I would personally not get the lens separation fixed. The process to repair it involves baking the lens in a oven to completely separate the elements and then regluing them together. It will take several months and there is a high probability that the elements might get further damaged/explode, leaving you with no lens. Focal point and Nippon will still bill you for the repair even if you end up with nothing. Both Fleenor and jimmy Koh confirmed this. Koh even told me that several of his Leica lenses were ruined recently this way. Not worth the risk. Just get Nippon to fix the shutter and shoot the lens as is.
Also why are you using Nippon to repair LF shutters and lenses? Use Skgrimes
http://www.skgrimes.com/
They are the best and would probably be cheaper too.
Pro-Mone,
Thanks for the heads up on SK Grimes.
One of the reasons I gave Nippon the work is because they are not only local, but I also have been happy with their work on other cameras. Understand that Marflex, the old U.S. Service Center for Linhof is no more, and currently Nippon is the U.S. Service Center for Linhof's.
No doubt that SKGrimes is likely less costly though as Nippon is never cheap. Understand that my life is also busier than ever, so I'm O.K. with paying a premium for convenience.
I am aware of the risk of destroying the lens by attempting a repair, but the pricing of this entire kit makes it really a free lens because just the body with all the accessories and bonus extras as well as the remarkable condition will still be a good deal for the $750.00 I paid.
The separation is in the rear element, and pretty much is kinda close to a complete separation already. I am aware of the gamble and the oven process to soften the glue, but because the separation is so complete already it works in my favor that the odds might be stacked in my favor. Separating the two lens elements is where the danger lies in destroying the lens.
If the separation was minor of course it would be a very different story where risks would be higher. I am prepared for both the risk and possible reward. Basically I'm looking at this as a "Free" lens already because I already got my money's worth with the body and extras.
I have gotten work done on a recoating on my version one 50 Rigid at Focal Point. The vacuum deposition chamber only gets run when full, so the wait can be very extended. One step at a time, but I first need to put some film though this camera first. The rear element just unscrews as an assembly so there also is a possibility of buying another 100 Planar for just the rear element if it is good, but that introduces other factors and variables.
Currently at the age of 59 life is "oh-well." I still have not contacted John at Focal Point for an estimate, but like "Bankster" blood in me and my day-trading experience tells me to think ahead, consider all the possibilities, and be flexible. In other words, be in the moment, go with the flow, and have the attitude of a street shooter.
BTW in Navy SEAL survival training they are taught that 95% of survival is maintaining a positive mental attitude. I believe my positive spin on things not only can effect the outcome, but also leads to positive outcomes. Know that I am remarkably lucky, and all these wonderful things that are beyond coincidence seem to happen to me.
Also know it is inherent in my personality to gamble, to confront risk, and to embrace chance. Perhaps we should start a pool and place bets, but I would not ever bet against me.
Cal
BTW the shutter intermittently sticks at 1/10th second which is a very useful and valuable speed on a leaf shuttered camera. Shooting the lens as is would be a handicap, but I see your point.
