70-210 Nikon AF --front element slid out. Anyone else ever had this happen? Hello hedgehogs, recently while shooting in the Everglades I had an unusual first time event. The entire...

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70-210 Nikon AF --front element slid out. Anyone else ever had this happen?

Jan 28, 2021 10:06:37 #

peter pat Loc: Miami Beach

Hello hedgehogs, recently while shooting in the Everglades I had an unusual first time event.

The entire front element and tube of my 70-210 slid out and hit the pavement. This was on my d700 on my camera shoulder strap.

Luckily no damage occurred because I had a rubber lens hood in use at time. Main damage was to my heart that skipped a beat.

Upon closer inspection I noticed three empty screw holes that secured fron tube to the rest of the lens.

I was able to repair this at home with tiny screws and a lens removal wrench, it works fine now.

Has this happened to anyone else? Any warning signs?

Maybe assembly defect from factory? Lens was not expensive but I just love it for everyday outdoor use.

Luckily was an easy fix.

Photo credit Ken Rockwell.

Jan 28, 2021 10:28:57 #

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Epic little lens... Have two (they are ridiculously cheap) and focus lightening fast!
Love how small they are at 70mm... so easy to carry...

Ok, I've only had an issue with an older, heavier (and a tad superior AF 70-210mm f/4 (constant aperture) optic.)
The front element of this lens came loose while I was taking off an NC filter... no worries, I instantly caught it and the three spacers used to adjust focus. While it was off and marveled at the precision of it's build, used a rocket blower to clear out a couple of particles before remounting the spacers and front element with some non-perminant lock-tight and have used it without incident ever since.

btw, I always go over "previously owned" kit with a jeweler's screw driver set and tighten up all accessible fasteners...

Glad you got this epic piece of kit back to fully functional... Jolly good show mate!

All the best on your fabulous journey Peter...

Jan 28, 2021 10:33:52 #

JBRIII

I had similar experience with fairly new pair of eyeglasses in middle of nowhere in Equador. Can't see beyond maybe six feet without them, so not much fun either. Lucky for me town big enough to have store which could fix them. Once a screw starts to lossen vibrations probably do the rest, if glued, then can't get out for repairs, so what to do, check every screw all the time?

Jan 28, 2021 10:41:09 #

jno

If you fly and have your camera gear on the plane the vibration can cause small screws to loosen. I had this happen to a teleconverter which jammed onto my camera body. Always good to check the small screws on lenses, etc.

Jan 28, 2021 10:43:32 #

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

"...so what to do, check every screw all the time?"

JBRIII I highly recommend Purple Threadlocker... i.e. LOCTITE® 222

From it's product data sheet... "...LOCTITE® Purple Threadlocker has many uses, from carburetor screws to eyeglasses to small screws on laptops. Due to its low strength, it can be removed with the same tool used to put the project together..."

Ask any hardcore motorcyclist and they will share their affection for LOCTITE. It is an essential component of a cyclist tool kit... It's been around forever...

Hope this helps...

Jan 28, 2021 10:47:31 #

peter pat Loc: Miami Beach

Thanks,

This was pre-owned btw, good advice to check it out more closely.

Jan 28, 2021 11:44:59 #

JBRIII

Thomas902 wrote:

"...so what to do, check every screw all the ... (show quote)

Thanks; I'll get some.
Jim

Jan 29, 2021 10:29:47 #

BurghByrd Loc: Pittsburgh

Thomas902 wrote:

Ask any hardcore motorcyclist and they will share their affection for LOCTITE.

Bingo!

Jan 29, 2021 10:42:05 #

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Bingo!

Jan 29, 2021 10:55:13 #

olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida

peter pat wrote:

Hello hedgehogs, recently while shooting in the Ev... (show quote)

I have that same lens. wonderful little lens. No screw loose (maybe in my head). With tiny screws on lenses/bodies/other gear, I use a tiny dab of threadlock, or plain white glue (the type that dries clear), do not use superglue!!! Threadlock/whiteglue/other low bond strength "binders" all work great, screws don't back out, but you can break the bond w/o damage should the need arise....

Jan 29, 2021 11:09:31 #

Leon S Loc: Minnesota

I have three Nikon 70-210 lenses, two of which are the f4 model. When I use them on my D700 or D810, I get great results. If someone has a limited budget, the D700 and 70-210 will outperform your expectations.

Jan 29, 2021 11:19:26 #

olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida

Thomas902 wrote:

"...so what to do, check every screw all the ... (show quote)

As a lifelong dirtbiker/streetbiker, yes loctite is your friend!! For lite duty stuff/emergency situations and no Loctite, low adhesion glue, wax (candle, not ear), small dab of matching paint color on threads, nail polish and many others that dry but don't "superbond", will get you outta the woods...been there!!!

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