I found a Youtube video on repairing my lens and the presenter goes in from the front of the lens. He shows the beauty ring screwing out of the lens and I have not been able to budge that ring.
These rings are often stubborn, but can often be loosened with a bit of WD-40.
To do this, I dab a little bit of it on the thread in several places using a cleaning swab. The oil finds its way through and if you have patience and wait at least two hours, you can use the spanner wrench.
Once the ring is off, I clean the thread with isopropyl alcohol and the ring can then be screwed in easily using the remaining WD-40.
It is important to pay attention to the angle so that the ring does not get stuck in the thread. To do this, I loosely turn the ring anti-clockwise on the thread until it clicks into place with a slight tug. Then screw it in clockwise. It is best to use a plastic or wooden swab on the grooves and only use the spanner wrench last.
It is safer to work with it if you press the spanner wrench firmly into the two grooves on the ring and just turn the lens.
If you slip and scratch the paint, it's not a big deal, you can repair it with black paint.
The spanner wrench is the tool that requires the most attention and control, as a lot of force is applied to two small spots.
Where can I get repair manuals for my Nikon repair projects?
The best way is to do a Google search. A lot of it is available for a fee on learncamerarepair.com or for free on the web.
I also have a well-filled archive if you are looking for something specific.
What do you use to clean optics inside the lens.
Zeiss lens cleaning fluid on a soft cloth (available as a set) that I cut to size depending on the size of the lens. Then I wipe the lens with a very small amount of distilled water on the cloth. There are always streaks, even with isopropyl alcohol.
Beforehand, I test with the pointed probe or a needle right at the edge whether the lens is hard or soft (I had this once). If it is hard, it can withstand cleaning.
General repair techniques, either a book or videos?
See
The number of English-language specialist publications on newer (SLR) cameras repair is manageable. I think I have compiled the most important titles here: The Camera Craftsman, SPT Journal and SPT Service Notes were published periodically. Editions of repair/service manuals, C & C...
I have a parts FE2 on the way that I will be using to get my FE2 working and I plan on using this FE2 to learn more about camera repair.
Excellent!
A couple of years ago I disassembled a 55mm f:2.8 micro nikkor due to problems with the aperture blades that I will attempt to put back together, so I have a few projects in the works.
This lens is notorious for its rich oil reserves!
I am also planning on fixing my new to me F4 viewfinder diopter adjustment and will use your excellent thread on the F4 finder to do that.
I'm glad, thank you!
Good luck!