Looking for a good lens spanner

Prospero · Nov 9, 2006

The first lens spanner (wrench for US readers) that I bought was the type with two screwdriver-like elements, joined with two sliding rods, and locked with a small finger screw. It was made in India and very poor quality - quite wobbly even when the screws are tight. When using it I am always worried that it is going to come loose and scratch something.

Then I bought one of those models that is stamped out of a piece of sheet steel. Very nice except that it is too wide to fit into the small space on the back of my Horseman 45FA 80mm lens boards.

Before I do my dough again, can anyone recommend a well made lens spanner/wrench and a source?

many thanks

Trond · Nov 9, 2006

Try skgrimes: http://www.skgrimes.com/span/index.htm

I have both the round and flat version. They are very well made, and relatively inexpensive considering the high quality.

I previously had some Indian made ones, and they were truly awful...

Trond

John Koehrer · Nov 9, 2006

Also try microtools for an adjustable(or fixed) blade unit. They ain't inexpensive, but do hold their alignment.

David A. Goldfarb · Nov 9, 2006

I have the SK Grimes spanner, and it is really nice and a good value considering the quality.

bart Nadeau · Nov 9, 2006

Go with Grimes and your troubles will be over. I cursed the cheap ones for too long.

Terence · Nov 9, 2006

Another vote for the S.K. Grimes one. It feels like heavy machinery instead of a tool.

resummerfield · Nov 9, 2006

Yes, yet another vote for the S.K.Grimes models. When you use it, dont be afraid to slightly grind the tips to exactly match your lens ring. On especially difficult rings, I find it better to clamp the spanner in a vise, and use both hands to hold and turn the lens.

Drew B. · Nov 9, 2006

Stewart Skelt said:
lens spanner

Sounds like a left handed wrench....or, in football, a pad stretcher.

Helen B · Nov 9, 2006

I found the ease with which the S K Grimes spanners slacken off to be a little annoying, so I added a strip of PVC tape to the top surface of the bar and that prevents the locking screws from loosening too easily.

Best,
Helen

Struan Gray · Nov 9, 2006

Am I the only one who puts two screwdrivers in a bench vise?

z3guy · Nov 9, 2006

S.K. Grimes spanner works beautifully!

Paul

removed account4 · Nov 9, 2006

the grimes wrench is great, and i think it might still come in a nifty wooden box.

-john

MikeSeb · Nov 9, 2006

Struan Gray said:
Am I the only one who puts two screwdrivers in a bench vise?

Not anymore!

Struan Gray · Nov 10, 2006

MikeSeb said:
Not anymore!

I feel so proud

You can use a pair of punches or centre punches for flanges with round holes.

The only thing it won't work for is flanges with three or five screw holes which have been used as a jam nut, but then neither will a spanner wrench. In this case, o-rings are your friend.

AtulAM · Nov 10, 2006

I use the Rodenstock wrench/spanner. It is very compact and woorks great for all three popular shutter sizes, Copal/Compur #0, #1 & #3. Here is how it looks like:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?A=details&Q=&is=USA&O=productlist&sku=131992

The three sides have protruding metal pointers that fit the three different shutter sizes.

Here is another pictures that shows this:

Dead Link Removed

// Atul

phfitz · Nov 10, 2006

Hi there,

"Here is another pictures that shows this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...romZR40QQfviZ1"

Nothing against S.K. Grimes but these are just too easy to make from the back of a hand saw blade OR brass stock, they never go out of adjustment. Add 2 wood strips if you need the handle for leverage.

Just a thought

Prospero · Nov 11, 2006

AtulAM said:
I use the Rodenstock wrench/spanner. It is very compact and woorks great for all three popular shutter sizes, Copal/Compur #0, #1 & #3.
// Atul

This was the second type I referred to in my original post. Does not fit into the back of the small Horseman 80mm lensboards with circular flange. Apart from not working for me, great in all other respects!

Looking for a good lens spanner

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