lens shades stick on Fuji 16-55 f/2.8 and 50-140 f/2.8

[Eric Brody]

I've been using both of these lenses for some time. Their respective lens shades have become quite difficult to install and remove. When I line up the shade and attempt to turn it, it is quite difficult, sticky for lack of a better term. I have cleaned the surfaces without effect. Has anyone else had this problem and if so has there been a solution? I have considered using a really small amount of graphite lubricant but hesitate to put anything on the shade. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

[CeeVee]

I would _not_ apply any lube. The bayonet fitting is fairly foolproof and bullet proof but somewhat awkward compared to my Nikons, especially when I try reverse mounting them. Perhaps you have twisted some part out of true?

[rdonson]

Fuji lens shades have a reputation in this regard.  I've experienced it with the 18-135, 50-140 and 100-400.

For me the hoods took some patience, perseverance and practice. It took a few tries before I learned to locate the "dot" and the "Fujifilm" imprinted on the barrel of the hood. Since then I learned how to line up the dot on top then twist it slowly. The "Fujifilm" is now on top of the hood. It's not butter smooth but I really don't have a problem with it. Its snug and won't accidentally come off.  I definitely don't simply twist the lens hood without thought like I do on my Canon lenses.

[armand]

I had this issue with multiple shades on the Fuji, I learned to get it right more often but there are still plenty of times when it just doesn't go right but at an angle and it's a pain to take it off and do it again.
On the other side even if it's at an angle it's secure enough that I just leave it that way instead of messing with it further. This is valid mostly for the reverse position. The 10-24 is I think the worst culprit. The newer bright primes have better designed shades, no major issues with them.

[Eric Brody]

I find this particularly annoying compared to the relative ease with which the lens shades on most all of the cameras I've used previously have operated. Nikons just seem to work, as the other high end camera systems I have owned. 

Perhaps the best ever was the Sony Zeiss 55mm f/1.8 I rented along with the Sony A7RII (I was sooo tempted). The operation of the shade on that lens was like soft butter.

Thanks for the responses, even more would be welcome.

Eric

[Eric Brody]

Notwithstanding the caution by CeeVee, I did the following. I thoroughly washed the shades in warm soapy water and allowed them to dry overnight. I then sprayed a Q-tip, using a plastic tube to direct the spray, with a small amount silicone lubricant (for my retractable door screens) and used the Q-tip to gently wipe the contact areas of the shade. It improved things quite a bit.

One of the reasons for this frustration occurred a couple of weeks ago when I was at a bird watching location and I needed a quick lens change. I'm a bit of a nut about lens shades and almost never shoot without one. Putting on the shade for the 50-140, or rather struggling with it, almost made me miss my shot. Of course I could have shot without the shade, but... OCD rules.

[CeeVee]

Yes, I am the OCD original ... for somethings.

[Rand47]

This used to really bug me re all my Fuji gear.  But, I discovered that the shade needs to be perfectly "flat to the lens" before rotating and it is easy to "think it is flat" when it is not.  I've developed the habit of counter rotating the shade "just a bit" before locking it in place.  Solved the problem of misalignment 100% for me. 

Rand

[rdonson]

BTW, I'm not sure why but the shade for my 10-24 has worked flawlessly since I bought.  It is smooth and reliable.