Does the same lens for different mounts use the same parts?

[FocusDave]

I have a Vivitar Series 1 24-48 f/3.8 lens that I got for free for my Minolta X-700. Thanks to the Hoya skylight filter that was on it, the glass is in great shape. It has an issue, though, since the zoom ring appears to be seized up. I would like to use this lens, but can't.

I was searching around on Ebay, and there's someone selling the same lens as-is for parts or repair (different issue), but it's a Nikon F-mount version of the lens. Are the parts aside from the mount the same, or will I not be able to swap the working parts from one lens into the other?

 

[FocusDave]

If no one knows is there somewhere I can ask that does know? I would really like to get this lens in working condition.

 

[analog.universe]

I would try contacting Vivitar, or some local Vivitar repair shop...

 

[480sparky44 43]

If it's an old school lens (i.e., pre-digital), I'd say the only differences are the mounts themselves. There would be no reason to use different internal parts once you got in front of the mount. If it made for digital cameras, all bets are off.

If there's a camera repair shop in your area, drop a dime and ask 'em.

 

[tirediron]

The parts relating to the zoom ring should be fully interchangable, BUT even if both lenses are Series I, it's very possible that minor tweaks were made during the lenses' production life, and parts are not interchangable. My thought would be that while this isn't a bad lens, it's old enough that it's really not worth putting a lot of effort into (BTW, it's very possible that the seized zoom ring is simply a result of dried lubricant). I would just keep an out for a working one.

 

[FocusDave]

I would try contacting Vivitar, or some local Vivitar repair shop...

Called Vivitar. They were bought out by some other company a while ago and they don't have any information on the Series 1 lenses.

If it's an old school lens (i.e., pre-digital), I'd say the only differences are the mounts themselves. There would be no reason to use different internal parts once you got in front of the mount. If it made for digital cameras, all bets are off.

If there's a camera repair shop in your area, drop a dime and ask 'em.

It's a film lens. There is a local shop here, but they don't do repairs. When I talked to them they told me to contact Vivitar. See my previous comment lol.

The parts relating to the zoom ring should be fully interchangable, BUT even if both lenses are Series I, it's very possible that minor tweaks were made during the lenses' production life, and parts are not interchangable. My thought would be that while this isn't a bad lens, it's old enough that it's really not worth putting a lot of effort into (BTW, it's very possible that the seized zoom ring is simply a result of dried lubricant). I would just keep an out for a working one.

I have access to lots of tools for electronics repairs, so I was planning on opening the lens up myself. I guess I can hold off on buying any donor lenses until I get inside this one. Right now I have a non-fully-functional lens. If something goes wrong during the "repair" I'll be out $0 and still have a non-functional lens. If it goes well and I don't need any parts I'll have a functional lens with some dust in it that cost me $0. On that note, though, if the zoom right just needs some lubricant, what do I use?


Thanks for the input, everyone!

 

[unpopular]

You know...

You have two cheap lenses, both with issues. I say just open it up and see if it works out. If it doesn't, then you have nothing less than what you started with. At the end of it all, you'll either have one functioning lens or you'll have to track down a replacement for $100-200.

 

[FocusDave]

You know...

You have two cheap lenses, both with issues. I say just open it up and see if it works out. If it doesn't, then you have nothing less than what you started with. At the end of it all, you'll either have one functioning lens or you'll have to track down a replacement for $100-200.

I currently have just the Minolta lens. The Nikon is for sale on Ebay. $100-200 isn't just a drop in the bucket for me, because I'm a college student who only works 10 hours a week. I am planning on opening up the lens and seeing what I find, though.