helicoid lubrication

[Rob Spoon]

Hi, I am fairly new here and have been looking for a repairs section. Is there such a forum?

Anyway, here is the question. I had to take my trusty Steinheil Quinon apart to get the focussing back to how it is supposed to be. After a long time puzzeling I got the lens back together again (sigh...) but after cleaning the focussing helicoid it should get some new lubrication.

What to use?

Thanks, Rob.

 

[resummerfield]

Dead Link Removed has helical grease.

 

[Murray Kelly]

Hi, I am fairly new here and have been looking for a repairs section. Is there such a forum?

Anyway, here is the question. I had to take my trusty Steinheil Quinon apart to get the focussing back to how it is supposed to be. After a long time puzzeling I got the lens back together again (sigh...) but after cleaning the focussing helicoid it should get some new lubrication.

What to use?

Thanks, Rob.

Bicycle shops sell lithium grease which is very satisfactory for general lens use.
Just alittle is good - don't overdo it! (there was a url link here which no longer exists)

Murray

 

[rexp]

An excellent choice for a lens lubricant is Permatex Super Lube. This is a clear synthetic grease with teflon. It does not seem to outgas solvents that would deposit on lens surfaces. This can be a problem with other greases, especially at higher temperatures. Some lubricants will become very stiff (think "wax") at low temperatures, but Super Lube does not. You should be able to find it in an automotive parts store, as many of them carry several other Permatex products. Just remember, whichever lubricant you use, "Less is More" - (don't use much).

 

[Wes Martinson]

GREASE TO USE

I FOUND MOST GREASE TOO THIN SO THEIR WAS NOT ENOUGH DRAG.
SOME HAVE A LOW MELTING POINT AND WILL GET INTO OTHER MOVING PARTS. I FOUND A GREASE MADE BY "LUCAS" THAT IS CALLED "RED AND TACKY #2" TO BE JUST PERFECT.
WES

 

[resummerfield]

Greases are formulated for specific applications. I have no doubt that other greases, such as an automotive or industrial grease, may initially work fine in a helical. But I fear that over time it may break down and separate from the thickener, outgas solvents or thicken up at low temperatures, etc. The possible exception being a synthetic grease, like the Permatex Super Lube mentioned. But still, if the grease is not specifically designed for use on a camera lens, I would hesitate to use it. Repairing a helical is very difficult for me, and so the effort required to repair it far outweighs the expense of the proper lubricant. I just don’t want to do it over.

I have used the Micro-Tools helical grease, in both 10 and 30 weight. It is very expensive for just a thimble full, but if works exactly as intended. Out of the can even the 30 weight has the consistency of Vaseline, but applied in a very thin layer (I use an artist’s paintbrush), it tightens up a helical to give a very good feel.