7" Aero Ektar question

I am wondering if I can modify this lens so that I can change the aperture.

The version I have did not come with any of the surrounding hardware you normally see. I can see iris blades internally, and the f-stops are labeled on the side of the lens. It appears I might be able to loosen some screws that will allow me to unscrew the front element from the rear.

I am curious how I would be able to change the f-stop once the elements are connected again.

Yes, screws around the lens barrel. Screw them and turn the barrel.

On a regular ektar, unscrewing the screws in the aperture ring would make the aperture ring spin freely without moving the blades.

That’s all there is to it.