Author Topic: Tools for lens servicing?  (Read 208 times)

Nigel

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Tools for lens servicing?
« on: January 08, 2026, 03:49:07 PM »
As I'm planning to have some time on my hands in the near future. One of the things I'd like to get around to is tinkering with some old lenses. But I've never bought any suitable tools. As someone who did an engineering apprenticeship a very long time ago, I like having the right tools for the job. So, what are the beginner tools I really need? I don't really want to buy things I may not use.

I assume some decent small screwdrivers. I've read that 'Vessel' is a good brand, but I don't know where I read that.

My eyes are a bit wonky, so a mounted magnifier of some sort will be essential.   8)

Is there anything else you'd recommend?

One of the lenses I came across in my office is an Industar 61 with a gummed up aperture ring. I thought that would be a good start as I wouldn't be too disappointed if it all goes wrong!

Any suggestions would be appreciated.
« Last Edit: January 08, 2026, 05:51:06 PM by Nigel »
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Pete_R

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Re: Tools for lens servicing?
« Reply #1 on: January 08, 2026, 06:49:13 PM »
If there's one thing tinkerers like me like to talk about other than the stuff they work on, it's the tools they use. But you'll get different answers from each so I would get the bare minimum then see what you need as you go. But here's my suggestions:

Don't bother with the lamps with magnifiers built in or, in my experience, any of the mounted magnifiers. They need to be too close to the item you're working on and you have no room to work. You will need a light so go for one of these:


And then get yourself a set of reading glasses of different strengths so you can focus on what you are working on. Here's my +2, +3 and +4 pairs:


These are my most used tools for lenses:


The cross head screwdrivers are by Wera. They are Philips types but are JIS compatible which is useful if you work on Japanese stuff. For the Russian stuff you'll need flat bladed screwdrivers mainly but maybe some small allen keys too which I haven't shown.

You'll need lens tissues, this is what I use:


and cleaning fluids:


Rubber grippy things are useful (broken vacuum cleaner belts included):


And you need somewhere to work:


Have fun.

Nigel

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Re: Tools for lens servicing?
« Reply #2 on: January 09, 2026, 09:00:01 AM »
That's very impressive, Peter. Thank you.

I like the idea of the different strength reading glasses, that makes a lot of sense.

I meant to ask what type of grease would you use on a lens helical?
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Pete_R

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Re: Tools for lens servicing?
« Reply #3 on: January 09, 2026, 11:38:29 AM »
I meant to ask what type of grease would you use on a lens helical?

I use this:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Japan-Hobby-Tool-Helicoid-Grease/dp/B0014ZU03M?

The #10 is what I use most and the #30 sometimes on finer threads. But depends on how loose you like your focus to be. I wouldn't bother with anything thicker but I like the focus to be quite loose. You can buy this in other places so shop around and it might be cheaper.

An ultrasonic cleaner is also a good idea - makes cleaning the helicals a lot easier though IPA and a toothbrush works. I fill mine with IPA which is NOT recommended as IPA can ignite of it gets hot and it will if you run the cleaner for too long. But it dissolves the old grease very quickly.


Nigel

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Re: Tools for lens servicing?
« Reply #4 on: January 09, 2026, 05:03:56 PM »

I use this:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Japan-Hobby-Tool-Helicoid-Grease/dp/B0014ZU03M?

The #10 is what I use most and the #30 sometimes on finer threads. But depends on how loose you like your focus to be. I wouldn't bother with anything thicker but I like the focus to be quite loose. You can buy this in other places so shop around and it might be cheaper.

An ultrasonic cleaner is also a good idea - makes cleaning the helicals a lot easier though IPA and a toothbrush works. I fill mine with IPA which is NOT recommended as IPA can ignite of it gets hot and it will if you run the cleaner for too long. But it dissolves the old grease very quickly.

I love that they tell you that it's £2,111/litre!
An ultrasonic cleaner sounds great, but that may be getting ahead of myself!
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Mike (happyforest)

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Re: Tools for lens servicing?
« Reply #5 on: January 10, 2026, 01:44:00 PM »
Pete,

That is some setup you've got there and a really good idea on the reading glasses, for close up work.

Mike

Francois

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Re: Tools for lens servicing?
« Reply #6 on: January 10, 2026, 02:39:09 PM »
The readers are definitely the cheaper option.
I have a magnifying headset like this one
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007540027662.html

It's pretty convenient and well made.

I also have some lighter fluid for stubborn grease.

For shutter blades, I use some dry graphite lock lubricant. A tiny bit goes a very long way.
Francois

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