Front Lens Element on Voightlander Skopar 13.5cm

Kino · Sep 21, 2018

Trying to take apart the front lens element on my Voightlander AVUS to clean between the elements.

https://www.photo.net/discuss/threads/dial-set-compur-cla.154324/ states that this can be done with "a pin face spanner". However, after looking up the spanner and examining the face of the lens, I cannot see any holes to engage the pins!

However I can see a color difference along the outer edge of the front filter ring on the element. I wonder if this is where the lens will come apart?

It looks as if someone has been trying to take it apart in the past, as the black color is almost worn off the front most ring.

Ideas?

bunip · Sep 21, 2018

the black color is almost worn off the front most ring because it uses the slip-on type filters and lens shades that slip on to this part of the ring

Kino · Sep 21, 2018

So the front ring should screw off and separate at the color change line?

lobitar · Sep 21, 2018

You have to unscrew the front ring with the engraving. Its approx 2/3 of a millimeter thick with a threaded outside. Use a rubber tool or you have to drill small holes to a tool.

Edit: My pleasure!

Kino · Sep 21, 2018

lobitar said:
You have to unscrew the front ring with the engraving. Its approx 2/3 of a millimeter thick with a threaded outside. Use a rubber tool or you have to drill small holes to a tool.

Ah! Very good! Thank you!

Kino · Sep 21, 2018

Got it! Thanks!

lobitar · Sep 24, 2018

Nice tools. Did you perhaps make these on the lathe for this job?

Kino · Sep 24, 2018

Lobitar. No they are made by Japan Tool and available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Japan-Vacuum...16493&sr=8-3&keywords=lens+repair+tool+rubber

They were not an exact fit, but I massaged them into working.

Actually, there are quite a few lens repair tools there:
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_...PFSM89HPME&rh=i:aps,k:lens+repair+tool+rubber

lobitar · Sep 24, 2018

Thanks Kino! Will take a look.

JPD · Sep 24, 2018

I don't have the rubber tools, but used a thin rubber mat cut to shape and a candle holder to do the same thing. Conical rubber door stoppers can be modified to work too, but it depends on the diameter of the lens, of course.

AgX · Sep 24, 2018

Kino said:
https://www.amazon.com/Japan-Vacuum...16493&sr=8-3&keywords=lens+repair+tool+rubber
They were not an exact fit, but I massaged them into working.

Actually, there are quite a few lens repair tools there:
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_3_16?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=lens+repair+tool+rubber&sprefix=lens+repair+tool,aps,118&crid=19YPFSM89HPME&rh=i:aps,k:lens+repair+tool+rubber

That set at your second link seems the more benefitial one as it yields more diameters. But some cups are closed, and they are from silcone rubber, which not necessarily evokes as much friction as latex rubber, moreover by time with migrating silicone oil may even become smeary.

Kino · Sep 24, 2018

JPD said:
I don't have the rubber tools, but used a thin rubber mat cut to shape and a candle holder to do the same thing. Conical rubber door stoppers can be modified to work too, but it depends on the diameter of the lens, of course.

That's a good trick!

Yes, I think you will find any "set" of these commercially produced tools insufficient for all situations, but they are a good starting point.

Inexpensive tools can be made from short segments of discarded pvc pipe salvaged from building sites, super glue and rubber sheets. Glue and trim the rubber to the face of these smoothed pipe sections and it makes for a large variety of inexpensive tools. Various schedule pipe makes thicker or thinner tools and it only takes a few minutes to make one. Glue a "T" on the end and make a handle to turn; you are only limited by your imagination...

AgX · Sep 25, 2018

I would not know where to find locally a variety of tube diameters as these cups offer.
But one could cut segments of plastic tubing carefully lengthwise, bandage them and thus be able to make a variety of diameters from one standard one.
I would not glue the rubber to the tubing, but try to cut respective rings and just lay that on the front ring.

Front Lens Element on Voightlander Skopar 13.5cm

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency