Seeking help regarding a 531/16

[Lund]

Found a super ikonta 531/16 in great shape for a good price so I just couldn't resist. After some light CLA I found that everything is very easy to open up and clean except one thing.

The focus wheel is very stiff. And I can't find a way to open it up to clean it. I suppose I can try to get in through the lens but I don't think that would get me there I need to be anyway.
What I would need is a tip on how to get the entire lens part off the camera to get to the focus part on the back on it.

This is the closest thing I found to help me. Yet it doesn't do me much good. http://www.flickr.com/photos/29504544@N08/sets/72157613202905483/with/3248626082/

Otherwise all I can do is to recommend this camera to those of you who like to tinker. Very easy and intuitive construction.

 

[Ken Smith]

Unless the the lens/shutter unit is attached different from most folders, with the front closed, you should be able to open the back and with a spanner wrench, unscrew the shutter retaining ring. It's best to remove the rear element first so that you don't risk scratching/ruining it if the spanner slips. Once the retaining ring is removed, the shutter unit should come right off when you open the front. I open it slowly and hold onto the lens shutter unit, then pull it off once the front is completely open. This should give you access to the focusing mechanism. My thought is the the lubricant is dried and caked which is why it's stiff to turn.

 

[Lund]

That makes sense. Perfect. Now I just need to find the right tool for the job. The bellows does shade the retaining ring, but I think there is enough space to get it off.

 

[literiter]

That makes sense. Perfect. Now I just need to find the right tool for the job. The bellows does shade the retaining ring, but I think there is enough space to get it off.

Hi Lund,
When you attempt to remove this retaining ring make sure you do it with the bellows extended. If the bellows is closed the ring is easier to get at, but the action of the tool can easily tear or abrade the bellows.

I made a tool out of a piece of copper pipe and formed the pipe a little to accommodate the size of the ring and filed two little pips to fit the slots in the ring. I polished it with emery cloth.

 

[Lund]

Doesn't seem to make much difference whether or not the bellows are extended or not. They still extend somewhat over the retaining ring. I'll think that I try to make something resembling a tool, out of plastic.

Shouldn't be much of a trouble.

 

[hanskerensky]

I allways try to do this with the bellows extended as in that case you can hold the lens/shutter with your other hand for a firm grip.

The idea mentioned earlier about using an adapted copper pipe is a very good one !

 

[graywolf]

If you are using a standard adjustable lens spanner you have not choice but to do it with the bellows collapsed. With a custom fit tubular spanner you can do it either way.