walter23
Rangefinder Wannabe
I just picked up a nice Super Ikonta BX with a coated f/2.8 Tessar. Unfortunately it has a problem; there is fog between the groups (ie, adjacent to the aperture). I think if I can remove the rear group, which looks like it should screw out (but doesn't when I try), I can clean it. Is this likely cemented? Is there another way (ie removing the front and cleaning it with the camera on bulb setting)? This camera is going to be a real beauty if I can just get the fog out of the lens.
walter23
Rangefinder Wannabe
Sorry, looked more closely and it's in the front part of the lens, most likely in the element immediately behind the front rotating / focusing element. The fog does not rotate when I focus (which rotates the front element). It looks like if I can just remove the front element, which might be held in place with two tiny micro-screws, I can clean the one behind it. I'm not sure if I'm likely to uncouple the rangefinder or throw out the calibration if I do this; any tips?
MineSix66
Established
Yes you can throw out the calibration. Be very careful when cleaning you could make cleaning marks very easily. I would suggest Zeiss cleaning wipes. Use caution when you try to repair this camera. Up close pics of the lens would be nice.
literiter
Well-known
The inner elements of the coated Super Ikontas have very delicate coatings. It can be removed with a simple touch of a cleaning tissue or a Q tip.
Proceed with extreme caution.
walter23
Rangefinder Wannabe
I'll get a picture up soon. Meanwhile, what would you suggest for cleaning to avoid damaging the coating?