Missing screws

N4646W · Oct 29, 2019

A few of my older lenses are missing a screw here and there, mostly the coupling flange. They are all of different sizes, so does anyone know where I could purchase an assortment of screws for lenses on line?

Ron

AgX · Oct 29, 2019

There are no such assortments to my knowledge.

One source would be just piling up and disassembling cameras and lenses bought for cheap as dead or ugly.
A off the shelf source would be a dealer as mcmaster.com. Also local scale modelling stores might offer some tiny-thread screws.

Having a caliper and thread-flange gauge at hand is another advice.

N4646W · Oct 29, 2019

Yep, thought of that, but then I'd have a bunch of parts that I would try to salvage, and still be short screws. Have made inquires at screw suppliers, those that replied want to know specific screws, (which I am not sure of) and the amount. Not sure about scale modelling, as I am assuming the threads are metric for the lenses. More research. Thanks for the reply.

Ron

bernard_L · Oct 29, 2019

Your profile doesn't tell where you live, so here are options in US and EU:
https://www.microfasteners.com/?cat=735
https://www.microscrews-shop.nl/

AgX · Oct 29, 2019

N4646W said:
..., but then I'd have a bunch of parts that I would try to salvage, and still be short screws.

Yes, I know that: things I acquire just for their parts once at home miraculously turn into something to good to tear apart.

BrianShaw · Oct 29, 2019

I’ve had terrible luck with scale-model shops for screws and such. Suggest the shops Bernard suggested. I have done business with microfasteners but seem to recall that there are others too... and have a vague recollection of “assortments”. But my experience is that the one screw (or whatever) I need isn’t in the assortment, so get ready to measure and buy 50 to get the one you need.

Luckless · Oct 29, 2019

One option that a friend has gone with, and has me very tempted to follow, is a mini hobby lathe and mill. His opinion is: Why hunt around for a perfect match to an old screw when you can just cut a new one yourself?

While you can't really do much with those mini lathes, screws are probably one of the only things they're actually really useful for.

N4646W · Oct 29, 2019

Thanks for all the suggestions. I've contacted a couple of the photo repair shops that I have had dealings with and they are going to see what they can scrounge up for me. Unfortunately they are on the coast of CA and I now live in the Sierras so it will be done hit or miss by mail. Thanks again for all the suggestions and links.

Ron

shutterfinger · Oct 29, 2019

Knowing the lens(s) would have helped also.
Kodak used its own threads so good luck finding them.
https://www.metricscrews.us/
https://www.ebay.com/itm/150mm-6Sta...602886?hash=item3fcf677286:g:lVcAAOSwBY5drY0N is what you need.
SAE screws are threads per inch, Metric screws are threads per millimeter.
https://www.engineersedge.com/screw_threads_chart.htm
https://www.engineersedge.com/hardware/metric-external-thread-sizes1.htm
https://www.engineersedge.com/hardware/metric-internal-thread-sizes0.htm
And then there's British threads in case you have a Cooke lens.

Arklatexian · Oct 30, 2019

N4646W said:
Yep, thought of that, but then I'd have a bunch of parts that I would try to salvage, and still be short screws. Have made inquires at screw suppliers, those that replied want to know specific screws, (which I am not sure of) and the amount. Not sure about scale modelling, as I am assuming the threads are metric for the lenses. More research. Thanks for the reply.

Ron

Do you need metric screws? There are assortments of small metric screws sold here in the USA. Most scale models are made in countries using metric. Japan, Germany, etc. Also, of course, there are also assortments of small non-metric screws also.

John51 · Oct 30, 2019

Most factories would have bought in the screws they used. Any products from the same country and era as the camera might use the same size screws. Say alarm clocks or small electronic items. Stuff that can be picked up from junk shops for pennies.

AgX · Oct 30, 2019

Luckless said:
One option that a friend has gone with, and has me very tempted to follow, is a mini hobby lathe and mill.

That, even used, would be a major investment and needs a lot of skill. And space, unless solely intended for tiny screws. But more likely someone going this way considers larger objects too, as MF-fomat bayonet rings etc.. This only is a solution to someone already devoted deeply to metal working.

Ian Grant · Oct 30, 2019

Best is to go to a Camera fair and buy scrap parts cameras for the screws etc. I've bought Pentax bodies for screws etc. £1-£2 a body, and there's scrap lenses as well

John51 said:
Most factories would have bought in the screws they used. Any products from the same country and era as the camera might use the same size screws. Say alarm clocks or small electronic items. Stuff that can be picked up from junk shops for pennies.

Except Praktica they made their own screws

Ian

Ian C · Oct 30, 2019

It’s more efficient to determine EXACTLY which screws you need and then try to order them. Otherwise you’ll find that you’ve acquired a collection of screws of the wrong diameter, wrong thread pitch, wrong length, wrong head, wrong material, and so forth that won’t be usable in your equipment.

Spend some time on the Internet educating yourself on how screws are defined and sized. Learn the differences and how to measure them. For example, the length of a cap screw is measured from the bottom of the cap to the end of the threaded shaft. In contrast, the length of a countersunk screw (flat head and oval head) is measured from the edge of the bevel where it joins the top surface of the head to the end of the threaded shaft.

To measure small machine screws, you need a micrometer caliper or dial caliper, thread-pitch gage, and a small steel rule (150 mm). Old US-made cameras and lenses might have US small machine screws using fractional-inch dimensions and thread pitches. Modern cameras and lenses are likely of Japanese or European manufacture and will use ISO metric dimensions and pitches. Most of these use strong, rust-resistant stainless steel screws.

Nearly all camera and lens screws are of fine thread pitch. In some cases the particular form of the head might have been specifically made for the application, but not in general use. Such screws could be nearly impossible to get, other than from the maker (if it still exists).

Sirius Glass · Oct 30, 2019

Finding screws for early Twentieth Century Graflexes and Graphics almost impossible.

AgX · Oct 30, 2019

What is so special about them?

John Koehrer · Oct 30, 2019

I suspect they're referring to speciality shoulder screws and the like otherwise they're just SAE. In addition
the OP's looking for screws for lenses, not bodies and so few lenses use the same screws he may
be up a creek. With that, looking for Flange screws s Should be less difficult but Major Brands would be easier
than miscellaneous brands. Generally pan or flat head with the odd countersunk.

Ian Grant · Oct 30, 2019

John Koehrer said:
I suspect they're referring to speciality shoulder screws and the like otherwise they're just SAE. In addition
the OP's looking for screws for lenses, not bodies and so few lenses use the same screws he may
be up a creek. With that, looking for Flange screws s Should be less difficult but Major Brands would be easier
than miscellaneous brands. Generally pan or flat head with the odd countersunk.

Screws may vary but where there's a will there's a way.

I held a gathering here last year in the Spring, and someone needed a screw for a Bronica roll film back or insert, going to my miscellaneous box/tray O was able to help. I've no idea what camera the screw came from.

A couple of years ago I bought a camera body for £1 just because a US member need two parts, I think I sent at no charge. I'm not sure if I have completely stripped the camera but I know I kept all the screws etc. That's what we have to do these days.

I needed a part for a Spotmatic so bought an S1a for £1 for the winder part I needed, however I fixed the SIa and a second a few months later.

There really are loads of scrap bodies and lenses for next to nothing if you look.

Ian

Schuter · Oct 30, 2019

PM sent.

Ray Morgenweck · Nov 9, 2019

These are probably ex-Wollensak screws. Doubt anything is metric. https://www.surplusshed.com/pages/item/M2874.html

AgX · Nov 9, 2019

Interesting, as often at surplus firms in such cases you get a "mix", in this case the dealer even sorted them all before filling.

BobD · Nov 9, 2019

Once upon a time Ed Romney sold camera screw assortments.

I have my own assortment gleaned from years of buying/selling/tinkering and lots of old broken bodies that, once in a while, I strip of screws to add to my collection.

Missing screws

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