Re-cementing lens

[RobertoMiglioli]

Hello.

I´v just re-cemented the front element of my Voigtländer Heliar 105/3.5 lens with Canadian Balsam. So far, so good.

How long should I wait untill the balsam hardens enought so I can reassemble the lens? Does heat help?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Tom1956]

What method did you use to get it apart?

 

[RobertoMiglioli]

I boiled the lens. They separated in less than 3 minutes. Then I cleaned with isopropyl alcohol.

It was much more easy than I thought it would be.

 

[Gerald C Koch]

When I mounted microscope slides with this medium the recommended drying time was 2 weeks.

 

[Tom1956]

I've done my share of research on this. Never actually did it yet, but all my research suggests at least 2 weeks if not a month.

 

[RobertoMiglioli]

Thanks.

 

[Jon Goodman]

Bom dia Roberto! At the very minimum 1 week. Usually 1 month is best. Balsam dries differently...some faster and some slower. You can read an article I wrote on Fotomozaic.ro if you are interested: http://www.fotomozaic.ro/artikel.php?s=1&categ=21&idstory=412
Jon

 

[EdSawyer]

Why use balsam and not a more modern UV-curing cement?

 

[E. von Hoegh]

Why use balsam and not a more modern UV-curing cement?

Balsam is much easier to fix if you make a mistake. Some of the modern UV cements can be a nightmare to take apart. I recemented a lens with balsam I took directly from the tree - so it's free, too!

 

[RobertoMiglioli]

Hi Jon. I read your article before re-cement my lens and it helped a lot, thank you very much.

 

[RobertoMiglioli]

Hi Ed. Because if I do something wrong it will be easy to clean the balsam and redo the job. I don´t think it would be possible if I use modern UV-curing cement.

 

[RobertoMiglioli]

Update: I reassembled the lens back in the camera. You can see all the procedure in my blog:

http://saopaulocamerastyle.wordpress.com/2013/06/26/re-cementing-a-lens/

I think it´s better because the mounting rings will keep both lenses centered while the balsam dries.

 

[Jon Goodman]

Hi Jon. I read your article before re-cement my lens and it helped a lot, thank you very much.

I am glad it was helpful, Roberto.
Jon