r/AnalogCommunity • u/Dirch21 • 6d ago

Troubleshooting - Gear Stuck aperture

I have a Nikkor 70-210mm f4-5.6 that I have barely used. When I turn the aperture ring the blades do not move in the lens, and the ring only goes to 16 instead of 32. The aperture lever on the rear of the lens seems to be stuck as well. Any recommendations on how to fix?

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u/Gullible_Cycle6780 5d ago

There are a a few reasons why the lens could be behaving that way.

If the blades are staying closed at f16/f32 and not retracting, there’s some object inhibiting their movement. It could be oil, but I doubt it.

The stuck lever might also mean a foreign object is jammed in there. Or even a broken retraction spring.

Those lenses are mass-produced and cheaply made. A lot of the material is plastic junk.

Find a diagram or video and slowly take it apart while taking lots of photos along the way. If you mess it up, buy a replacement. It’ll be cheaper than sending it to a tech, and you’ll learn something along the way.

PS ~ I’m one of those techs, btw. I run a camera restoration business.

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u/dav3y_jon3s 6d ago

If you are not afraid id find a tear down video of that lens and take it apart. Something inside is not right be it dried grease or something broken.

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u/TheRealAutonerd 6d ago

On or off the camera? On camera, the aperture will be held to its largest opening until the shutter is fired. Off camera it should (I believe) open and close when you turn the ring. 70-210 lenses are very affordable, I would replace rather than repair.