Retina IIa Lens Removal Methods

Boomlight · Jan 24, 2023

I have a Retina IIa (Type 116) that needs to get the lens helical regreased. After watching many dozens of Chris Sherlock videos, I'm at a loss as to how to remove the shutter retaining ring without the magical Beljan tool. Chris has a video showing a technique using a Retina Ia. Unfortunately it doesn't work on a IIa because of the rangefinder coupling arm, which gets in the way. I've tried a bunch of different tools, and none of them will budge the retaining ring at all.

Does anyone have any methods to remove the shutter without a Beljan tool? Or does anyone have a replacement tool that is generally available?

cramej · Jan 24, 2023

I nearly messed up my 1a without that tool even using a decent spanner. I sent it to @paulbarden so it could be done right. The tool really is the best option.

removedacct1 · Jan 24, 2023

Boomlight said:
I have a Retina IIa (Type 116) that needs to get the lens helical regreased. After watching many dozens of Chris Sherlock videos, I'm at a loss as to how to remove the shutter retaining ring without the magical Beljan tool. Chris has a video showing a technique using a Retina Ia. Unfortunately it doesn't work on a IIa because of the rangefinder coupling arm, which gets in the way. I've tried a bunch of different tools, and none of them will budge the retaining ring at all.

Does anyone have any methods to remove the shutter without a Beljan tool? Or does anyone have a replacement tool that is generally available?

That tool is very specific to this task - I've not found another spanner that does the job, especially if the retaining ring is tight (It almost always is). You might be able to find a spanner with very fine/thin points that you can get in that space to release the ring, but there is no other tool that does the job of the Beljan tool. Those of us who need this tool have had it custom machined for us. (not cheap)

OAPOli · Jan 24, 2023

I have a IIb and 013. I removed the rear group using a piece of rubber, pressing on the lens and turning CCW. Then I took a piece of 1/8" steel, about 6-7mm high and filed to the correct length (26.1mm or so). Has to be just right because the ring is so thin and so close to its nest. You might need to file the ends slightly to fit the notches. I brazed a handle on it but you could also turn it via an adjustable spanner. Works well.

4season · Jan 25, 2023

I’ve got a IIa in my repair queue, and plan on fabricating that tool using a combination of 3D printing and brass or steel rod - it’s a technique which has worked great for me. Basic form of the tool is simply a cylinder with a couple of sides trimmed off to allow the tool to pass through the film gate.

Boomlight · Feb 3, 2023

Thanks for the replies. I'm thinking about fabricating something as well. I have three Retinas that I could use it on, and it's the only thing that is killing me

Hunter_Compton · Feb 3, 2023

When I did mine, I just used a rubber padded tool to remove the rear lens group, then used a normal lens spanner to break the retaining ring loose. The spanner wouldn't rotate 360 through the film gate, but once the retaining ring was loose, I just spun it off with a small flat screwdriver.

Probably not the best method, but it worked.

Retina IIa Lens Removal Methods

Boomlight

cramej

removedacct1

OAPOli

4season

Boomlight

Hunter_Compton

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