Where/how to buy rubber lens removal set?

jay moussy · Apr 5, 2022

I need to get the front element lens off my Yashica A.
It looks like the proper tool would be a set of rubber "cups" - or is there another way to remove a lens without notches?

I see a number of cheap rubber sets, but wonder if I should look for a certain level of quality.
And I only need to sizes applicable to TLRs, not the large ones.

Advice?

StevieB · Apr 5, 2022

My repair guy always had a bicycle tire to remove things.

jimjm · Apr 5, 2022

Micro-Tools has lens ring tools, available in sets or as single tools depending on the size you need.
I have the set of black ones, and they've been handy for all sizes of lenses from TLR's to antique barrel lenses.

Nicholas Lindan · Apr 5, 2022

There isn't much to rubber bungs - they are intrinsically 'cheap', although I am sure one can overpay for a set.

jay moussy · Apr 5, 2022

I actually got the front element out with a rubber-like tubing lined with a piece of chamois for initial loosening, then I used the notches on the lens ring, large enough for fingernail grip.
Alas, there is still another lens element in front of the shutter blades, unlike a YT video of a similar Yahsimar lens on a 44 model, where the whole front lens comes off as a unit.

4season · Apr 5, 2022

jay moussy said:
I need to get the front element lens off my Yashica A.
It looks like the proper tool would be a set of rubber "cups" - or is there another way to remove a lens without notches?

I can't praise the rubber cups offered by Japan Hobby Tool enough! In the USA, you can get a set from B&H Photo.

gone · Apr 5, 2022

I'm looking at Yashica A lenses online (see below), and it appears you don't use a rubber cup on them. I see two notches in the front lens surround of the cameras. You'll need a tool to fit into those notches to unscrew the retainer, at which point the lens element will be able to be removed. I filed the tips down on some long nose pliers many years ago, and that's what I use to get those rings off.

https://casualphotophile.com/2021/01/29/yashica-a-review/#jp-carousel-23963

Dan Daniel · Apr 5, 2022

jay moussy said:
I actually got the front element out with a rubber-like tubing lined with a piece of chamois for initial loosening, then I used the notches on the lens ring, large enough for fingernail grip.
Alas, there is still another lens element in front of the shutter blades, unlike a YT video of a similar Yahsimar lens on a 44 model, where the whole front lens comes off as a unit.

Photo?

jay moussy · Apr 6, 2022

Dan Daniel said:
Photo?

Yes, I will show where I am at.

In short, the front second lens element, positioned in front of the shutter, has two notches as well,
I do have the "forked" tool set for that, bought some time ago, but never used it, so I may need to practice with some odd lenses first.

Dan Daniel · Apr 6, 2022

Typical that the front elements are a spaced doublet. And typical that the outermost part of the lens barrel is hold the front element in place, not the whole lens block. Some TLRs have what I consider the main body come off, the only thing I can get a grip on, leaving a minuscule stub of a rear barrel and the rear element.

Using a spanner wrench, best to lock the spacing. Cover glass with a microfiber clothe. Sometimes, depending on the width needed, using a air of pliers to grab the wrnech from the side, getting both legs in the jaws, while using the other hand to keep the spanner in place from above, can be good. And once the spanner loosens it, a fingernail or small flat balde screwdriver can be used rather than keeping that big floppy chunk of metal by the glass.

Matt Sullivan · Apr 13, 2022

Depending on the lens, I use a rubber stopper for a sink bought at your local hardware store and a piece of rubber inner-tubing from a bike tire. Just protect the lens and you'll never have to worry about damaging the surface!

Where/how to buy rubber lens removal set?

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