Retina ii xenon 2.8 damaged element

[loungelover]

I recently got a retina ii off ebay the type with the seperate rangefinder and view finder. The camera is prety nice and everything appears to be working exept that the rear element of the front group is badly cracked. The front set of elements easily screws out so it looks like someone did this and dropped them. I realise that lens elements are matched sets but i was wondering if any one knew where i could get hold of a new set of front elements or even just the rear one of the front set?

the lens is the 2.8 xenon and appears to be uncoated

thanks

[Brian Sweeney]

Okay- saw the part where you have the early Retina II with separae VF/RF.

If it is a Retina II, knob wind, the front module unscrews and can be replaced. I am not sure if the rear module is the same: all of my knob wind Retina II and IIa cameras are F2. I am not sure if a module from a post-war Retina II will work on the pre-war camera.

I have replaced the front group on a Retina IIC with good results, put an F2 Xenon front onto it to replace the F2.8.

[loungelover]

It is a knob wind and the front element unscrews i think its the 37-39 model any sugestion for a parts source?
Thanks

[Brian Sweeney]

I found my parts cameras on Ebay, camera shows, and photo forums. My spare F2.8 is from a IIc, but the module is stamped into place, does not come out of the fixture. You will probably have to find a non-working Retina II identical to yours.

[RichL]

Check with Chris at
http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~Srawhiti/

He can definitely tell you what you need and may have the part/parts.

[JPD]

First you'll need to know if it's a pre- or post-war Retina.

http://www.wctatel.net/web/crye/retina.htm

The pre-war 2,8/50 Xenon is a very different construction than the post-war version. It's a five element Xenar. The post-war Xenon is a Double-Gauss.

[loungelover]

i think its a pre war model the serial is 272825 k which i think is a type 142

[JPD]

Then you'll either have to buy a pre-war parts camera and use its lens groups, and possible have to adjust the focus. Or sell this one as such and get a another Retina in better condition.

I've been disappointed many times after buying stuff on eBay. I try to ask all the questions I can think of before bidding, but don't think I've ever asked about the rear element of a lens. I will in the future.