Spotmatic : How to remove self-timer lever?

tom43 · Jan 30, 2022

I want to renew the leather of my Spotmatic SPII. Of course it is possible to cut the leather in the area of the self-timer lever, but I want to do it not the quick and dirty way. Which tool should I use to remove the lever? Some recommended a lens wrench, but the two wholes are only 6mm apart. Which one would fit? Or is there any other recommendation to open the screw without scratching the surface? Will it be opened clockwise or counterclockwise? Many thanks in advance.

jwd722 · Jan 30, 2022

Occasionally I need to remove parts on a camera but have never invested in lens wrenches.

Two ways that I have tried and have had a 95% success rate is with either a caliper or a simple homemade "wrench".

The "wrench" is simply a piece of 1/4 plywood or any similar piece of wood, a fine Sharpie and some brads. I place the wood on the piece to be removed, mark the distance, drill very small starter holes and insert the brads (after removing the head) with a pair of needlenose pliers and file the point of the brad a bit. Carefully inserting into the holes and steady yet gentle pressure twist and break it loose. Then once it's loose it can usually be removed with finger pressure or with a piece of duct tape for some grip.

Forgot to add: most likely it is counterclockwise, everything I have done has worked this way. It should break loose pretty easily so if it doesn't I guess it would be clockwise but I think that is very uncommon.

Bill Burk · Jan 30, 2022

Be very careful because tool marks are difficult to remove when you scratch those pin holes

jwd722 · Jan 30, 2022

Bill Burk said:
Be very careful because tool marks are difficult to remove when you scratch those pin holes

Agreed. Take your time and steady yet (very) gentle twisting should work just fine.

John Koehrer · Jan 30, 2022

You can try a rubber stopper from the local hardware joint. I've used them for the easy to scratch screws on wind levers
and other delicate screws. Press down on the screw and twist.

reddesert · Jan 30, 2022

You need an adjustable pin spanner. Many lens spanners have double ended tips; one end is screwdriver-like and the other end is pin-like to do exactly the job you are trying to do here. Like this: https://lensnotes.com/photography/lens-spanner-wrench/ For example, google "Neewer lens spanner" and buy it from your preferred venue (ebay, amazon, etc).

I don't know whether it is right hand or reverse thread but if you can find the repair manual on learncamerarepair.com, that will tell you.

BobUK · Jan 30, 2022

A good resource for books on all subjects.
Asahi Pentax Spotmatic Repair manual : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

There are all sorts of photography books to view for free.

Good Luck.

shutterfinger · Jan 30, 2022

A pair of internal snap ring pliers for small snap rings should work.

AZD · Jan 30, 2022

I use a pair of lead-forming pliers. You can find them at most electronics suppliers. Perfect for small camera parts.

gone · Jan 30, 2022

I bought a pair of long(er) nose pliers like AZD's at the Dollar Tree (Home of Fine Tools) many years ago. After grinding the tips to more of a point, it's worked on just about everything. You would need a proper tool if it were really stuck, but so far so good.

tom43 · Jan 31, 2022

Thanks for the many advices and suggestions. There is a great community in this forum!

At the end I used a caliper. And just to add this for people with the same question in future: The screw opens as most other screws, counterclockwise.

flavio81 · Feb 1, 2022

tom43 said:
Thanks for the many advices and suggestions. There is a great community in this forum!

At the end I used a caliper. And just to add this for people with the same question in future: The screw opens as most other screws, counterclockwise.

Interesting, the one on the Pentax ME opens clockwise.

tom43 · Feb 1, 2022

flavio81 said:
Interesting, the one on the Pentax ME opens clockwise.

Exactly this confused me, as I found this information on the ME beforehand. I was also surprised that the Spotmatic SPII opens counterclockwise, but the ME clockwise.

Spotmatic : How to remove self-timer lever?

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