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Solve stuck focus of AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor ED 70-200mm f2.8G IF

Introduction

It is a very common issue the AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor ED 70-200mm f2.8G IF focus ring stuck at close end. This will show Ifixers how to fix this.

What you need

  1. Solve stuck focus of AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor ED 70-200mm f2.8G IF, Solve stuck focus of AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor ED 70-200mm f2.8G IF: step 1, image 1 of 1

    • The lens. Focusing mechanism traps in close-up end, worsens over time.

    Edit

  2. Solve stuck focus of AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor ED 70-200mm f2.8G IF, Separate front and rear group: step 2, image 1 of 3 Solve stuck focus of AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor ED 70-200mm f2.8G IF, Separate front and rear group: step 2, image 2 of 3 Solve stuck focus of AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor ED 70-200mm f2.8G IF, Separate front and rear group: step 2, image 3 of 3

    • First, you better download the "AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor ED 70-200mm f/2.8G IF REPAIR MANUAL". (The attatchment)

    • Remove Tripod mount (The one can be removed with only hands)

    • Remove tripod mount base by remove 4 screws.

    • short

    • long

    • Unscrew switch board and disconnect all 3 FPC's

    • Remove tripod ring, by removing 3 hidden screws. check the Repair Manual

    • Remove 11 screws and separate rear group. There is an empty hole.

    Edit

  3. Solve stuck focus of AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor ED 70-200mm f2.8G IF, Remove 4th Lens Group: step 3, image 1 of 2 Solve stuck focus of AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor ED 70-200mm f2.8G IF, Remove 4th Lens Group: step 3, image 2 of 2

    • Take the front group. remove zoom rubber ring.

    • Peel the tape, and keep if you don't have a replacement.

    • Remove 2 screws.

    • Remove 3 screws and remove "4th Lens Group"

    Edit

  5. Solve stuck focus of AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor ED 70-200mm f2.8G IF, Remove Zoom Fixed Ring: step 4, image 1 of 3 Solve stuck focus of AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor ED 70-200mm f2.8G IF, Remove Zoom Fixed Ring: step 4, image 2 of 3 Solve stuck focus of AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor ED 70-200mm f2.8G IF, Remove Zoom Fixed Ring: step 4, image 3 of 3

    • Unscrew 3 outer screws and remove Aperture Blade Unit

    • Do NOT manipulate the Aperture calibration screw! (RED mark)

    • Do NOT manipulate the whatever calibration screw! (YELLOW mark)

    • Remove 8 black screws and lift "Zoom Fixed Ring" and "MF Ring"

    Edit

  6. Solve stuck focus of AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor ED 70-200mm f2.8G IF, Reposition the PCB: step 5, image 1 of 3 Solve stuck focus of AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor ED 70-200mm f2.8G IF, Reposition the PCB: step 5, image 2 of 3 Solve stuck focus of AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor ED 70-200mm f2.8G IF, Reposition the PCB: step 5, image 3 of 3

    • Here is the ISSUE. internal focus ring has contact with Distance readout PCB. The PCB is mounted by double sided tape. This is a design flaw. double sided tape drifts over time, and let the PCB slip out.

    Edit

  7. Solve stuck focus of AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor ED 70-200mm f2.8G IF: step 6, image 1 of 3 Solve stuck focus of AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor ED 70-200mm f2.8G IF: step 6, image 2 of 3 Solve stuck focus of AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor ED 70-200mm f2.8G IF: step 6, image 3 of 3

    • More detail. The infinity end is glued using some better glue(dark material), while the close end is NOT.

    • The fix is

    • Mark or remember the position BEFORE removing 2 screws and contact brush! but relax, this part is not extremely precise.

    • Lift the PCB. Cleanup double sided tape. Glue the PCB back firmly against the inner edge.

    • Use proper glue, like "high viscous super glue" or "2-part epoxy resin". Do NOT use low viscous glue, it will mess up and contaminate the contacts.

    Edit

    • Now put it back, following these instructions in reverse order.

    • Screw tighten torque list.

    • Internal M1.6 screws: 0.12N.m.

    • Tripod mount M2.0 screws: 0.2N.m.

    • 2 screws on switch panel: 0.06~0.08N.m (watch out the plastic is very fragile)

    Edit
Conclusion

Be patient and Good Luck!!!

7 other people completed this guide.

Attached Documents

Author

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Terrance

Member since: 11/17/09

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13 Comments

Does this fault affect manual focus also ?

Thanks

Arnold Livingston - Reply

It does. And might be worse, because MF sometimes goes faster than AF, then stuck deeper…

Terrance -

Hi Terrance,

So is your lens good til now after this fix? By the way, what type of glue specifically did you use?

t2psalm - Reply

Good as brand new :D. I used “super glue“ and learned the lesson. Luckily the mess is not very bad, cleaned that up and the great lens is happy again.

Terrance -

Will whis work even if my focus ring is stiff (but moves and “jumps”) AF works finw

philippscaglia - Reply

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