Graflex.org

stonewhite · Joined: 10 Dec 2013 Posts: 17 Location: United States

hello

A beginner asks about removing the lens from the lens board...as you know, the back of the lens (inside camera, behind lens board) has two notches, which appear to require a tool of some type (a 'fork' arrangement)...

Does the lens simply unscrew from the Graphex #2 shutter, or, is there a 'latch' (lack of better term) to depress beforehand? Initial, tentative attempts to undo it found quite a bit of resistance...we balked at applying more force until we checked with pros...

thank you

Dean Taylor

Henry · Posted: Sun May 10, 2015 10:49 pm Post subject:

I've used long-nose (needle-nose) pliers. Put one tip in each slot and turn CCW to loosen the retaining nut (jamb nut). Use firm, steady torque and be careful of slippage! I'd go so far as to protect the rear lens element, either by unscrewing and removing it, or covering it with a lens cap. There isn't any latch, at least not on the Graphex (Wollensak) shutters that I own, but some shutters have an indexing screw to prevent the shutter from turning on the lens board when the speed ring is moved.

stonewhite · Joined: 10 Dec 2013 Posts: 17 Location: United States

yes, Henry, there is an...'indentation' on the back side, which receives a 'tang' from the lens to index it...

So, you mention that the rear element might be unscrewed--*prior* to undoing the jamb nut?

thanks again!

Dean

Henry · Posted: Mon May 11, 2015 12:29 am Post subject:

OK, I think the shutter will lift right off when the nut is removed. The lens element can be unscrewed CCW; you may find it will help to use one of those rubber jar lid grippers on the perimeter of the element. Don't use any kind of solvent around the lens!

Sirius Glass · Posted: Sat May 23, 2015 2:40 am Post subject:

You should invest in a lens spanner wrench. S. K, Grimes makes the best and least expensive one that I have found.
http://www.skgrimes.com/products/spanner-wrench