Nikon AiS 35mm f/1.4 problem

yashima · Jul 17, 2016

Hi everyone,

Recently I disassembled a Nikon AiS 35/1.4 to do some cleaning. However putting them back together raised a particular problem. The focus ring couldn't go beyond about 0.7m, because the rear group touched the metal protecting bit.

The 35/1.4 lens is quite peculiar among the Nikon prime lenses, having rear group moving back and forth independently/differently from the front group (not as a whole optical block like most other lenses).

I've been going back and forth without being to see where I went wrong. Would really appreciate some advice.

Many thanks.

Vilk · Jul 18, 2016

must be something tricky about this one, one of my favourite lenses of all time... mine came back from a CLA with a "skipped thread" as well, no infinity focus and the rear element just barely touching the aperture blades. i suspect there may be two or more possible entry points to "catch" the helicoid... sorry, my all-thumb paws won't be much help with the task at hand

John Koehrer · Jul 18, 2016

wrong start thread on the helical. Depending on lens you can have a half dozen or (usually) more.
Trial and error fitting at this point.

GarageBoy · Jul 25, 2016

Yeah, never take apart helicoids without marking their start positions - other wise, you gotta try every single engagement point -

Christiaan Phleger · Jul 26, 2016

The double helicoid for the rear CRC on this lens as you've found out is a real tough one. Keep in mind the position of the focussing slot for the rear CRC barrel pin is set when at infinity, you can use that as well as the main orientation pin on the barrel as the reference point to start to figure out a good starting point for figuring out the correct helicoid position. Most of the time if you have those helicoids set correctly the optical barrel slides in but you have the extra pin and slot of the rear CRC to align as well. Not an easy lens;

Newt_on_Swings · Jul 26, 2016

Helicoid misalignment for sure, you just have to take it apart and carefully try again. Go easy with it as you dont want to damage any threads while searching for the start points. I recently had to do this with an olympus 28/2 I was working on late at night and didnt think to score/scratch in markers, but it wasnt too bad, I had only put back a few pieces before I caught myself.

Ashfaque · Jul 29, 2016

Check Mike's YouTube videos, you may find something useful. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgANrFnm3Sdai8zvA2iJGQg

I never dissembled any lens to put it back. But here is one possibility: you need to put a mark before removing some of the parts, so that you can put them back in those exact points.

Nikon AiS 35mm f/1.4 problem

yashima

Vilk

John Koehrer

GarageBoy

Christiaan Phleger

Newt_on_Swings

Ashfaque

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