Ilex Oscillo-Paragon 56mm f/1.9 Stuck on Polaroid Prontor Shutter

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mweintraub

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I bought two shutters and lenses at a camera swap meet so I can swap the Ilex Oscillo-Paragon 56mm (3") f/1.9 lens from an MP3(/MP4?) to the Prontor Shutter but the front element is now stuck on the Prontor shutter. I was careful when I was screwing it on and decided I wanted to take it off so I started twisting it off and it just stopped unscrewing. It won't screw back on or off, it's stuck. Thoughts?
 

Dan Fromm

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Interesting. The MP-3 and MP-4 aren't 'scope cameras. Most of the lenses for the MP-3 were Rodenstocks, mainly Ysarons, most in, a few front-mounted on, Prontor Press shutters. I think they're all #1s, could be mistaken. Most of the lenses for the MP-4 were Tominons, all to be front-mounted on a #1 Copal Press shutter with no diaphragm. I don't think your unfortunate Oscillo-Paragon was sold to be used on either MP.

3" is ~ 75 mm, is the focal length of many of the Oscillo Paragons that come to market. f/1.9 is right for many of the three inchers. AFAIK they were all mounted in Ilex #3 shutters.

There were also 56 mm (2.20" according to Ilex) Oscillo Paragons, at f/1.2, f/1.9 and f/2.8. I have no idea which sizes of Ilex shutters they were mounted in. AFAIK, Ilex didn't buy shutters in, they used their own.

Lens cells that fit an Ilex #3 don't go in a Compur/Copal/Prontor #1. Too big. So your 3" focal length must be a typo.

The best information I have on Ilex shutters says that none is threaded like any Compur/Copal/Polaroid. There may be an exception, I have a tiny Ilex electronic shutter -- smaller than the cataloged #1 -- whose threading seems to match Compur/Prontor #00, but with a shorter tube length.

Please look at what you have and tell us again what it is. As for unscrewing what you screwed in, if you didn't use threadlocker look for a couple of strap wrenches.
 
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E. von Hoegh

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Lubricate the threads with penetrating oil, wait at least overnight and then try to screw it IN. If it's aluminium on aluminium it gould be galling, in which case force will make things worse. If it does screw in, apply a light lube oil and carefully unscrew, if it tightns up, screw it back in, work it very gently back and forth with a bit more oil.
 

paul ron

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a little trick after the oil settles in, try freezing it? the shrinkage of metals may allow that little bit of room to jump back on track.... sounds like crossthread.
 
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