I misplaced the ball bearing that serves as the click-stop mechanism on my Pentax-M 50/2 lens; does anyone know where to get a ball bearing that small? It's probably about 1-2mm in diameter.

I've had good luck with these guys for locating small parts for my cameras. They are called Small Parts, Inc.

http://www.smallparts.com/

Patrick

ball bearing about 1-2mm in diameter.

If you have a pile of old electronic junk (Pre 1980) they can be often found in old selector switches, potentiometers and tuning capacitors.

And if you have an old Kodak folder with a 'Ball Bearing' shutter you are in luck.

Old junker lenses would be another source: robbing Peter and all that.

A good hardware store may have a selection in the nuts & bolts section.

And, as mentioned, Small Parts, Inc. may have what you are looking for. If not try McMaster-Carr.

You might be surprised at what a good (i.e. "old style") hardware store might have.

Have you thought about trying a "BB"? May be too soft for long use, but work for a while.

Bicycle shops always have ball bearings for repairing various bicycle bearings. The one you need might be smaller than what they have, but its worth a try. Good luck.

I've heard of people using the balls from ball-point pens in such applications. I'm not 100% positive it was for the aperture ring on a lens, though (it might have been in a shutter speed dial or some such), and even if it was, the size needed might depend on the lens. Just be sure to clean the ball thoroughly before getting it anywhere near your lens!

I have one if you want it.Drop me an email.

Mike

Yeah, those little suckers pop right on out, don't they.

Yeah, those little suckers pop right on out, don't they.

I wouldn't say so. However. I've extracted *many* from ball point pens. They are, generally, hardened, so careful use of a fine file is effective.

Most that I've encountred have been 1 mm in diameter ... Those OK?

Well, since my first post I managed to jam the replacement ball bearing in its slot, and it's not coming out. Good thing this was a cheap lens, cos it's toast now.
Thanks for all the help though!

I misplaced the ball bearing that serves as the click-stop mechanism on my Pentax-M 50/2 lens; does anyone know where to get a ball bearing that small? It's probably about 1-2mm in diameter.

.05mm in size. Micro-tools carries them.

.05mm in size. Micro-tools carries them.
A ball of .05 mm is very, very small... ;)