(forgive me if this is a repeat - my last post on this seemed not to go thru)

I'm doing all the other spud mods to reduce glare/flare. My handy friends, who has helped fix up my cameras before refuses to try the middle lens mod. - saying the screws will get lost and it won't make that much difference in the picture.

Is it still worth trying it after doing all else to the camera?

Any other tips not found on web pages (their descriptions are not too clear to me).

And I'd have to refocus the lens from scratch, right?

I don't have proof that it helps AND it is a royal pain to replace the locking rings without scratching the lens.  However, I've done it to two cameras and the second time was much easier thanks to practice.

Regarding the screws getting lost, I assume you are referring to the screws that hold the gearing to the lens.  They are very tiny and get lost easily.  Keep a magnet handy and they will hold them while you work.  I had extra screws made by a hard-core professional jeweler/watchmaker --- they are not available commercially from any source I can find.

Yes, you'd have to refocus the lenses if you remove the gearing.  You should check both lenses though...don't assume they are properly focused from the factory.

Best,
Aaron