1 reply to this topic

[alexsomerset]

Greetings from the UK to all Nikon users. I am a UK professional using Nikon and Fuji cameras and lenses.
I have aquired from my Dad a Nikkor 35-70mm f.3.5 (constant) AiS zoom lens. It hasn't been used at all for some years and is in 'as new' condition.
This is proving to be an excellent studio lens attached to a digital body. After doing some online research I could find very little on this lens except for a good review from Ken Rockwell.
My copy of this lens which, from the serial no. I guess is from 1985 or therabouts.
My real question is about the focus ring. I find it has a very light, easy focus action and I wondered if this is usual for this lens. Ken Rockwell's review suggests that the AiS version is well damped but the previous Ai version has a much lighter action.
If anyone has this lens perhaps you could shed a little light on this. Personally I prefer a well damped focus feel so maybe the lens just needs a service after years of non use
Looking forward to joining in the forum.
 

 
Alexsomerset

[Brian]

Loose focus is common on manual focus Nikon lenses, a sign that it would benefit from a CLA. 

 

I could not find online instructions for your lens- The older Ai version is the closest on Richard Haw's website.

 

Repair: Zoom-Nikkor 35-70mm f/3.5 Ai | Richard Haw's Classic Nikon Repair and Review

 

On some of these zooms you can get lucky and work some lubricant into it without a complete disassembly.

 

A competent repair shop will have no problem servicing the lens.