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Mark JW · Joined: 31 Aug 2002 Posts: 19

I have an old brass barrel lens that needs to be cleaned on the inside. The problem is that I can not get either the front or the rear rings off to remove the elements.

Any suggestions?

Les · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 2682 Location: Detroit, MI

It would be nice to see a photo of what this lens looks like and it's relative size. If the lens elements are in their own mount--usually black laquer screwed to a brass barrel- then try the added traction of a rubber band around the cell, or a pair of platex gloves. You can by pliers with soft round jaws but they still scare me. They also sell wrenches designed for a specific diamenter. These wrenches are nothing more than a piece of Phenolic (but you can use plywood or masonite) with a hole bored through and then slit The overall shape is roughly a tear drop with the hole at the fat end, and the slit running through the tapered end which serves as a handle. Since the hole is slighty smaller than the lens it expands and allows the clamping action, If you got the tools necessary this is the safest and cheapest way to open a lens.

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"In order to invent, you need a good imagination and a lot of junk" Thomas Edison

45PSS · Posted: Sun Nov 03, 2002 6:47 am Post subject:

Stop by Sears and check out the Handi Wrench, a plastic handle rubber strap "strap wrench" that works great. I not only sell them but use one also.

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The best camera ever made is the one that YOU enjoy using and produces the image quality that satifies YOU.

Les · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 2682 Location: Detroit, MI

You really need two, one for the barrel one for the lens. but I have to caution everybody about these. They put all of your leverage on one point of the lens. If the soft brass is not suported by glass or other structural element, such as where the filter threads are, you can put a real nice dent in the lens without much trouble. I've got a beautiful Dagor in a B&L shutter that will never have a filter on it.

These do work but don't go overboard with putting everything you've got into making that lens move. That's why I suggested the other type of wrench, it spreads the force around the entire lens.

_________________
"In order to invent, you need a good imagination and a lot of junk" Thomas Edison