Japan Hobby Tools Lens Spanner

ColdEye · Jan 24, 2022

Anyone gave these a try? https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...hobby_tool_jht9533_100_lens_divier_100mm.html

I need one to open up a few lenses. It seems to be like a machinist's compass. Any alternatives? I know of the SK grimes and Thorlabs but those are at the last on my list due to cost.

shutterfinger · Jan 24, 2022

Best one I've found https://www.ebay.com/itm/373874940366?epid=16037302425&hash=item570caed9ce:g:WVEAAOSwlQ1h4ZLZ

grahamp · Jan 24, 2022

ColdEye said:
Anyone gave these a try? https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...hobby_tool_jht9533_100_lens_divier_100mm.html

I need one to open up a few lenses. It seems to be like a machinist's compass. Any alternatives? I know of the SK grimes and Thorlabs but those are at the last on my list due to cost.

I have a variation on this, where the pins are at right angles to the arms. They are also reversible to give either blades or pins. I last used it to remove a security viewer from the front door! I don't remember where I got it. I also have an 'H' shaped one that is mostly used to work on lens retaining rings where I need the deeper reach.

The only possible issue I see with the pictured one is that it might be hard to apply enough force for sticky rings - though I may be wrong. You need to be sure that the blades/pins will not slip.

Tel · Jan 27, 2022

shutterfinger said:
Best one I've found https://www.ebay.com/itm/373874940366?epid=16037302425&hash=item570caed9ce:g:WVEAAOSwlQ1h4ZLZ

+1 I have five different spanners--this is the one I use most often. Those compass-style ones don't have much rigidity for twisting. They're OK for very small things that don't require much force, but might not work even on a lens ring if it's stuck.

ColdEye · Jan 27, 2022

I'll get that. I found some old compass type starrett and I don't think I want to use that.

Sirius Glass · Jan 27, 2022

shutterfinger said:
Best one I've found https://www.ebay.com/itm/373874940366?epid=16037302425&hash=item570caed9ce:g:WVEAAOSwlQ1h4ZLZ

Tel said:
+1 I have five different spanners--this is the one I use most often. Those compass-style ones don't have much rigidity for twisting. They're OK for very small things that don't require much force, but might not work even on a lens ring if it's stuck.

I use the SK Grimes spanner and my second choice would be one like this configuration.

AgX · Jan 27, 2022

Exchangable tips are important.
If the original ones are of a standard diameter, one can easily make dedicated tips oneseld.
The locking of one pair of tips in the above sample is not best.

unwantedfocus · Jan 28, 2022

shutterfinger said:
Best one I've found https://www.ebay.com/itm/373874940366?epid=16037302425&hash=item570caed9ce:g:WVEAAOSwlQ1h4ZLZ

These work fine, can recommend. You might also need a set of rubber rings, but not necessarily. https://www.ebay.co.uk/p/19024907780

Quick reminder the lens spanner wrench "shutterfinger" posted is only good for lenses if you ever have a problem with a TLR the wrench "hands" or whatever you call them are not long enough to reach the TLR from the inside so you have to DIY yourself something other then that you are good.

Saganich · Jan 28, 2022

The Japan Hobby is fine for small to medium-sized work, but the other spanner cited above is better for medium to large work. I tend to use both.

shutterfinger · Jan 28, 2022

I have a SKGrimes pointed spanner. It does not fit many applications, arms too thick, point angle poor.
I have used the linked spanner on TLR's lens, Rolleiflex/Rolleicord to remove the rear lens cell and the shutter mount ring.

keithostertag · Jan 29, 2022

I recently bought the Hobby Tools spanner and do not like it. The metal is strong and stiff enough, but the tightening screws can't get enough bite to secure the frame pieces. The problem seems to be that the metal is too hard, or perhaps the tolerances are just not correct. I have since read others having the same issue with the Hobby Tools spanner- you think you have it tightened then move (or bump) the tool and suddenly the screws are loose again! I've been thinking I might try putting some Teflon tape on the threads of the screws to see if that helps them grip but haven't gotten around to that yet...

shutterfinger · Jan 29, 2022

Mine does it occasionally, I snug them with slip joint pliers.
Have you tried the set screws? I'm constantly changing size so I don't use them in mine.

Japan Hobby Tools Lens Spanner

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency