I finally got a stuck focusing ring on a Pentax K1000 to move after trying something dumb

This thing was frozen solid, wouldn't budge with normal force. I was about to start taking the whole lens apart, but on a whim I tried a tiny bit of lighter fluid on a cotton swab right at the seam between the ring and the barrel. Let it sit for maybe ten minutes, then gently tapped the ring with a plastic spudger handle. It creaked and started turning. Has anyone else had luck with a weird solvent like that on old, gummed-up grease?

2 comments

2 Comments

rubybarnes4d ago

What kind of lighter fluid did you use, the regular Ronsonol type?

jamiekim4d ago

Stick with the Ronsonol if you want a clean burn. The cheap stuff leaves a nasty residue that gums up the works. It's worth the extra dollar for less hassle later.