sscnxy

I'm seeking the advice of UHH'ers pertaining to what may be a common issue when it comes to lens extension tubes manufactured in China and other 3rd party sources. I recently bought a set of Meike tubes for macro work. While they look ok to the naked eye and are inexpensive, the fit and finish of the Meike rings' metal surfaces that couple to my Nikon camera's body or to the lens seem much less refined and smooth than those of original equipment made by, say, Nikon or Canon. A lot of friction is encountered and effort is needed to twist the parts into place and connect up to these chromed Meike rings. My Question: Is there a good and safe way to lightly lubricate the mating surfaces so the parts can slide easily into place and subsequently just as easily be twisted apart? I haven't applied anything to the flat metal surfaces yet for fear of using the wrong stuff and creating an even worse monster -- a film of goo that becomes a magnet for dust that can get inside or that can smear all over the place if the camera heats up during use. Your thoughts are all welcome and appreciated.

NMY

rwilson1942 Loc: Houston, TX

I would not recommend using any kind of lubricate on anything associated with the lens mount on a camera.
The lubricant not only would attract dust as you stated but you run the risk of getting it on the mirror or rear element of your lenses.
The only safe lubricant to use would be elbow grease :)

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

I don’t recommend any lubricant what so ever. Even the smallest amount of Lithium Lubricant or Petroleum Jelly or WD-40 will wreck havoc on you camera. It may damage the mechanism of the camera or worse, find its way Onto the Mirror. Dust and dirt aside, why ruin a good camera. Furthermore, don’t attempt to file down the mount. Little tiny pieces of metal can cause havoc as well.

Elbow Grease is the best!

Happy Shooting!

User ID

For quality tubes at $10 - 20 get a set of Nikon’s own manual tubes from eBay.

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

If they don’t fit properly, return them or chuck them out, you may damage your camera or lens mounts.

DWU2 Loc: Phoenix Arizona area

While more expensive, Kenko makes a set of extension tubes with great fit and finish. https://www.amazon.com/Kenko-Extension-Tubes-Digital-Cameras/dp/B000JG88JU/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2GWU2DE35F7QA&dchild=1&keywords=kenko+extension+tubes+for+nikon&qid=1597683197&sprefix=kenko+extension%2Caps%2C223&sr=8-3

flyboy61 Loc: The Great American Desert

I bought a set of Meike rings, and the large ring's pin was would not retract enough to free it from my camera's mount. I almost didn't get it off! I maybe could have repaired it, but threw them away! Check your new ChiCom purchases very carefully! More expen$ive rings may work better!

sscnxy

Point well taken. I do fear the same. Thank you.

NMY

sscnxy

I believe you're right. That's why I haven't applied anything. Thanks for your input.

NMY

sscnxy

Thanks for the suggestion. That's probably the good reason why they cost more. I may have to go down that route. Good shooting to you.

NMY

sscnxy

Thank you for commenting. That's on the back of my mind.

NMY

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

I tried Kenko tubes and found the to be next to junk!! they would not maintain electrical connections and the lock up was VERY sloppy.
I paid up and bought Nikon tubes, end of problem, while advertised as auto the only thing that worked was the meter, no problem for me since I shoot full manual all the time. They are a bit pricey but well worth the money.

lsaguy Loc: Udall, KS, USA

One lubricant that might work and be safe to use is dry lubricant with teflon. You spray it on, let dry completely and you have a layer of DRY teflon left on the surfaces. I use it on all types of lubricant problems when I spray it on a lathe insert before use it makes the insert cut better and last almost twice as long as not sprayed.
NEVER USED IT ON A CAMERA!!! It does dry and the teflon passes a white glove test.
Just my 2 cents,

Rick

agillot

i have a set of black plastic MEIKE extension tubes for nikon , nothing wrong with them , ZERO ISSUE .i guess if it does not say nikon it must be junk .use silicone spray on a Q tip and swipe .

User ID

You emphasize that it’s DRY lube, as if “dry” equals “safe”.

The lubrication material after the spray vehicle evaporates is a clinging fine dust .... a substance you don’t want within 50 feet of your sensor. If a speck or two of it migrates onto the sensor it will not yield to a blower. It’s engineered to cling.

Basically, lens and body flanges have never been lubed, even decades past when cameras were simpler. Lube is not the answer. Discussion about best or correct lube is to be dismissed, ignored. The only correct lube is no lube.