Warning: I just found out how many vintage lenses are actually ruined by UV glue

Honestly, I was fixing a Pentax 50mm f/1.4 from a yard sale and the focus ring was solid. Took it apart and the previous 'repair' was just a ton of UV glue holding the helicoid. Saw a post on a repair forum saying over 60% of 'jammed' lenses they get are just this. Has anyone else had to clean this stuff out of a classic lens?

3 comments

3 Comments

taraanderson2mo ago

I used to think those lenses were just worn out from heavy use. That 60% figure from the repair forum really opened my eyes to how common this bad fix is. Now I check for that weird shiny residue on every old lens I pick up.

jana_scott2mo ago

Remember when I thought that shine was just a cool vintage coating? I felt so dumb after my first repair bill.

angela6872mo ago

Ugh, that stuff is the worst. I had a Canon FD 35mm that was basically a paperweight because someone filled the threads with it. Took me an entire weekend to scrape it all out with alcohol and a toothpick.