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Pete Ganzel | all galleries >> Tinkering >> Disassembly of Minolta Maxxum 28-135mm f/4 Zoom Lens > Zoom Bearing Ring Tabs 3426.jpg
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18-APR-2005

Zoom Bearing Ring Tabs 3426.jpg

While holding Macro lock switch back, turn the zoom ring so that it disengages
from the bearing ring at the slotted openings in the zoom ring.

Minolta DiMAGE 7
1/180s f/8.0 at 49.9mm iso100 with Flash full exif

other sizes: small medium original auto
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josh 22-Aug-2023 23:14
Thanks for this guide. I have managed up to this point but despite moving the locking switch and the macro switch i still cannot remove the outer zoom barrel. I am working on the f4-4.5 version if that makes a difference.
Exmachina 04-Sep-2008 19:01
Ooops, sorry for the triple post...refreshing the pages mkes a copy ?!
Now it works Pete, I simply didn't understand that I had to remove the two lateral screws... dumb me !

Thanks alot Pete
Exmachina 04-Sep-2008 17:10
Thanks for your help and kidness Pete,

But it still doesn't work for me : I completely removed the macro switch and the locking tab in the mean this one was not enough taked back. But it doesn't help, I can't disengage the zoom ring from the bearing ring. The zoom ring rotates normally I think, moving thus the tube back and forth, but when completely in one or the other position, it refuse to move a little more and nothing happens...
This is very frustrating, as i need to access the ring to tighten it, the zoom action being much too loose. Except this, this lens is very performing, but this thing makes it unpretty to use.
I apologize for my bad english ; this site is top, Pete, thanks and congratulations to you. I'll buy the CD too.
Cheers, Dany
Pete Ganzel02-Sep-2008 22:43
Dany:

Be sure you disengage the locking tab on the other side of the lens from the macro switch.
It is under the two screws shown here;



Just loosen the two screws a couple of turns and slide the screws aside in the slots. Tighten one screw to prevent the tab from sliding back.

The tube should disenage from the tabs on the bearing ring as you turn it.
If you cannot turn it, you either have not disengaged the macro switch tab or the locking tab on the other side of the lens.
Exmachina 02-Sep-2008 13:28
Hello Pete,

I had no problem until this step : I don't understand how to disengage the zoom ring without removing any screw. I cant see how to do that, sorry for being so stupid.
Nothing seems to move when I try to turn it while keeping macro switch on ?
I can't see what I'm doing wrong.
Please would you help ?
Thanks in advance, Dany
Sam 17-Sep-2006 10:46
I've got to this step using your excellent instructions but now I've got a problem. The macro switch has come apart and the bottom bit is jammed somewhere between the zoom ring and the bit underneath. I can't turn the zoom past about 40mm so cannot diengage it. Any ideas? I'd be very greatful for some help!

Thanks, Sam.