Thread: Zoom lense lubrication?

KY jelly?

Originally Posted by Brian Hjelm

KY jelly?

Originally Posted by Brian Hjelm

KY jelly?

You seem to have only read..... zoom, lubrication, in and out.


hmmmm........ and maybe squeeling.

Without knowing the specific lens, I would think that the squealing may something else other than a lubrication issue (perhaps a stuffed runner??). Grease is usually used in lenses as a dampener for the lens focus helix. The most common grease is a high quality moly or lithium grease which is available from a specialist lens repairer. Although I have read of people using a regular (auto) moly based grease, the issues I would be very wary of are outgassing - which would discolour lens glass, interaction between the grease and plastic and felt internals, and running of the grease in warmer conditions. In the past, I have used a special lithium based grease. Unfortunately I can't remember where I purchased it from back in Adelaide.

It needs servicing, not just lubricating (and especially not in the manner suggested, that's for L-series lenses) as it probably has dust build up internally.

Originally Posted by dm_td5

It needs servicing, not just lubricating (and especially not in the manner suggested, that's for L-series lenses) as it probably has dust build up internally.

I would agree - depending on which lens it is. After I got a quote for a lens service (I have AF Minolta glass from the mid 80's) , I decided to do it myself (no guts...no glory) Took 2 hours to take apart, 1 hour to clean and service and 5 days to put back together. The main memory the missus had was of me on all fours in the kitchen late at night trying to find a little screw (really!!) . Anyway, I have done 4 lenses since then.

Originally Posted by discomuzz

Hi folks.

I have a 35-70mm AF Nikkor zoom lense that is 'squealing' when moving in or out.

Any ideas on lubrication?

Place it under the Landy for a couple of days


Martyn