Minolta 80-200 f2.8 APO black version (Include DIY tips)

[ks2005]

Hi Hart,

Your version of the 80-200 seems a little different with the copy I'm using now. The "AF" characters are in red in your 80-200 APO black. The copy i have has white "AF" characters. It could be a prior transition to the white version.

I guess your copy had the gold ring stripped off already right? The little groove right above the focus ring is where the gold ring is located.

BTW, i got this lens not in its "what i would like it to be" condition. So i put it through a round of "overhaul". Now the focusiing ring is damped and less lower level of "knocking" sound when it reaches its focus stops at the minimum focus and infinity.

Great glass......very low dispersion......and the metal hood "rings"

I like it..

rgds,
sulhan

what "overhaul" you did ? You get the KM service center to clean up the fungus or you open up youself to fix up things in the lens ?

 

[sulhan]

what "overhaul" you did ? You get the KM service center to clean up the fungus or you open up youself to fix up things in the lens ?

Hiee Ks...

There is not fungus in the lens. Its just a fog stain on the rear element outer surface. Using lens pens and the thing is gone.

As the lens in the G class is mainly made of metal and metal stops(mechanical hardstops) for AF travel limiting, the noise when you do AF when the rotation goes to its end is a high pitch knock. I made some modifications to reduce the noise. The way the lens is designed if you look internally is very TOUGH.....rugged and ready for all hard knocks environment.

As for those who have tried the lens, the focusing ring is the one giving the "metallic- something is darn loose" feel. This has aslo been fixed by some modifications.

All modifications does not involve optics. Its just interior cosmetics to improve feel of lens.
Now the lens focus without the "sluggish" "kerchang" sound.

I'm very happy with it. Well, i did the modifications (non permanent) my self based on past experience on other lens systems.

rgds,
sulhan

 

[Drudkh]

Hiee Ks...

There is not fungus in the lens. Its just a fog stain on the rear element outer surface. Using lens pens and the thing is gone.

As the lens in the G class is mainly made of metal and metal stops(mechanical hardstops) for AF travel limiting, the noise when you do AF when the rotation goes to its end is a high pitch knock. I made some modifications to reduce the noise. The way the lens is designed if you look internally is very TOUGH.....rugged and ready for all hard knocks environment.

As for those who have tried the lens, the focusing ring is the one giving the "metallic- something is darn loose" feel. This has aslo been fixed by some modifications.

All modifications does not involve optics. Its just interior cosmetics to improve feel of lens.
Now the lens focus without the "sluggish" "kerchang" sound.

I'm very happy with it. Well, i did the modifications (non permanent) my self based on past experience on other lens systems.

rgds,
sulhan

Hey Sulhan, mind sharing how exactly you did? Maybe when you're free, can show a step by step DIY? or is there already a website on this?

Thanks.

 

[sulhan]

Hey Sulhan, mind sharing how exactly you did? Maybe when you're free, can show a step by step DIY? or is there already a website on this?

Thanks.

Haha....Don...

You wann do it for your 300f4. I dont think is neccesary. The 80-200APO black has a different focussing system for the 300f4 & 400f4.5. The white Teles are using internal focus movign smaller sized element and th"thud" at the focus stop limit is not that loud.

THe 80-200 has a frontal focus element/group which is heavy and large. All the glass are threaded metal barrel mounted which also adds to the load.

This large element assembly couple with a high torque & speed drive means a high enertia system waiting for hard collision. Hence the loud thug - metal to metal(front element to focus ring) ...you know how it sounds. Though they have a nylon stop for the lens group rotation limit, this (to my feel) can further be dampened.

So i had put all the necessary damping in place and now it feels much better - like my car after servicing.

I can walk through by showing you some sketch during the next outing on what i did.

rgds,
sulhan

 

[Drudkh]

nope, its for my 135mm f/2.8. every time I hear the loud *thud*, as if it gonna break one day. ;p

 

[sulhan]

Okaylah DOn....For you...(Disclaimer - i do not bear any responsibility for nay mishap or possible irreversible damage on your equipment)

Here is a quick sketch i did on Paint......sorry for the bad quality....

Referenced to Hart's photo that he posted:

This is just the stripping documentation only.....
FIxes depend on your needs....(Disclaimer)

rgds,
sulhan

 

[Drudkh]

Thanks bro! Are you sure that's using Paint? :bigeyes:

 

[sulhan]

Thanks bro! Are you sure that's using Paint? :bigeyes:

Yup!!

hehe...this is my "handy"est software ......

rgds,
sulhan

 

[Del_CtrlnoAlt]

Thanks bro! Are you sure that's using Paint? :bigeyes:

mai siao siao... use paint also can get this kinda effect... i can't imagine if sulhan use autocad... i think it would be super detailed... :thumbsup:

 

[fastshot]

So i had put all the necessary damping in place and now it feels much better - like my car after servicing.

I can walk through by showing you some sketch during the next outing on what i did.

rgds,
sulhan

Sulhan,
What did you add as damping material? Grease? or Rubber paint? I worry about the added bits may eventually fall off and land on the lens element. The Nylon stop looks very deep down the lens and seems difficult to reach without further dissembly. You one scary guy man :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

 

[sulhan]

Sulhan,
What did you add as damping material? Grease? or Rubber paint? I worry about the added bits may eventually fall off and land on the lens element. The Nylon stop looks very deep down the lens and seems difficult to reach without further dissembly. You one scary guy man :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

haha.....

THe nylon stop.........looks deep ....but once you have unlock the "8 screws..." the whole piece with the little window can just be lifted up. And wallah....you will see it...

You have no access to the lens elements accept the front one - already covered with filter.
I did not use any form of grease (not my practice - as the area does not need grease).
I added some material there for dampening effect.

rgds,
sulhan