Join Now
Join ePHOTOzine, the friendliest photography community.
Upload photos, chat with photographers, win prizes and much more for free!
Morning all
I have a 50mm nikon lens but it seems a bit loose in the body,i can see 3 crosshead screws and one flat screw on the back of the lens
the flat screw turns as you focus the lens but the crosshead screw dont,i am thinking of tring to tighten up the crosshead screws but i am not too sure if i would be doing the right thing ?
Do you think i would be doing any more damage or should i go for it ?
Thanks,Ian
As long as you use a jeweller's turnscrew and do not exercise too much pressure, tightening up any loose screws should not do any harm.
Which 50mm lens is it? I have the f/1.8D and will have a look at it if it is the same one.
Is the "loose" screw the AF drive?
With the lens off the body if the screw turns when you turn the focus ring it has nothing to do with the lens being loose.
If the lens has been well used it might need no more than a simple internal adjustment.
If you know what you are doing and have the right tools it is probable removing the cross head screws will enable you to remove the bayonet flange.
There may be 3 small screws behind the flange to adjust how tight the lens attaches. If there are internal screws, anybody reasonably skilled at doing this sort of work may be able to adjust the tightness.
As the 50mm 1.8 D costs around £70 second hand getting a new lens rather than paying for a repair, or doing more harm than good if you do not know what you are doing, is an option.
When a 50mm lens goes wrong and isn't worth fixing, it makes an excellent loupe!
Thanks for all you're reply's i will have a look but the screw does turn when the lens is off the camera and i am using the focus ring so i think i'll find a expert to give me a idea of how much it would cost me for them to look at it,and as it has been said a used one could be picked up quite cheap.
Thanks for all the help,Ian
Quote: Morning all
I have a 50mm nikon lens but it seems a bit loose in the body,i can see 3 crosshead screws and one flat screw on the back of the lens
the flat screw turns as you focus the lens but the crosshead screw dont,i am thinking of tring to tighten up the crosshead screws but i am not too sure if i would be doing the right thing ?
The flat "screw" is actually the drive coupling for the autofocus motor in the camera body. It's supposed to be free to turn with the focusing mechanism. Whether tightening the crosshead/philips screws will have any effect depends on whether they are loose.
I had exactly the same problem with a 1.8 50mm Nikon lens a while ago and as it was uneconomic to have repaired I decided to have a go myself.
After removing the three screws that hold the mount onto the lens and removing the mount I found two metal brackets secured with two screws on each which when adjusted solved the problem. The brackets seem to take up any slack in the focusing. It took a little trial and error to find the correct position but now the lens is back to normal.
If you are careful and take your time it may solve the problem. Be careful not to lose the aperture lock lever and the spring that sits behind it.
I hope this helps as it solved the problem on my lens.
Good luck
Bill
Add a Comment
ePHOTOzine, the web's friendliest photography community.
Upload photos, chat with photographers, win prizes and much more.
Nikon Nation
Are you a Nikon owner? Check out Nikon Nation to find the latest Nikon news, reviews, discussion and photos on ePHOTOzine.
Join Our Free Newsletter
Awards
Current Competitions
Olympus 'Portraiture' Competition - Win £1000 Worth Of Gear!
30th April 2013 - 31st May 2013
This month, to celebrate the launch of Olympus' new micro site Olympus Image Space, Olympus are giving you the chance to win £1000 worth of Olympus gear!...
Featured e2 Photo
May's Photo Month
Check out ePHOTOzine's inspirational photo month calendar! Each day click on a window to unveil new photography tips, treats and techniques.
