Nikon MF aperture ring?

[Gritycityflicks]

Hey
I have an old MF Nikon 50mm 1.8 lens that I got for cheap. The only problem is that the aperture ring is no longer "snappy" or what ever the term is. It still clicks at each stop but not very solidly and has a bit of play which is enough to alter the meter reading. I was wondering if anyone knows if it is possible to restore it to its former glory. Is something inside worn away and not fixable or is there hope. I have been searching the net but only seem to find info about sticky aperture rings.
As I said I got this lens nice and cheap so I do not want to take it into a shop and I would like to avoid buying a new one. I would just like to make it a bit nicer to use

Cheers
Ben

 

[clayne]

AIS or non AIS? If it's AIS just open the back and examine the aperture mechanism (assuming you have some notion of mechanics and a set of small screwdrivers). It's actually quite accessible and mostly well contained as a modular unit. You won't have glass rolling off the desk the second you remove the last screw.

 

[MFstooges]

Probably it uses ball and grooves mechanism. If the grooves wear out then you need to replace this part which is not easy to find. Or you can cannibalize from the same lens type.

 

[clayne]

It's basically a notched ring design on most of the AI and AIS types.

 

[Gritycityflicks]

hey, sorry I have been out of town. Thanks for the replys. I think it is the AI version with 7 blades. I have taken the first layer apart but could not see any of the mechanics for the aperture ring so that is as far as I have braved. Ball and groove sounds about right for the feel of it. If I cant find a manual or picture guide I might brave the next step when I have enough time and take the whole thing apart, maybe try and find a junk one off fleabay to cannibalize.

 

[clayne]

It's basically 3 rear screws. There might possibly be more screws revealed after you get the rear cover off. If it isn't obvious what to remove (it's usually an aperture cluster in the way and/or the ring is directly accessible) - just forget it and put it back together.