Voigtlander Bessa 1Front Element Removal

[Martin Singleton]

I picked up a Bessa 1 the other day, not brilliant condition but I just liked it. The leatherette is peeling off, missing one of the Ruby plastic covers on the back and fungus on the lens but the shutter works and the bellows look good. I've found a replacement Ruby plastic from a donor camera and taken off the rear lens element. The application of a little peroxide has cleaned off the fungus, so going okay so far. Before I fiddle with the front element I just wanted to check with Photrio what is the best way to remove the front element? Thanks in advance.

 

[Alex Varas]

Hi,

I have never had a Bessa I in my hands but it should be:
Set lens to infinity.
Unscrew (not completely) three small screws holding the front element.
Take out the front ring carefully without any rotation movement.
Mark the place the front element is set (marker, thing scratch, etc)
Unscrew the front element.
If you want to take out the middle element probably a rubber friction tool will help.

Careful with the grease between this thread, probably you will need to clean it out and lube it again later for a smooth focusing.

Without a photo of your camera, this is how I would do it as my previous experience. I hope it helps.

Regards,
Alex

 

[Martin Singleton]

Thanks, got the front element off, had to unscrew the focusing ring as well. There didn't seem to be anyway to remove the lens without doing that. The fungus has now gone just putting the shutter mount back onto the bellows which is a bit fiddly.

 

[Alex Varas]

Two options here, Voigtlander use to have an small screw on the back of the shutter to be fit in the correct position with it’s holder (the one which bellows are glued), check out if there is that screw and/or in the correct position.
Another option is the retaining ring for the shutter it’s not perfectly fit inside the holder, it should have some space to be fit perfectly between the holder and the shutter back thread.
Send photos if you need, I’m just guessing.

Alex