Voigtlander Lens Removal

[rocksteady]

I've got what may certainly be a stupid question but here goes. I just picked up a Voigtlander Brillant and I'd like to remove the taking lens and shutter to clean it up. From the inside of the camera it looks like there is a retaining ring that would unscrew with a spanner type wrench. I'm guessing that the shutter/lens would then be removable from the front. Problem is, I can't seem to get the ring to move. I can't see why it would have reverse threads. Maybe some penetrating oil? I don't have the specifit spanner wrench, I'm trying to use a pair of snap ring pliers that fit pretty well, I just didn't expect it to be so tight. Any help or advice would be great.







Paul

 

[Sonnar Brian]

Some are tight, some are painted on, and some have hidden set screws that hold the retaining ring on. Try some penetrating oil. If that does not work, you might have to get a heavier duty spanner. Do not force it: the ring will shred.

the wartime Sonnars have hidden set screws, as do many modern lenses. You never know when you run into one.

 

[rocksteady]

I'll look for a set screw but I don't think there's room for one. I really just wanted to hear that I'm headed in the right direction. I'll oil it and try it daily. It looks scratched so either somebody's already removed it in it's lifetime or somebody tried and gave up. As long as I'm on the right track. Thanks.






Paul

 

[hanskerensky]

Be careful about the way you apply the penetrating oil. Don't spray it directly but use a needle to apply some microdrops between the retaining ring and the lenstube.
You only want that oil in the right spot not impregnate your whole camera !

Another way which helped me some times is to apply heat to the ring using i.e. a hairdryer.
I heat several minutes and then try to unscrew with a well fitting spanner.
Don't use a paintremover gun because it generates too much heat.

These are general notes because i have no experience with the Brillant myself.

 

[rocksteady]

My plan was to dip a toothpick or something similar in some 3 in 1 oil and use that to apply the oil. I've got to admit spraying wd-40 directly in the camera is a funny image though. 😀 I'll try the oil and heat and see if it helps.






Paul

 

[rocksteady]

Got it apart! I ended up making a nice stout wrench out of some 1/4" round bar welded up in a H shape and ground the tips to fit right in the grooves. I don't know how much the oil helped but I ended up having to use a pair or pliers on the home made wrench to get enough leverage. That thing was TIGHT! It's apart now and nothing got damaged so I'm moving on to the next step of disassembling and cleaning of the lenses & shutter. Thanks for all the help so far.





Paul

 

[Sonnar Brian]

I usually get by with an inexpensive spanner of the type form Ebay or Microtools.

Once in a while, I pull out "old Bertha" a super-spanner from the 1950's. And before using it, I came sure there are no set screws because something WILL give. and not Bertha.

 

[rocksteady]

I got the lenses all cleaned up and now I can see though it! All 3 elements were so dirty you couldn't even see anything through the lens except for very fuzzy colors, it was like looking through frosted glass. It's all back together now and ready for a roll of film.

It was a bit intimidating but now I'm confident I could take any cheaper tlr apart. I'm probaby not ready to disect a rollei but I don't think I'd hesitate on another flea market "junker" now.







Paul

 

[batterytypehah!]

I'm probaby not ready to disect a rollei but I don't think I'd hesitate on another flea market "junker" now.

Cool! And drool... Sounds like you have nice flea markets in your area. I haven't seen a decent camera in a whole summer of fleas and yard sales. An overpriced so-so Isolette on an antique store shelf was about all.

 

[rocksteady]

Well, they pop up now and then but not often. This Voigtlander cost a whopping $2.95. I guess because it was so dirty. The same booth had a little brownie for $10 so who knows. I'm always looking for new junk, camera-ish or not.







Paul