lookinf or RB67 180mm lens front element

Tom Nutter · Apr 24, 2009

I have an RB67 180/4.5 that I got for almost nothing, but the:confused: front element is really trashed. I'm wondering if someone has a junker 180 lying around they would like to sell the front element from...if so, How much?

archphoto · Apr 24, 2009

If you can not find it here, try ebay.
It has thined out quite a bit now, but look for one with a broken shutter or one with lens-separation of the back group, if you just need the front part only.
The can be had for quite cheap. If you have a C-lens get a C-lens donor, if you have a non-C get a non-C donor.

Peter

EdColorado · Apr 24, 2009

I'd be interested to hear how this comes out, if you find an element just how well the lens works. I'm curious because my local repair guy told me that Mamiya sold lenses in matched pairs sets and that replacing just just one element wouldn't work. Don't know if thats the case or not and I'm wondering...

Tom Nutter · Apr 24, 2009

that sounds like a load to me from a repair guy trying to make a sale. The things are ---were--- mass produced. Why do you think so many of them are for sale on the internet for zilch.

But for the record-- the front element is actually two pieces of glass glued together. the problem is in the glue between the two pieces, not to mention the scratches all over the front.

archphoto · Apr 24, 2009

In that case you might look for a 180 (C or non-C) with just a broken shutter: the shutter/aperure is behind the lens, so you can replace the whole optical unit.

This is the reason why this lens is used to fit Imagon's onto it: take out the original optic and put in the Imagon, a SF lens.

Peter

Tom Nutter · Apr 24, 2009

'tis an option!

EdColorado · Apr 24, 2009

Could be Tom except 1, I know the guy and he's quite honest and 2, he was turning down a chance to make money. I wanted him to take an element from one of my lenses and put it in another to make one that was both optically and esthetically clean. He said he couldn't, and that he couldn't get lens sets from Mamiya either. So the result was no work or money for him. All this means though is that apparently Mamiya didn't sell single elements, whether there is a real reason or Mamiya was the company trying to make more money I don't know which is why you have to tell us how it works!

Speaking of the 180, its an excellent lens and one of my favorites. Mine though rattles a bit. When I turn it on its axis I can hear the light sound of something very small rattling loose inside. From the sound I'm thinking a small screw that should be holding the shutter assembly in place. So far the lens works great though so I leave it alone...

Tom Nutter said:
that sounds like a load to me from a repair guy trying to make a sale. The things are ---were--- mass produced. Why do you think so many of them are for sale on the internet for zilch.

But for the record-- the front element is actually two pieces of glass glued together. the problem is in the glue between the two pieces, not to mention the scratches all over the front.

Tom Nutter · Apr 25, 2009

the rattle is ball bearings in the back of the lens that enable its shutter-firing mechanism to work.

If I find a new element, I'll post how it works, but chances are it will be easier to look for another lens.Glad you trust your repair guy.

Thanks.

EdColorado · Apr 25, 2009

Are you saying Tom that the rattle is "normal"? Just wondering as none of my other RB lenses do it.

Tom Nutter · Apr 25, 2009

...not an expert, don't know. I have two lenses. One a fairly recent 65 for an RZ and this junker 180 I'm talking about---both make the same noise when I shake them. I'm sure it's nothing to worry about unless something falls out or you hit yourself in the head when you shake the lens...HAHA!!

John Koehrer · Apr 25, 2009

Check with KEH for an "as is" lens.

paul ron · Apr 26, 2009

Rattle is normal. There are ball bearings in the transport and if they aren't rattling, then someone has been messin in your lens n put grease where it doesn't belong. They run dry, not lubed.

Not true about matched lens cells either unless they are from a different series lens. As long as the cell is the same as the one it is replacing, it will be fine. You will have to re-collimate the lens so it has the proper spacing again.

lookinf or RB67 180mm lens front element

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