Nikon Series E 100mm f/2.8 lens, quick fix.
I was already familiar with the image quality and reputation of the Nikon Series E range of lenses long before I bought a Nikon 100mm f/2.8 Series E a couple of years ago, it's cosmetic condition was about average for its age, image quality and contrast was quite good even before cleaning, but now, wide open at f/2.8 it's significantly sharper than my 75mm Bronica f/2.8 is at the same wide open aperture, (I use both lenses with a Nikon D7200 camera). Sharpness between the two lenses evens out at smaller apertures and by f/8 both lenses are about the same.
Nikon 100mm 2.8 Series E
Anyway shortly after purchasing the Nikon 100mm E series lens I noticed that it had started to develop an annoying noise and a noticeable vibration as the focusing mechanism moved across the dry helicoid threads.
At first, it's whinging was not particularly irritating but the noise became more annoying after I remembered someone once described their own Nikon 100E as sounding like a mule. Dirt and dryness is a problem with many old lenses and the Nikon E series from the late 1970's and early 1980's probably suffer not only because of their age but also because some cheap inferior cost-cutting materials were used in constructing the E (for Economy) range of lenses.
Even at f/2.8 contrast, colour and bokeh are quite strong.
I decided to try and cure the protests of this particular lens (hopefully) forever so I searched for some advice online, at first it looked as if I'd have to completely disassemble the lens. I started to explore and the first screw I took out immediately disappeared down the side of an armchair never to be seen again, but luckily I had some more screws of about the same size (which I didn't lose before) from an old obscure manual lens I'd specifically bought for spares and experimentation from a car boot sale some time ago.
After removing the rear element I discovered that I could just access the last threads of the helicoid so I thought that I'd try and cure it's problems the easy way first, before attempting to completely dismantle the lens.
I cleaned the rear element and put it to one side and then I carefully reached inside the lens with a swab on a thin stick and cleaned the rear of the front element group which was now easily accessible straight through from the back of the lens, then I lubricated the (just visible) last threads of the helicoid.
Sharpness in the centre is very good at f/2.8
I used spray grease for the helicoid threads, (firstly) I sprayed some grease into a container and left it until the propellant/vapor (or suspension medium) had evaporated, the grease now much thicker was applied to the helicoid thread using a suitable implement (a thin stick).
Once reassembled I worked the focusing back and forth for 10 minutes or so attempting to spread the grease evenly throughout the length of focusing travel.
The vibrating bray disappeared, it was now smooth without play and with just enough resistance to give a satisfying new lens like feel to it.
A few days later the weather was very bright (and very cold) so I decided to take the Nikon 100E out for a few turns, I took all shots wide open at f/2.8. Away from direct sunlight most of the test shots were quite impressive at 2.8, clean and sharp though after intentional testing into the light some images did suffer veiling flare so due care should be taken in very bright sunlight, without a lens hood this particular lens will suffer from veiling flare.
Veiling flare Shaded with hand
The Nikon 100mm E series lens is small, very lightweight and really sharp, my particular lens has strong contrast and quite hard bokeh, a 52mm thread allows for filters or lens hood. This lens is much smoother and sharper after cleaning and lubing, now I wouldn't sell it for double the price I paid for it.
The 100mm Series E can still easily be picked up in good to excellent condition for somewhere between £60 and £100.
Nikon 100mm 2.8 Series E
