In article <4d67u8$ksm@nntp.Stanford.EDU>, amato@pangea.Stanford.EDU says...

>I have been using a Nikkor AF 35-70 (3.3-4.5(?)) lens for over
>5 years, most of the use occurring outdoors. Recently, the rubber
>ring used to change the zoom is starting to slip. The ring will
>turn, but the lens won't change length. I have to squeeze the ring
>and turn, or try to grasp the plastic just outside the ring and turn.
>Not so easy to do quickly. (...)

Since that rubber covering is basically a big rubber band, you can
pull or roll it out of its normal location, put down some rubber
cement or double sided tape, and move the ring back into place.
Hope This Helps