Front ring on OM Zuiko 50mm f/1.4 came loose, now can't get back off...

[Lilserenity]

Hiya,

The subject line is a bit of a jumble but hopefully the post will make sense.

Was screwing a yellow filter to my OM Zuiko 50mm f/1.4 lens and noticed the front name plate ring and black ring around that was loose. Unfortunately I screwed it the wrong way and it came off the front, I noticed something so teeny drop that I though what's that but it was so damn small that I though I must have imagined it.

I screwed the two bits back in place but then noticed the aperture ring no longer has any click stops.

I then found the small thing that dropped out, a ball bearing on the desk. I then tried to unscrew the front name plate and the ring around it and I cannot for the life of me get it to budge or turn! I don't think I have screwed it in cross-threaded.

Can someone advise how to get the front name plate ring back off, and secondly where the teeny ball bearing should go?

Many thanks,
Vicky

 

[ColinW]

Vicky,

I usually use two small jewellers screwdrivers in the cut-outs on the ring face, and start it off like that, but that can be dodgy if you slip and damage the front element. Alternatively, or once it's started and it's still stiff, my best advice is to use one of those grip mats like this:

http://blog.caraselledirect.com/2011/06/the-gorilla-mats-grip-like-a-gorilla/

They usually have them in the pound shops and they work a treat for things like this.

Once the ring is off, the ball bearing sits on a small spring set in a hole in the face. It can be a bit awkward putting the ring back on as you're pushing against the pressure of the spring, but not really all that difficult at all.

I've tried to attach an exploded diagram from the Olympus Dementia site, I would provide a link but the site seems to be down at the moment, unfortunately it keeps coming up 'invalid file' so maybe someone else can help you out. Or PM me and I'll send it on to you. Hopefully that would let you see where it goes.

A little tip; do stripdowns and build-ups with the item in an open top box, anything that sproings out should hopefuly remain in the box.

Good Luck.