Agfa Isolette: How to remove the cemented front element.

baachitraka · Oct 18, 2015

I have managed to remove the lens elements from shutter with ease but first element which is also the focusing element is cemented hard to the second element by bad grease.

First attempt: I have dropped it in lighter fluid for a day still no success.

Second attempt: In a hot stop bath or slight acidic environment. I don't know whether it is a good idea and I have not attempted it yet.

Has anybody managed to unscrew it?

AgX · Oct 18, 2015

(Without having that lens in front of me) I would consider a more aggressive organic solvent).
Or, without solvent, heating the assembly.)

Xmas · Oct 18, 2015

Stop bath or similar can damage finish and optical glass neither are designed for adverse conditions if a week soak in organic does not work try a fortnight.

shutterfinger · Oct 19, 2015

If its just 2 lens elements stuck together heat some water to just before boiling, and submerge the lens cells in it. Direct heat from a gas stove may damage the cells, slow heating on an electric stove might work. Place the cells in a pan, cover with water then turn the burner on to medium.
If the elements are stuck in a metal housing then heat an oven to 93°C to 121°C with 107°C ideal. Turn the oven off when it reaches temperature, place the lens cell in the center of the oven, close the door and let the lens sit for 15minutes to 30 minutes then remove and try to unscrew while warm.

mgb74 · Oct 19, 2015

Info here: http://www.rolandandcaroline.co.uk/repair/frozenfix.html

AgX · Oct 19, 2015

But Baachitraka just did that. To no avail...

baachitraka · Oct 19, 2015

I will oven otherwise some expensive spanner... :-(

baachitraka · Oct 19, 2015

I may make bellows soon. I found some leather which is 0.2mm thick. Very excited.

trythis · Oct 19, 2015

I used a pipe wrench to break the helical grease on my Isollette but I only spent $10 on the camera.

Sent with typotalk

shutterfinger · Oct 19, 2015

After seeing the link in post #5 apply some Acetone aka finger nail polish remover to the threads of the two sections only and allow to sit for 15 to 30 minutes. If that does not work put it in the oven.

baachitraka · Oct 19, 2015

Success!!! 10 mins in oven @125°C.

Now I need to find the right lubricant. Any recommendations?

shutterfinger · Oct 19, 2015

Here in the States http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...n lubricant&qid=1445286544&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1 this dry film teflon is available. Looking at the Amazon Germany site it is not but some dry film bike lubes with teflon are available. I do not read German so I can't tell if they are equivalent or not.
If the rings are dissimilar or aluminum use anti seize.

baachitraka · Oct 19, 2015

Rings looks like brass but they are different in size. I will check with local bike shop or in amazon.

John Koehrer · Oct 19, 2015

Will a dry film lube provide body like a common waterproof or lithium bicycle grease?

baachitraka · Oct 20, 2015

I hope this is the right one.

http://www.amazon.de/Finish-Line-Fe...qid=1445330819&sr=8-1&keywords=fahrrad+teflon

Xmas · Oct 20, 2015

John Koehrer said:
Will a dry film lube provide body like a common waterproof or lithium bicycle grease?

No you need pukka grease to pack out the clearance.

Wheel bearing grease for high temperature disc brake use is not going to migrate, if you only use a trace it will be stiff enough, ie won't be too stiff.

baachitraka · Oct 20, 2015

I may get this one,

http://www.amazon.de/Finish-Line-Te...&sr=8-1&keywords=fahrrad+trockenschmiermittel

shutterfinger · Oct 20, 2015

I have some of the Finish Line grease linked in post #15. It is a white lithium type grease with teflon. I am not an expert on the type of grease to use on lens mount threads.
From what I'm reading on this site and other photo sites the Finish Line or plain White Lithium grease should work.

baachitraka · Oct 20, 2015

I have ordered it.

filmamigo · Oct 27, 2015

Glad you got it apart! It took more than a week of soaking to get mine apart, with periodic warming.

Agfa Isolette: How to remove the cemented front element.

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency