Rebuilding an old Sigma 50mm 2.8 macro (Minolta MD mount)

[Almazar80]

I have a Sigma 50mm 2.8 macro in Minolta MD mount. The iris was not opening and closing smoothly. So, although I had no idea of what I was doing, I opened it up. The little ball bearing fell to the carpet and I lost it. I had other similarly small ball bearings that I can use, but now I've dropped some into the carpet as well and I can't find them.

That's not the big problem though. I can't put the thing back together? I can't get the iris to open and close. I can't get anything to align. In short, the lens is in pieces and I need some hints on putting it back. There is this lever that has a bend on the end that should go to the main lens body - it should allow the iris to open and close but I can't even figure out where to put it.

The lens is useless right now. Does anyone know (or have suggestions) on how to rebuild this thing? It''s not really something I am going to spend money on. It is just an affirmation that I am not very good at camera and lens repair. Thank you for any hints.

 

[QuangFoto]

I lost the tiny ball used for aperture stops once but was able to find it with a speaker magnet. If you have to it all over again, I suggest you take pictures or make a video when you disassemble it. It will help you put it back together.

Just have some patience, and give it a few more tries. You may be able to put it back together correctly and get it working again. Good luck!

 

[Almazar80]

Thanks for the encouragement. The lens barrel was loose to begin with and now, after pulling on it a little bit, a screw fell out of the lens. I don't know where that screw came from, but I think my little project is going to end up as a donation. Thanks again.