1949 Kodak lens cement- balsam?

[Dan Daniel]

Anyone know what kind of lens cement Kodak was using in the late 1940s? I have a doublet with some minor separation and might use it as learner for recementing. But I'll need to get it apart first. Thanks.

 

[Donald Qualls]

Almost certainly Canada Balsam. Epoxy was pretty new stuff that long ago (invented in the 1930s and amber colored at that time).


You should be able to free the elements with carefully applied heat and/or a solvent like xylene (read the label warnings, liver damage is bad).

 

[Ian Grant]

Definitely balsam.

Ian

 

[xkaes]

If you have hair dryer, you can use it to try to loosen it up and get them apart.

 

[cowanw]

Paint Stripper with Methylene Chloride works well- outside, drop it in a closed glass jar for two weeks.

 

[campy51]

In water on stove at low setting worked for me when I tried to see if I could separate a lens. Don't boil.

 

[OAPOli]

Acetone in a jar for a couple weeks will also do the job.