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Old lens - Split focusing ring
Sep 14, 2021 14:53:27   #
kernel bleep Loc: Charlotte, NC
 
Hey, this isn't a perfect solution but it was inexpensive and worked well enough to suit me. Perhaps it'll help someone else in the same boat.

A few years ago, I bought an Zuiko 35-70mm f/3.6 zoom for my Olympus OM2 from a friend who'd inherited a chest of photo goodies from their Father.

The lens was in great shape except for the rubber grip on its focusing ring. The ring was split nearly in half and hanging by a thread. I didn't use it much because the ring was mostly detached and I was always afraid it'd break off completely.

Recently, I ran across some heavy weight black rubber bands on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Skog-Bands-Rubber-Survival-Supply/dp/B08MVCM3DG/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Skog+Bands%3A+Heavy+Duty+Rubber+Bands+Made+from+EPDM+Rubber+-+5col+Survival+Supply+%28Large%29&qid=1631645129&sr=8-1

The bands aren't nearly as wide as the original but they're strong and thick. Since a single band is too narrow to cover the entire ring, I installed 2 and allowed them to overlap slightly. That produces a sight ridge but I don't find it objectionable.



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Sep 14, 2021 15:51:35   #
Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV
 
Nice!

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Sep 14, 2021 15:58:59   #
Quixdraw Loc: x
 
Clever!

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Sep 14, 2021 17:40:14   #
fjdarling Loc: Mesa, Arizona, USA
 
A very resourceful solution. Thanks for sharing your idea.

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Sep 14, 2021 19:58:26   #
kpmac Loc: Ragley, La
 
Good idea. I used rubber bands for lens creep on my old telephoto.

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Sep 15, 2021 07:49:47   #
jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY
 
Clever!

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Sep 15, 2021 09:41:09   #
StanMac Loc: Tennessee
 
I had the same issue with a really clean SMC Pentax-M 50mm 1.4 - focusing ring grip was split and loose. I used the wide and thick rubber band from a broccoli bunch. It fit the groove well until I could locate a replacement.

Stan

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Sep 15, 2021 09:55:24   #
Chicago312 Loc: Western suburb, Chicago
 
Looks great. I assume it works well.

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Sep 15, 2021 16:49:12   #
One Jughead Loc: Greene County, OH
 
You could also consider cutting a ring from a bicycle inner tube. They have a lot of stretch in them and I use them anywhere in place of a rubber band. They don't deteriorate from the UV in sunlight. One tube can make lots of bands of various widths as needed.

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Sep 15, 2021 17:50:38   #
Bill_de Loc: US
 
One Jughead wrote:
You could also consider cutting a ring from a bicycle inner tube. They have a lot of stretch in them and I use them anywhere in place of a rubber band. They don't deteriorate from the UV in sunlight. One tube can make lots of bands of various widths as needed.


But then riding the bike becomes very uncomfortable.

---

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Sep 15, 2021 23:56:57   #
Bigmike1 Loc: I am from Gaffney, S.C. but live in Utah.
 
Looks good to me. Whatever works.

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Sep 24, 2021 01:00:04   #
mundy-F2 Loc: Chicago suburban area
 
kernel bleep wrote:
Hey, this isn't a perfect solution but it was inexpensive and worked well enough to suit me. Perhaps it'll help someone else in the same boat.

A few years ago, I bought an Zuiko 35-70mm f/3.6 zoom for my Olympus OM2 from a friend who'd inherited a chest of photo goodies from their Father.

The lens was in great shape except for the rubber grip on its focusing ring. The ring was split nearly in half and hanging by a thread. I didn't use it much because the ring was mostly detached and I was always afraid it'd break off completely.

Recently, I ran across some heavy weight black rubber bands on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Skog-Bands-Rubber-Survival-Supply/dp/B08MVCM3DG/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Skog+Bands%3A+Heavy+Duty+Rubber+Bands+Made+from+EPDM+Rubber+-+5col+Survival+Supply+%28Large%29&qid=1631645129&sr=8-1

The bands aren't nearly as wide as the original but they're strong and thick. Since a single band is too narrow to cover the entire ring, I installed 2 and allowed them to overlap slightly. That produces a sight ridge but I don't find it objectionable.
Hey, this isn't a perfect solution but it was inex... (show quote)


Nice camera. My 1st SLR was an OM-1.
Mundy

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Sep 24, 2021 01:00:59   #
mundy-F2 Loc: Chicago suburban area
 
One Jughead wrote:
You could also consider cutting a ring from a bicycle inner tube. They have a lot of stretch in them and I use them anywhere in place of a rubber band. They don't deteriorate from the UV in sunlight. One tube can make lots of bands of various widths as needed.


Good tip!
Mundy

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