Best grease for lens focusing helicoids?

[Seirdi]

I couldn't really find a section that was fitting for this topic, but ended up choosing this one since the people into adapting old lenses would probably be the most likely to know about re-greasing old lens helicoids.

So, can anyone recommend to me a pro-grade grease for re-greasing lenses that will maintain its consistency at high/low temperatures and last decades without hazing internal lens surfaces or getting on aperture blades?

Thanks

 

[Lightshow]

I couldn't really find a section that was fitting for this topic, but ended up choosing this one since the people into adapting old lenses would probably be the most likely to know about re-greasing old lens helicoids.

So, can anyone recommend to me a pro-grade grease for re-greasing lenses that will maintain its consistency at high/low temperatures and last decades without hazing internal lens surfaces or getting on aperture blades?

Thanks

The grease is have used often is (#10 & #30) from micro-tools.com(it can also bought it at japan-hobby-tool.com for less $, it's also on eBay) they are silicone based, #10 is very light(note the silicone oil can separate out), it works a whole lot better than most greases I've tried, effort is very much reduced especially if the helicoid threads have a fine pitch. Here are some old links:
http://www.micro-tools.com/store/P-HG-10/Grease-Helical-10-Light-8ml.aspx
http://www.japan-hobby-tool.com/cart/syouhin.php?cat=00000010&no=00000048

I can't seem to find any other listings on eBay other than this one which is expensive. If anyone finds another listing for less $$ please post it https://www.ebay.com/itm/Japan-hobb...ool-Herical-Grease-Japan-JHT9110/143660108848

An update on grease I use, I use, I mostly use the #10, I find the #30 to have too much drag, lately there are a few lenses that I have had some issues with the grease getting into the aperture mech because the helicoid is so close, for these and a few other lenses, I have been using Helimax XP, it's in-between the #10 & #30 greases for drag/resistance feel of the focus ring, it's best for helicoids that have a short path to the aperture mechanism or optics, it doesn't separate out like other greases, definitely recommended for the first time DIYer. It's available on eBay.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/HELIMAX-XP-Camera-Telescope-Optical-Instrument-Focusing-Helicoid-Grease-w-PTFE/123651606955

I also came across some new grease I've not seen before, looks like it may be similar to the Helimax XP, if anyone has used it, please post your thoughts on it.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Helicoid-Grease-Telescope-Camera-Optical-Instrument-w-PTFE-NEW/184108250538

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Helicoid-U...al-Instrument-w-Krytox-PTFE-28GR/184232664894

To apply the grease, I use a small artist brush (2-3mm) and brush the grease on in a very thin uniform layer, it doesn't take much, use too much and the excess will be pushed out and will be free to go where you don't want it.

--
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[fferreres]

I couldn't really find a section that was fitting for this topic, but ended up choosing this one since the people into adapting old lenses would probably be the most likely to know about re-greasing old lens helicoids.

So, can anyone recommend to me a pro-grade grease for re-greasing lenses that will maintain its consistency at high/low temperatures and last decades without hazing internal lens surfaces or getting on aperture blades?

Thanks

The grease is have used often is (#10 & #30) from micro-tools.com(it can also bought it at japan-hobby-tool.com for less $, it's also on eBay) they are silicone based, #10 is very light(note the silicone oil can separate out), it works a whole lot better than most greases I've tried, effort is very much reduced especially if the helicoid threads have a fine pitch. Here are some old links:
http://www.micro-tools.com/store/P-HG-10/Grease-Helical-10-Light-8ml.aspx
http://www.japan-hobby-tool.com/cart/syouhin.php?cat=00000010&no=00000048

I can't seem to find any other listings on eBay other than this one which is expensive. If anyone finds another listing for less $$ please post it https://www.ebay.com/itm/Japan-hobb...ool-Herical-Grease-Japan-JHT9110/143660108848

An update on grease I use, I use, I mostly use the #10, I find the #30 to have too much drag, lately there are a few lenses that I have had some issues with the grease getting into the aperture mech because the helicoid is so close, for these and a few other lenses, I have been using Helimax XP, it's in-between the #10 & #30 greases for drag/resistance feel of the focus ring, it's best for helicoids that have a short path to the aperture mechanism or optics, it doesn't separate out like other greases, definitely recommended for the first time DIYer. It's available on eBay.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/HELIMAX-XP-Camera-Telescope-Optical-Instrument-Focusing-Helicoid-Grease-w-PTFE/123651606955

I also came across some new grease I've not seen before, looks like it may be similar to the Helimax XP, if anyone has used it, please post your thoughts on it.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Helicoid-Grease-Telescope-Camera-Optical-Instrument-w-PTFE-NEW/184108250538

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Helicoid-U...al-Instrument-w-Krytox-PTFE-28GR/184232664894

To apply the grease, I use a small artist brush (2-3mm) and brush the grease on in a very thin uniform layer, it doesn't take much, use too much and the excess will be pushed out and will be free to go where you don't want it.

I think I followed mostly a previous post by you. Some shops state the use of very specific, specially formulated grease depending on the exact brand and maker. This greasy largely does not exist. Comments are about alkalinity, or materials properties, etc.

In practice, i settled for Helimax HP. #10 separates in hot weather. If the lens is left inside a car, por example, #10 tends to become oil. I see it separated even indoors with 100% active cooling keeping temperatures between 73 to 76 at all times.

I find all you post be accurate and based on experience. Hellimax HP is a bit stiff or thick, however, it never separates, and it's safer in all cases where one is unsure. If there was some Helimax HP like #10 in properties, I'd use that. But absent that, the last thing in the world I would want is...to have to service the lens again because of oil in the blades. So for any lens, unless I know exactly why it will never, ever get to the blades, I just use Hellimax and accept it's very good, but I'd love it to be a bit lighter still.

Also, it is likely lack of deep enough knowledge, but I have never seen synthetic oid become fungus food. However, I think some grease based on other organic sources, mhh...I think fungus gets ignited by it. My maybe ignorant though here is, if it's really synthetic and mineral based, often times, it will not feed fungus. I am sure that's not universally true, other than the observation that fresh "traditional" grease in the lens can ignite fungus quickly. But any oil from synthetic source, usually does not result or does not seem to trigger fungus. This maybe purely superstition or that I got my research wrong.

 

[trungtran]

This is what I use. $4.50 a tub.

Because I am cheap and I don't care for a $10 lens

This is what I had around the house the first time I did a rebuild.

Have used on all my lens repairs since, maybe 10+ with no issues.

It actually goes on well, it is a little thicker so it dampens the focusing a bit. Hi temp so it will never run or separate. Lithium based, i don't know what it will do to glass, but i am very careful putting it on. I have a syringe in which inject into the threads conservatively.



Red Grease

 

[E Dinkla]

This kit of lubricants is no longer produced but you might find the grease by its number:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lubricant-Hobby-Light-High-Grease/dp/B005KLCUB6

I bought it a decade ago for the lightest oil in it as the specs were identical to a prescribed HP oil for my wide format printers and the Nye one was less expensive. The grease is excellent for most helicoids, both the main and the finer threaded contra helicoid. Does not affect plastic parts. Where too much wear of the helicoid happened I use a silicon grease intended for food related equipment like espresso machines. It is stickier., dampens way more. https://www.ebay.com/i/323824355662?chn=ps


Met vriendelijke groet, Ernst
No photographer's gear list is complete without the printer mentioned !

 

[Suave]

There is not one single grease. Different helicoids require different greases.

 

[kalides evony]

Hi, i am about to attempt my first lens clean/lube. my old nikkor 55mm 2.8 micro. i have seen a couple of vids, and am ready to try it. i saw this discussion on lubes, and was wondering if in the past year or so, anyone had any more insights, or thoughts on what to use on a helicoid. if i am successful, i have a couple of much older lenses that i will try. most have haze, so it will be cleaning, but i guess that there will be lubing in there also...anyway, thanks.

 

[ProfHankD]

Hi, i am about to attempt my first lens clean/lube. my old nikkor 55mm 2.8 micro. i have seen a couple of vids, and am ready to try it. i saw this discussion on lubes, and was wondering if in the past year or so, anyone had any more insights, or thoughts on what to use on a helicoid. if i am successful, i have a couple of much older lenses that i will try. most have haze, so it will be cleaning, but i guess that there will be lubing in there also...anyway, thanks.

I'm not very experienced in lube of helicals, but my standard is the same white lithium that I use on my 3D printers. Truth is, many lubricants will work. The question is really just for how long and under what stress (e.g. temperature range, time)? Whatever you use, make sure you get the old stuff completely off the parts first -- I have seen some failed repairs where there's clearly more than one lube mixed, and most don't really mix.

 

[Off The Mark]

Hi, i am about to attempt my first lens clean/lube. my old nikkor 55mm 2.8 micro. i have seen a couple of vids, and am ready to try it. i saw this discussion on lubes, and was wondering if in the past year or so, anyone had any more insights, or thoughts on what to use on a helicoid. if i am successful, i have a couple of much older lenses that i will try. most have haze, so it will be cleaning, but i guess that there will be lubing in there also...anyway, thanks.

I'm not very experienced in lube of helicals, but my standard is the same white lithium that I use on my 3D printers. Truth is, many lubricants will work. The question is really just for how long and under what stress (e.g. temperature range, time)? Whatever you use, make sure you get the old stuff completely off the parts first -- I have seen some failed repairs where there's clearly more than one lube mixed, and most don't really mix.

So what is the best solvent and technique for removing the old grease?

 

[ProfHankD]

Hi, i am about to attempt my first lens clean/lube. my old nikkor 55mm 2.8 micro. i have seen a couple of vids, and am ready to try it. i saw this discussion on lubes, and was wondering if in the past year or so, anyone had any more insights, or thoughts on what to use on a helicoid. if i am successful, i have a couple of much older lenses that i will try. most have haze, so it will be cleaning, but i guess that there will be lubing in there also...anyway, thanks.

I'm not very experienced in lube of helicals, but my standard is the same white lithium that I use on my 3D printers. Truth is, many lubricants will work. The question is really just for how long and under what stress (e.g. temperature range, time)? Whatever you use, make sure you get the old stuff completely off the parts first -- I have seen some failed repairs where there's clearly more than one lube mixed, and most don't really mix.

So what is the best solvent and technique for removing the old grease?

Well, WD-30 is never any entirely wrong starting point... but you don't want to get it on lenses, and I don't think you want any trace of it around plastics.

Honestly, I'd start with something like WD-30, then alcohol, then soap & water, they really careful drying. My ultrasonic cleaner might also get in on the last stage of that.

 

[Off The Mark]

Hi, i am about to attempt my first lens clean/lube. my old nikkor 55mm 2.8 micro. i have seen a couple of vids, and am ready to try it. i saw this discussion on lubes, and was wondering if in the past year or so, anyone had any more insights, or thoughts on what to use on a helicoid. if i am successful, i have a couple of much older lenses that i will try. most have haze, so it will be cleaning, but i guess that there will be lubing in there also...anyway, thanks.

I'm not very experienced in lube of helicals, but my standard is the same white lithium that I use on my 3D printers. Truth is, many lubricants will work. The question is really just for how long and under what stress (e.g. temperature range, time)? Whatever you use, make sure you get the old stuff completely off the parts first -- I have seen some failed repairs where there's clearly more than one lube mixed, and most don't really mix.

So what is the best solvent and technique for removing the old grease?

Well, WD-30 is never any entirely wrong starting point... but you don't want to get it on lenses, and I don't think you want any trace of it around plastics.

Honestly, I'd start with something like WD-30, then alcohol, then soap & water, they really careful drying. My ultrasonic cleaner might also get in on the last stage of that.

Thank you.

I have a Minolta MC 55mm f/1.7 and the focusing ring is stiff. Smooth, but stiff.

 

[Dr JLW]

It's been a long time but I have had good results with teflon thread dope. It lubricates and does not sublime onto optics, it fills gaps and work in cold weather.

 

[Aarau]

It's been a long time but I have had good results with teflon thread dope. It lubricates and does not sublime onto optics, it fills gaps and work in cold weather.

Word of caution, teflon thread dope contains plastersizors to keep it soft. It will soften plastics which is why you shouldn't use it on PVC joints. I imagine it off gases as well.

 

[AdaptedLenses]

I have a friend who does this (and needs to finish re-greasing a AIS 85/1.4 for me. He said the #10 and #30 are both too heavy and wanted to try the #1500. Any thoughts on that one?

I couldn't really find a section that was fitting for this topic, but ended up choosing this one since the people into adapting old lenses would probably be the most likely to know about re-greasing old lens helicoids.

So, can anyone recommend to me a pro-grade grease for re-greasing lenses that will maintain its consistency at high/low temperatures and last decades without hazing internal lens surfaces or getting on aperture blades?

Thanks

The grease is have used often is (#10 & #30) from micro-tools.com(it can also bought it at japan-hobby-tool.com for less $, it's also on eBay) they are silicone based, #10 is very light(note the silicone oil can separate out), it works a whole lot better than most greases I've tried, effort is very much reduced especially if the helicoid threads have a fine pitch. Here are some old links:
http://www.micro-tools.com/store/P-HG-10/Grease-Helical-10-Light-8ml.aspx
http://www.japan-hobby-tool.com/cart/syouhin.php?cat=00000010&no=00000048

I can't seem to find any other listings on eBay other than this one which is expensive. If anyone finds another listing for less $$ please post it https://www.ebay.com/itm/Japan-hobb...ool-Herical-Grease-Japan-JHT9110/143660108848

An update on grease I use, I use, I mostly use the #10, I find the #30 to have too much drag, lately there are a few lenses that I have had some issues with the grease getting into the aperture mech because the helicoid is so close, for these and a few other lenses, I have been using Helimax XP, it's in-between the #10 & #30 greases for drag/resistance feel of the focus ring, it's best for helicoids that have a short path to the aperture mechanism or optics, it doesn't separate out like other greases, definitely recommended for the first time DIYer. It's available on eBay.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/HELIMAX-XP-Camera-Telescope-Optical-Instrument-Focusing-Helicoid-Grease-w-PTFE/123651606955

I also came across some new grease I've not seen before, looks like it may be similar to the Helimax XP, if anyone has used it, please post your thoughts on it.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Helicoid-Grease-Telescope-Camera-Optical-Instrument-w-PTFE-NEW/184108250538

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Helicoid-U...al-Instrument-w-Krytox-PTFE-28GR/184232664894

To apply the grease, I use a small artist brush (2-3mm) and brush the grease on in a very thin uniform layer, it doesn't take much, use too much and the excess will be pushed out and will be free to go where you don't want it.

 

[aghosh]

This might be a bit too late - I have re-greased several of my older pre-AI Nikkors including the Nikkor-H 85/1.4. I have been using Japan Hobby Tools #10 based on videos/instructions from Mikeno62 and have had no issues at all. That said, lately Mikeno62 has switched to Liqui Moly LM47 MoS2 which he says works well. I'm going to give it a try with some my lenses.

I have a friend who does this (and needs to finish re-greasing a AIS 85/1.4 for me. He said the #10 and #30 are both too heavy and wanted to try the #1500. Any thoughts on that one?