De-clicking still lenses in Toronto

Tata Steva

Tata Steva

Well-known member
I am looking to de-click few recently aquired Nikon mount zoom lenses (getting ready for F3). Where would be a good place in Toronto to do this?
Any experience?
Price?
Thanks!
 
Tata Steva said:
I am looking to de-click few recently aquired Nikon mount zoom lenses (getting ready for F3). Where would be a good place in Toronto to do this?
Any experience?
Price?
Thanks!
Click to expand...

Don't know of anyone. Best place is Duclos lenses in California. I'm thinking of sending my Zeiss ZF lenses to them. Lots of good feedback. All the lens guys I know don't do mods.
 
Nigel A said:
Don't know of anyone. Best place is Duclos lenses in California. I'm thinking of sending my Zeiss ZF lenses to them. Lots of good feedback. All the lens guys I know don't do mods.
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Sending it to US and than getting them back would be too complicated... What is the procedure for sending it for upgrade and then NOT paying customs on return? Experience?
Duclos looks interesting.
Wanna do "batch shipment"?
If yes, let me know.
 
JDDalllas said:
I might be interested. I have a set of ZF's that need the works as well, what kind of deal you think we could get?
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I have no idea. I was more referring to sending a load of lenses from Canada at once to make the return (over boarder) less hassle...
 
Tata Steva said:
I am looking to de-click few recently aquired Nikon mount zoom lenses (getting ready for F3). Where would be a good place in Toronto to do this?
Any experience?
Price?
Thanks!
Click to expand...

If a lens specialist like Duclos isn't an option for you could try a local Canadian camera lens repair shop near you to have them look at it. Its really not a very difficult undertaking that requires little dissembly for older Nikkors, there are several screws in the back of the lens where you can unscrew the rear and access the aperture mechanism (some lenses have screws up front after you unthread the front) . While I wouldn't recommend you doing it yourself a trained professional could easily figure it out.

Another option is the using a Nikon G-lens with an adapter with a manual aperture ring. MTF, I think, is coming out with one as they already have an EX3->F-mount adapter. I'm not sure the aperture ring works with non-G lenses, but it could. Maybe someone that has more familiarity with MTF F-mount adapters can chime in, or you could ask MTF directly.
 
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Tata Steva said:
Sending it to US and than getting them back would be too complicated... What is the procedure for sending it for upgrade and then NOT paying customs on return? Experience?
Duclos looks interesting.
Wanna do "batch shipment"?
If yes, let me know.
Click to expand...

You want to send them down "for repair". I did that with a lens last fall from Vancouver down to Van Nuys, CA. FedEx knew all about it. You get the form from them (just call em up) and fill it out in triplicate. Make sure down there that the lens place knows about the documentation. Otherwise if they don't supply it you are on the hook for HST/GST all over again. Sometimes people in the shipping departments don't speak English so you want to make sure they know the deal and will follow through when it comes time to ship it back.

If you do get dinged for tax, you will get it back once you remit your GST/HST forms at the end of your remittance period.
 
Steve Castle said:
If a lens specialist like Duclos isn't an option for you could try a local Canadian camera lens repair shop near you to have them look at it. Its really not a very difficult undertaking that requires little dissembly for older Nikkors, there are several screws in the back of the lens where you can unscrew the rear and access the aperture mechanism (some lenses have screws up front after you unthread the front) . While I wouldn't recommend you doing it yourself a trained professional could easily figure it out.

Another option is the using a Nikon G-lens with an adapter with a manual aperture ring. MTF, I think, is coming out with one as they already have an EX3->F-mount adapter. I'm not sure the aperture ring works with non-G lenses, but it could. Maybe someone that has more familiarity with MTF F-mount adapters can chime in, or you could ask MTF directly.
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I contacted the shop I used before... They will look at this mod. Good thing is the price estimate is $40-$90 per lens... Worth a try...
I will keep you posted...
 
Tata Steva said:
I contacted the shop I used before... They will look at this mod. Good thing is the price estimate is $40-$90 per lens... Worth a try...
I will keep you posted...
Click to expand...

I want to get about 6 of Nikons done as well, let me know how it goes for you.
 
Nigel A said:
thanks for the link
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No problem!
If you call the shop, tell them that you found out "from Steven"... Apparently they have a service man every Wednesday in, so schedule accordingly. I am still waiting for my second Tokina to show up (from Yellowknife) and then I'll take my 2 zooms there...
 
vcfilms said:
Steven,

Does that price include cleaning of the lens or just de-clicking?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

I am not sure how much "cleaning" they will include in the price. I can only tell you my experience from few years ago when I took an old Angenieux 28-70 to be serviced for too much play in focus ring. I got the lens back, fixed end clean...
 
I dont want to persuade you into something your not comfortable with, but a few years ago I tried to do de-click one nikon 50mm and its so easy to do its not even funny. Ive done about 10 different lenses of various focal lengths since with out issue.
Unless the lens is really complicated (most ai + ais nikons are not), its as simple as unscrewing the mount, pulling the aperture ring off- removing the balls- adding a tiny bit of grease (or not)- and putting it back the same way you took it off. Takes less than 5 minutes.

If you do a google search, youll find a walk through how to do it. (at your own risk)
 
Tata Steva said:
No problem!
If you call the shop, tell them that you found out "from Steven"... Apparently they have a service man every Wednesday in, so schedule accordingly. I am still waiting for my second Tokina to show up (from Yellowknife) and then I'll take my 2 zooms there...
Click to expand...

Thanks Steven. I actually also picked up a Tokina 24-70 as well, and waiting for my MTF adapter. I'm buying time to see what other lens options come up at NAB, and what Cine zooms I might dive into.
 
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