options Post Options   Quote QuietOC Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 November 2022 at 15:40
They are pretty inexpensive lenses to buy except the rare white version.
Sony A7RIV LA-EA5
Pentax Q7 5-15 15-45/2.8 8.5/1.9 11.5/9
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