Topic: Tools for lens servicing?

[Nigel]

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.   

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.

[Pete_R]

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]

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?

[Pete_R]

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]

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!

[Mike (happyforest)]

Pete,

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

Mike

[Francois]

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.

[Pete_R]

An ultrasonic cleaner sounds great, but that may be getting ahead of myself!

I've just been cleaning the focus of a lens today. The ultrasonic cleaner makes it so much easier and no mess. Doesn't need to be an expensive one.

[Nigel]

That certainly does the trick!

I've assembled a few tools, but my workshop is freezing at the moment. As soon as the weather warms up I'm going to take a look at the Industar 61.

On a related note, I've been reading about using a small focus screen substitute to check the focus once I reassemble the lens. Is something like tracing paper on perspex the best option?

[Pete_R]

On a related note, I've been reading about using a small focus screen substitute to check the focus once I reassemble the lens. Is something like tracing paper on perspex the best option?

As long as you can keep it flat it should work. I always have several focus screens knocking about that are marked or scratched so no good for in a camera but good for taping to the film rails to check focus. I can find you one if you want.

[Francois]

I have found that I can get a good precise focus using a scratched-up piece of undeveloped film and reverse collimate the lens.
It's a bit cumbersome but it works very well.

BTW, Peter, is your ultrasonic cleaner a model that uses a motor or an actual driver?
I have a small one that uses a motor and it's not very good... it dates back to the 80's.

[Pete_R]

BTW, Peter, is your ultrasonic cleaner a model that uses a motor or an actual driver?
I have a small one that uses a motor and it's not very good... it dates back to the 80's.

It uses an ultrasonic driver. Not sure what frequency it is. I think they're usually around 45KHz. These are usually sold for cleaning jewellery and such like.

[Nigel]

As long as you can keep it flat it should work. I always have several focus screens knocking about that are marked or scratched so no good for in a camera but good for taping to the film rails to check focus. I can find you one if you want.

Thanks Peter, as you said that, I remembered I have this from an OM1. That should do the trick.

[Francois]

I'm curious about something: has anybody tried the lens grease they sell on Aliexpress?

Products like those
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005009142541534.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32694036693.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005010028036432.html

I just got a lens that is a bit "sandy" that I would definitely want to fix properly (and not just use my good old Moly grease).

[Pete_R]

I'm curious about something: has anybody tried the lens grease they sell on Aliexpress?

Products like those
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005009142541534.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32694036693.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005010028036432.html

I just got a lens that is a bit "sandy" that I would definitely want to fix properly (and not just use my good old Moly grease).

Errr... That one described as "Grease for Men Lover" is probably best avoided. 

[Francois]

I know... their translations are really horrible.

I guess a bit of molybdenum grease will be the final choice as I already have it.

[Nigel]

Errr... That one described as "Grease for Men Lover" is probably best avoided. 

For 75p, I'm tempted to buy some to see what it's like!

[Francois]

Errr... That one described as "Grease for Men Lover" is probably best avoided. 

For 75p, I'm tempted to buy some to see what it's like!

The price you see is usually for people who've never purchased on AliExpress. Here it's 8.83$ CAD.

Have you ever bought stuff on Ali? If not, I have tricks and tips to make it really worthwhile.

[Nigel]

For 75p, I'm tempted to buy some to see what it's like!

The price you see is usually for people who've never purchased on AliExpress. Here it's 8.83$ CAD.

Have you ever bought stuff on Ali? If not, I have tricks and tips to make it really worthwhile.
[/quote]

Once or twice, but not for a while. Some things are bafflingly cheap.

[Francois]

I know. And quality is sometimes quite impressive for the price.
But when things are too cheap, check the shipping price.

What I like to do is enable the "choice" sellers in the left bar. This shows you only the sellers that ship through Aliexpress Bundle shipping. What's fun with this is that you can buy from multiple sellers and all the products get bundled together for the shipping. This is the faster way to get the stuff.
Also, when you reach a certain amount in the cart, you get free shipping. Here, it's 10$ CAD; so I just add things until I reach the level.

Things that are of good quality:
Hoya filters from here (https://www.aliexpress.com/store/911932365)
Soft release shutter buttons
Filter adapters (step up/down rings)
Reverse lens adapters (for homebrew lenses)
Lens caps (front and real)
Body caps
Exposure meters (the on-camera ones)
Lens adapters (M42 to Nikon, LTM to M43, etc.)
Camera repair tools (like spanner wrenches)
Camera neck straps
Sewing supplies
Computer peripherals (mostly OK, except SSD's and SD cards)
Brother P-Touch tape
Stationery (except pens)
Artist supplies (paint brushes and spatulas)

These are pretty much what I've had good experience with so far.

[Nigel]

I know. And quality is sometimes quite impressive for the price.
But when things are too cheap, check the shipping price.

What I like to do is enable the "choice" sellers in the left bar. This shows you only the sellers that ship through Aliexpress Bundle shipping. What's fun with this is that you can buy from multiple sellers and all the products get bundled together for the shipping. This is the faster way to get the stuff.
Also, when you reach a certain amount in the cart, you get free shipping. Here, it's 10$ CAD; so I just add things until I reach the level.

Things that are of good quality:
Hoya filters from here (https://www.aliexpress.com/store/911932365)
Soft release shutter buttons
Filter adapters (step up/down rings)
Reverse lens adapters (for homebrew lenses)
Lens caps (front and real)
Body caps
Exposure meters (the on-camera ones)
Lens adapters (M42 to Nikon, LTM to M43, etc.)
Camera repair tools (like spanner wrenches)
Camera neck straps
Sewing supplies
Computer peripherals (mostly OK, except SSD's and SD cards)
Brother P-Touch tape
Stationery (except pens)
Artist supplies (paint brushes and spatulas)

These are pretty much what I've had good experience with so far.

Wow! Thanks, François. That's a comprehensive list! I've seen the link for bundle shipping, but I hadn't known how it worked.

[Francois]

It's a pretty nifty thing. With the choice option I can usually get my package within 2 weeks, and that is with full international tracking.
The final mile is done by a small shipping company, so I don't get to deal with the Canada Post shenanigans.