Hi! Need help on my D70 rig with the 18-70 on Ike Dome Port with the zoom gear. I think everything is installed correctly but it's vey difficult to turn the zoom gear. The plastic ring/zoom gear tends to stick on the dome port, I can only turn the zoom ring by turning the dome port. This isn't right,the zoom gear should turn by itself easily. I applied some silicon grease on the plastic ring/zoom gear, it helped a bit but still very toght to turn.Please help, attached pics of the rig.

Regards,

SIM

Known problem, you probably have the wrong zoom and clamp set, the usual set is too wide, the correct set is the #5509.28 .
If it is only small friction, you can try to polish the clamp (see image)

It says #5509.28 on the box, Special Zoom Clamp/Sleeve for Nikkor AFS 18-70DX lens. So it's the right one but still tight, would you say go ahead and file it?

Thanks for your help.

I had the same problem, on the box it's was written the special clamp number but after discussions here and with Ike we realized it's the usual clamp (the wider)
Ike sent me (for free) the correct part that woks great.
meanwhile I filed the part I had so now it also work but not smooth as the slim clamps, in my case its didn't move at all before I filed it so if its almost work in your case I think that a small file will help.
Do it with caution not to file too much to damage the spring's holes in the clamp.

In addition to filing the black part, you may have to file the mating tang in the clear plastic sleeve. However, the correct parts work like a charm.

Will send if SIM forwards shipping address including phone number to ike@ikelite.com

Thanks Ike! Will pm you my address and tel no.

Sending correct clamp and gear sleeve. Note the clear gear sleeve to use with the #5509.28 has shorter drive ribs. Standard clear gear sleeve with higher drive ribs would not allow adequate clearance.