Separating lens and shutter

Separating large format lenses and shutters is pretty straightforward but I wonder if anyone has any advice on how to do this with smaller formats?

I've been tinkering (again) and can get down to the lens and shutter 'module' but no further.

Specifically I've been disassembling an old Ilford Sportsman 35mm and an Agfa Isolette (just out of curiosity) and reached the same stage with each. There seems to come a point where I run out of lens wrench slots or any present just won't budge. I appreciate the latter may just be seized in view of the age of these items but not the former.

Basic approach is what I'm after rather than camera-specific advice as having tinkered with junkers in the past I think the principles are all similar.

Think along the lines of replacing scratched elements in a working shutter with decent elements from a faulty shutter. It must be possible! Any suggestions much appreciated.

many have set screws on the side of the front, which let the front come off giving acess to the infinity stop pin. is that what you mean?

If your aim is to remove the lens elements and swap them, you may need to remove the "beauty" rings. Typically black threaded rings just next to the element, these are often lacking slots for wrenches. The tool to use is a set of conical rubber rings designed for this purpose. Here's an example: https://www.ebay.com/itm/115306663345?hash=item1ad8d00db1:g:EnQAAOSwY2tiOfk6

The Isolettes will get green gunk on the helical threads, you will need to soak everything in a glass w/ enough high test alcohol to free things up. Usually takes a day or three, sometimes you have to break out the hair dryer afterwards on the stubborn ones.

Be sure to mark the threads where the lens releases from the shutter. On these, there's usually 3 tiny set screws on the front trim ring you need to remove too.

I found this online, sounds like the best thing around. 200 proof, 100% Ethenol

Thanks for the replies and suggestions
I'll have more to say about this later with some pictures but for the moment other matters beckon.
Thanks again guys.

For Agfa's front-cell focusing cameras made in the 1950's (and perhaps older), you can remove the helical assembly from the shutter, remove as much glass as possible from said assembly, then put it in the oven for 15 minutes or so at 150-175 C. Then Agfa's infamous green gluey grease will soften enough to let you unscrew the helical.

Mark Overton

microtools has rubber stoppers with concave surfaces for removing slotless rings.
put it(correct size) on the ring push down & twist.
There are a few rings & things that may a bit more persuasion though. ^^^^^^^^See above.