Nikon 24-70mm (non-VR) f2.8 "Stuck!": I have the first edition Nikon 24-70mm f2.8G ED that is a beautiful, wonderful lens that I just don't use much because it is so heavy. Yesterday I...

dynaquest1 Loc: Austin, Texas

I have the first edition Nikon 24-70mm f2.8G ED that is a beautiful, wonderful lens that I just don't use much because it is so heavy. Yesterday I put it on my D700 and found the zoom ring locked (frozen/stuck/won't turn at all) at 24mm. While the AF works, the manual focus ring is really tight and sluggish. I have NOT dropped this lens ever...it just decided yesterday is the day it would quit working.

OK, I have a 24-120 f4 that I use more frequently so I'm wondering what to do. I've seen online Nikon fix estimates of $400 - $750. This is a prevalent issue with this lens that is supposed to be "built like a tank!"

My question is have any of you guys had this problem and, if so, what did you do and pay to have it fixed. I am the second owner so no warranty. Looks like this lens is selling for about $900 in good condition on eBay. Mine is pristine and like new....bought at an estate sale three years ago for $900.00 (dead guys sell cheap).

Ideas? Thanks in advance!

jkoar Loc: The Gunks, NY

It could be a simple fix like a loose screw. I had this on my 50mm 1.4. Under warranty and fixed for free. Send it in for an estimate. Maybe cheaper than you think.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

dynaquest1 wrote:

I have the first edition Nikon 24-70mm f2.8G ED th... (show quote)

Sitting for how long? Under what climatic conditions? Ever used it in bad weather? There are actually so real potential causes for this issue, but it is definitely not common. Long term storage in poor conditions is the most likely cause. Try setting it on a South facing window sill on a sunny day for a few hours and try it again.

dynaquest1 Loc: Austin, Texas

MT Shooter wrote:

Sitting for how long? Under what climatic conditions? Ever used it in bad weather? There are actually so real potential causes for this issue, but it is definitely not common. Long term storage in poor conditions is the most likely cause. Try setting it on a South facing window sill on a sunny day for a few hours and try it again.

Stored in my office closet with both caps on. Closet is climate controlled 24/7. I implied it is a common problem after googling it and finding the exact same issue everywhere.

Probably, on average, used about once or twice a month.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

dynaquest1 wrote:

Stored in my office closet with both caps on. Closet is climate controlled 24/7. I implied it is a common problem after googling it and finding the exact same issue everywhere.

Probably, on average, used about once or twice a month.

Using it once or twice a month should be fine. I hate situations like this. It's working fine, and then it locks up. A little heat from the sun might help, but it may need the services of a professional, which could be pricey..

turp77 Loc: Connecticut, Plainfield

dynaquest1 wrote:

I have the first edition Nikon 24-70mm f2.8G ED th... (show quote)

turp77 Loc: Connecticut, Plainfield

I don't know what happened but my reply to your quote ended up in side of your quote. So here is mine again. This isn't that common (doesn't happen to all) but most are easy fixes. I have repaired a few. Most common is just loose screws in either the focus or the zoom. All the ones I've done there was no damage. I feel the thread loc they used wasn't good enough. All of the ones I've repaired had no more issues. I would send it in for an est.

Draw865

This is apparently a known problem area for this lens. A Google search brings up a number of reported instances and even videos.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

turp77 wrote:

I don't know what happened but my reply to your quote ended up in side of your quote.

You wrote your answer after the bracket-quote-bracket and before the matching end device. People do this periodically and then don't seem to check. Good thing you looked and tried again!

rjriggins11 Loc: Colorado Springs, CO

Hi. My name is Rick. I’m the owner and lead technician at Discount Camera Repair and a member in good standing here at the UHH. I’ve been doing repairs for other members here at greatly discounted rates and would be glad to help. I've been a repair technician for about 30 years now and Nikon has been a specialty of mine.

I'd be more than happy to repair the lens for you and keep the cost as low as possible. If you’re interested, please respond by private message. and I'll take a look at it for you.

dynaquest1 wrote:

I have the first edition Nikon 24-70mm f2.8G ED th... (show quote)

dynaquest1 Loc: Austin, Texas

Just as a followup. Nikon estimated between $400 to $750 for the repair but they had to look at it to give a firm estimate. I ended up sending it to:

Discount Camera Repair
2585 E. Pikes Peak Ave " T-101
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
(719)219-6884

He gave me an advance estimate of $150.00. He fixed it for that amount which included him paying for return shipping. The lens looks beautiful...fixed and all cleaned up. Interior screws were replaced/tightened, guides reset and fully lubricated. The lens focuses fast and accurate and zoom is silky smooth. Owner's name is Rick Riggins. Good Guy.

turp77 Loc: Connecticut, Plainfield

dynaquest1 wrote:

Just as a followup. Nikon estimated between $400 t... (show quote)

Good deal. Glad it wasn't worse. Like I said earlier, this is the most common problem is the screws backing out. I don't know if Nikon changed the thread lock or what. I use Blue loctite that holds very well and is removable.

dynaquest1 Loc: Austin, Texas

I'm sure if I tried to fix it myself it would be in the trashcan about now. Probably going to sell this lens. I use the 24-120 f4 for my real estate work and find that I just don't use or need a lens this fast and heavy. Like owning it but just sitting on the shelf.

jkoar Loc: The Gunks, NY

Beautimous!