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  #1  
Old 4th July 2009, 07:02 AM
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Default Lens Dismantling

Does anyone have any experience in dismantling camera and enlarger lenses. I've a couple of specific problems
1) El-Nikkor 80mm enlarger lens with small amount of fungus on aninternal element
2) A cloudy element on a Yashicamat 124g

The enlarger lens has three screws on the back which look like a starting point but both have diametrically opposite "slots" on the lens faces presumably to insert some kind of specialst "unwinding device"

Look forward to hearing from the wise and experienced.....

Andrew B
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Old 4th July 2009, 09:49 AM
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I always reckon repairability is an important factor before a lens can be described as a good design. Some have mechanical parts that will only fit one way (great !!) others have a level of complexity (and the requirement of special tools) that verges on criminal.

Your three screws on the rear face are the starting point. Find a screwdriver that fits properly and don't **** up the heads of them. That may already be a difficult enough challenge. Once the rear plate is off, you may be able to unscrew the rear lens group by hand, or you will need some sort of grip that will fit the opposing slots. There are specialist spanner wrenches for this, but you might well find that a simple steel ruler will do the job perfectly well.

To remove the rear element on the 124, you may have to fashion a long tool that fits the slots without touching the glass. I ground down the ends of a steel rule to fit for one of my TLRs.

Lens groups usually twist apart, but a proper grip is vital to avoid crushing any threads, let alone crunching any glass. Some don't of course, if the elements have been glued in place.

Several days in sunlight should kill the fungus spores, though this won't remove the evidence. Methylated spirits will also kill them and clean them, though it may also remove any lens coating if its weak. Try an ordinary window or spectacle cleaner first.

Don't injure yourself.
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Old 4th July 2009, 05:29 PM
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Sandeha

I'll try the enlarger lens first.
I was given it so less to lose.

Thanks for the tips

Andrew
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Old 5th July 2009, 08:57 AM
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You can see a tool for undoing those rings here http://www.film-and-darkroom-user.or...ead.php?t=1127 it is also a cautionary tale. The main things are, take it easy, dont force anything, take notes (or digipics) an oblique light source is good for making sure these is no dust when assembling.

Last edited by Bob; 6th July 2009 at 03:10 PM. Reason: Corrected link...
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Old 6th July 2009, 10:18 AM
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managed to remove rear lens elements from the El Nikkor and fungus sucessfully removed.
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Old 6th July 2009, 03:21 PM
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Yeah, but did you manage to put it back after?
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Old 6th July 2009, 05:08 PM
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I've been following this with interst as I've got an EL-Nikkor 50mm with fungus. I'd kind of given it up as lost until now! Andrew - how easy was it to get back together?

Rob
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Old 7th July 2009, 03:17 PM
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Dismantling is easy. It's mantling it back together again which often causes problems.


Steve.
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Old 7th July 2009, 04:49 PM
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OT:

Just wondering, are EL-Nikkors prone to fungus infection? My 50mm was recently cleaned, but my 80mm is still OK. They were purchased new 12 / 10 years ago.

Miha
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Old 8th July 2009, 09:05 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob Archer View Post
I've been following this with interst as I've got an EL-Nikkor 50mm with fungus. I'd kind of given it up as lost until now! Andrew - how easy was it to get back together?

Rob
Hi Rob

Can't make the next meet up but hope to see you again soon.

With regard the El Nikkor 80mm I simply removed the rear elements which exposed the fungus. I used a cotton bud soaked in a bit of alcohol which removed the fungus completely.
A sharp flat bladed kitchen knife acted as a removal tool, putting the blade across the two grooves on the rear element which came away as a complete unit. After "repair" it simply screwd back again. No problems.

Happy to compare notes in person if you like. Am in KL this Saturday afternoon at in-laws in South Wootton for a family gathering. You are welcome to pop over as they will have a barrel of Timothy Taylors!!!

regards

Andrew
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