ZI Nettar question

I don't have a repair manual for my little folder and I would like to remove the rear lens element for cleaning. It appears that I should first remove the shutter and then the rear element.

In looking at the shutter assembly, it appears to me that the two tiny screws on the face (see thumbnail) hold the shutter on to the camera body; but I can be sure.

Does anyone here have experience with these? I'd love a nudge in the right direction...

Thanks

Those two screws keep the face of the shutter intact. Lenses are idfferent. Often there are three tiny set screws on the lens ring. Sometimes.you only need to remove the blade that acts as an infinity stop and then you can fully unscrew the lens.

The rear element often is held on by a slotted ring but someties a snap ring instead of a slotted ring. Those can be simple to remove or an invivtation to chip the lens element.

One the front element is removed, remove the face plate of the shutter. Next, remove the middle element if there is one. Again, either a snap ring or slotted ring that must be unscrewed.

The shutter itself is held on by a slotted ring that usually requires a spanner wrench. You sometimes can improvise with other tools, but be careful not to damage the bellows.

After you reassemble the camera, make sure you recollimate the lens -- that is set infinity focus.

This might sound complicated, but it's not, although it can be intimidating the first time around.

Best of luck.

Most rear lens groups/elements can be removed without disturbing the shutter. The lens assembly should just unscrew from the rear of the shutter. It may be hard to get a grip on it. I use a piece of automotive heater hose about two inches long to remove these screw in elements. Close the camera, then open the back. You should see the retaining ring that holds the shutter/lens assembly onto the camera. Inside that, the rear element ring should be seen. If you can get a hold of it, just unscrew it.
If not, a large gum eraser or othe rubber object
(such as my hose method) can be used to put pressure on it while turning. Don't harm the glass. It should screw right out of the shutter. Good luck.........

A small spanner wrench can take the rear element out with the camera folded.
No need to take the shutter out.

Thanks guys!

Yes; there is a slotted retaining ring on the back...inside the bellows. My worry was the the only way to get at it seemed to be with the bellows closed. But the last fold of the belows partially covers the retaining ring.

I like both of your ideas about the rubberized grip; although the correct spanner wrench would, of course, be my first choice. I just hope that the little bugger is on there too tightly...


Thanks,


Joe