Novice opening up vivitar 200mm 3.5 for fungus removal?

jay moussy

Member
Joined
Jun 10, 2019
Messages
1,315
Location
Eastern MA, USA
Format
Hybrid
In a free bag of Pentax M42 stuff, I got a Vivitar 200mm 3.5 telephoto lens with some internal fungus.

Novice that I am, what are the chances I take the lens apart and put it back together?
No dedicated tools to speak of.

The fungus looks minor (to me) and I am giving it a bit of sun exposure every day.
I may be better off leaving it as is and enjoy it as casual use?
 
  • AgX
  • Deleted

shutterfinger

Member
Joined
Feb 25, 2013
Messages
5,020
Location
San Jose, Ca.
Format
4x5 Format
You need a lens spanner https://www.ebay.com/itm/DSLR-Lens-...333810?hash=item2f3ab3eff2:g:v~cAAOSwH8Vd7Fr1 to remove the element retaining ring paying attention to 1). how many turns a retainer has to be turned to remove it, 2) the orientation of the element, 3). the number of shims and whether they are if front of the element or behind the element or in the case of both the number and thickness of the shims on each side.
Retainer rings are usually sealed with thread locker that dissolves with acetone. Apply the acetone with a cotton swab, liberally, and allow to soak in for 3 to 5 minutes.
Lens cells should be removable without disassembling the lens barrel or aperture ring but the mount ring may need to be removed.
 
Joined
Mar 5, 2006
Messages
144
Location
Egg Harbor C
Format
Multi Format
I’d estimate you have 0% chance of the adventure ending with a cleaned fully operational lens. (Just being truthful )
 

John Koehrer

Subscriber
Joined
Apr 3, 2004
Messages
8,277
Location
Aurora, Il
Format
Multi Format
My goodness, what a negative nancy. Free lens, what's the loss?
Many long lenses are much simpler than telephotos. Removing the front group
or element should be a matter of removing the decorator ring and maybe a retaining ring behind it.
 
Cookies are required to use this site. You must accept them to continue using the site. Learn more…