On Thu, 24 Sep 1998 18:00:55 -0400, George Willard wrote:

>This is a circa mid 1980's lens. The diaphram is stuck wide open because
>it was left in a car trunk during the summer about 50 days worth over a
>several year period. I think that the grease has melted into the blade
>area.

This is a very common problem with this particular Nikkor, even
if well-treated...

>I have taken apart several times and used a swab with 99% alcohol
>on it to clean the blades, but I can only get to one side of the blades.
>It works OK for a while and then the same problem. The lens is in very
>good condition otherwise.

I have never been able to get deep enough into the 55 f2.8
to clean the blades, but with other lenses, lighter fluid
(naptha) has worked well (though the process of repetitious
applications and clean-ups is wearying...), but both sides of
(and inbetween) the blades can be cleaned this way without
disassembly. BUT, this never seems to be a very long-term
solution...

>Is it worth the money to get this lens repaired?

Yes!

>Will the repair last?

Yes, if a complete disassembly is done, everything is cleaned,
and proper relubing is done...

>If worth repairing, how much? and where?

About $100 at Nikon, as I recall (but I'm not fond of their
lens work...). I would check with Professional Camera Repair
in NYC (from reputation - I have had no experience with them).