Lens/Shutter Swap?

Jerry Parker · Jan 7, 2015

I have 2 identical lenses (Caltar Type-S 150mm on Copal #0 shutters) that both have issues. One lens has a weak shutter and the other has a small ding on the filter ring so that it won't take a screw-in filter. I'm thinking I could swap the front and rear elements so I end up with one lens with a good shutter and no ding, and another lens that, well, would be less desirable. Does anyone think that would pose any problems? They are re-badged Rodenstock Sironars and nice lenses.

This is the ding mentioned above.

Happy New Year to all at APUG.
Jerry

eddie · Jan 7, 2015

You should have no problems at all.

eddie · Jan 7, 2015

He's planning on switching both front and rear, to the better shutter. It's not going to be a problem for him.

snapguy · Jan 7, 2015

Personally, I am chicken when it comes to messing with a fine lens. Contact a competent repair person and find out how much the swap would cost. If it is a lot of do-ray-me, you might not want to do it as it would not be not easy. I'd try to fix the other lens, first.

Christopher Walrath · Jan 7, 2015

Do it! Do it! Do it!

Truzi · Jan 7, 2015

Swapping pieces is the best idea if money is a concern. If not, you could search for a cheaper version of one of these to straighten the ring:
http://www.soonwell.com/goods-210-R...r+Ring+Professional+28mm+to+105mm+Steel+.html

Here is an old APUG thread:
(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

Here is an interesting DIY approach, using a vice or wood clamp, and similar ones using a hammer.
http://feuerbacher.net/photo/repair/FilterRings/FilterRings.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCCx7rSwC3s

http://www.kyphoto.com/classics/filterringtool.html

Jerry Parker · Jan 7, 2015

Christopher Walrath said:
Do it! Do it! Do it!

Well, that didn't take long. Thanks for all the advice. It seemed to be a simple fix, but I didn't know how workable. I think I'll swap both the front and rear elements. The only thing that worries me is Mr. Walrath seems a bit TOO eager. Maybe I'm reading too much into his comment. Anyway, thanks for the help,

shutterfinger · Jan 7, 2015

Have the weak one CLAed and straighten the ding then you'll have 2 good lens in shutter.

summicron1 · Jan 8, 2015

take a block of wood and carve a curve into it. place the bent ring onto the curve. Take another piece of wood, shaped like a chisel, and carve it rounded on the end so it matches the curve you want.

Carefully tap the chisel onto the dent as it rests on the other pieced of wood so yu gently hammer the dent out. I saw actual professional camera repair people do this once. You use wood so you don't mangle the lens.

Jerry Parker · Jan 8, 2015

shutterfinger said:
Have the weak one CLAed and straighten the ding then you'll have 2 good lens in shutter.

Yeah, that's the way I'll go.

Jerry Parker · Jan 8, 2015

Final plan of action: I sincerely appreciate all the advice here. Gonna swap both the elements and get some use from the best parts, and when I can fit it in the budget, I'll send it to either Flutot's or SK Grimes and have it CLA'd and fixed.

I found out in High School woodshop that I have no ability with woodworking. If I did, I would probably be making designer birdhouses and selling them on Amazon.

I'll post some pics taken on "Frankenlens."
Jerry

Lens/Shutter Swap?

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