Nikon 35 mm f2 oil on rear element?

vaisenberg said:

Hello,

I noticed this oil smear on the rear of my 35 mm f2 AFD (don't notice anything in the actual images). Is this something that is easy to fix on my own? I noticed a lot of people mention oil on the aperture blades but the blades on mine seem fine. Could you please let me know if this has happened to you before?

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fpapp said:

vaisenberg said:

Hello,

I noticed this oil smear on the rear of my 35 mm f2 AFD (don't notice anything in the actual images). Is this something that is easy to fix on my own? I noticed a lot of people mention oil on the aperture blades but the blades on mine seem fine. Could you please let me know if this has happened to you before?

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This is a very common, well know design flaw with this lens.

I had it fixed three times on mine, twice by Authorized Photo Service and the last time I cleaned it myself following the instructions in the video below. I finally decided to sell the lens and replace it with the 35mm f/1.8 AF-S G, which is optically superior as well.

Cleaning the blades isn't too hard, it just requires patience and attention to detail.

Oil on the aperture blades in AF Nikkor 35mm 1:2

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chulster said:

It could be "balsam" separation instead of oil. This is a delamination of two elements in a group due to breakdown of the cement between them. It's not economical to fix it for a lens of this class; cheaper to just buy a new (perhaps used) copy.

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ipopov said:

Nikon Af 35/2 D does not have cemented elements in the rear group, so this version seems unlikely to me.

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DenWil said:

Tests have been performed - is there anything a test has not been done for- and long term storage right side up can lead to oil whereas storing upside down no issues. Also no issues with lenses being used regularly.

Just concluding being older and screw drive has led to less use, more sitting untouched and the subsequent weepage.

Lots of videos on YouTube regarding cleaning.

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