If you are noticing that your camera is running slowly or not focusing well, it could be due to a stiff Lens. A lens will become stiff if it has not been used for a while or if it has been stored in a cold area. Fortunately, there are things you can do to loosen up your lens, so you get better shots. Here are some examples.

Rotate the Lens Focus Ring

The first thing you should do is try to loosen up the Lens Focus Ring. You can do this by simply rotating the lens with your hands for up to fifteen minutes. This will work if the focus rings have dried out and stiffened up from a lack of use. It will bring the camera’s oil back into the system to ensure everything is lubricated properly.

If the lens is not moving at all, you may want to try something else.

Warm the Lens with Your Hands

If the lens has stiffened up due to the cold, you can warm it with your hands. To do this, cup the lens in between your hands and hold it there for a few minutes rotating the lens every so often. This will help the heat spread around and it will also allow you to determine if the method is working.

It’s best to wear gloves during this process. If not, your hands may not be warm enough to loosen up the lens. If this method is not working, you may want to try a larger heat source.

Use Heat from a Hair Dryer

If you are unable to warm the lens using your hands, a hairdryer may be a better option. However, it’s important to use the hair dryer carefully. If too much heat is applied, it will cause the lens to warp.

The dryer should be held six inches from the lens, and it should be set to low heat. Rotate the lens while heating so it does not focus on one area and cause warping.

If no heating methods are working, it’s possible that the lens’s oil has dried up. If this is the case, you may try adding your own lubrication.

Lubricate the Lens

When adding your own lubrication, you should only use lubricants that are recommended for lenses. If the lubricant is too heavy it can leak into other parts of the camera and cause damage.

Apply two to four drops of the lubricant onto the lens over the focus ring rotating it slowly between drops. Then take out a clean cloth and rub the oil gently into the focus ring. Rotate the lens a few times to test it out and work in the grease.

It may take time until the lens works perfectly after greasing. Let it sit for 24 hours before use.

Note: Lenses are extremely delicate. If you don’t feel comfortable working with yours, you may just want to take it into a professional.

Lenses are an integral part of the camera. If yours starts locking up, there are methods you can use to get it moving again. Which of these will you be trying out when you run into issues?

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