Sometimes, lifes a grind

Many years ago I picked up a Sigma AF 150mm f/2.8 Macro DG HSM lens for my camera. I was doing a lot of macro shooting while we were hiking around. I already had the Sigma AF 50mm, and a Tokina 90mm macro … but I felt the focal lengths were not enough reach.

Most of my shooting was handheld, so I did not notice a problem with this lens until I started carrying around a short tripod. The IQ of this lens is awesome but I started noticing that it had difficulty focusing when I was shooting on the tripod. My first thought was because of the lower light situations that I was getting into … but it was occurring even under well lit situations … hmm.

Then it stuck me … the tripod collar ring was causing it. Somehow causing resistance to the AF if it is tightened to the max. So I backed off from tightening it completely and everything was fine, except the lens revolving is not so secure.

I looked online and it appears that this was an issue that Sigma knew about … but my lens was out of warranty. So I lived with it … until today. I checked to see if the collar was out of shape … maybe pressuring one side. I made some (physical) adjustments to round it out … hmm, that wasn’t the problem.

OK, so what clamps this collar … there is a knob that is turned. The off centre hole engages a pin and pulls the two C arms together. When the knob is turned the pin is forced down, thus tightening the collar.

So if the AF is fine if the collar is not tightened full, then I just need to change the hole.

So to reduce the distance I took out my Dremel and slapped on a small grinding stone. Take some material off the hole very lightly … making it wider a bit … checking on lens … tighten collar … widen a bit more … check on lens … until the focus had free movement when the collar is fully locked.

… and most importantly there was enough tension to lock the ring on the lens to keep it from moving.

Tools, tools, tool.

I frequently mention tools … because without them I could not do all this stuff. I am always encountering a situation when I think, crap I wish I had a <enter tool name here>. There will always be a time where you don’t have the best thing to do the job, so you make due, or you get the thing you need … or at least the closest thing.

One of the reasons the Yashica-MAT EM took so long was the seized screws and also some screws where the heads have been sheared off by a previous owner. The best way I could think of was to drill out the brass screws. I tried using my Dremel handheld … that didn’t work so well, as either I was moving too much and broke the bit or drilled out too much of the sides of the hole.

I needed a drill press. Well I looked and mini drill press’ are not easily found or cost too much … or where too big. Then I found that Dremel makes a Workstation. A drill press that I can attach my Dremel to.

I also bought a bunch of micro metal drill bits, a mini vise, and a mini tap and die set.

With the new tool I was able to deftly drill out the brass screws without damaging the threading !!