Getting the Front Optic Off a Retina Xenon 2.0

[Steve M.]

I bought this Retina IIa w/ Xenon 50 2.0 so I could put my Ektar 50 3.5 lens and shutter on it and have a camera w/ an Ektar lens, a rangefinder, and lever film advance. Shot a roll of film in it, and while the lens isn't quite up to the Ektar's 3-D quality, it's great in it's own way. I'm leaving things just as they are now, but the Xenon has quite a bit of dust inside that I'd like to get out if possible. Trouble is, attempts to unscrew the front element by hand went nowhere. Before I try anything else I just wanted to make sure that it does indeed screw off. Thanks.

[elmer3.5]

Hi, as many other folders the retina lens must be unscrewed completely with the shutter itself.
For this you must open the film load chamber and extend the lens, then you´ll notice the rear element and the "screw" rim style that holds everything together.
With a span it´s possible to unscrew it. Gently because the rear optics are too closer and the soft folder fabric also can be damaged.

Once out, be very carefull to mark all parts if not missalingment can occur.

Luck and patience!

Bye

[crawdiddy]

I also have a Retina IIa with this same lens. The front element should unscrew, without the shutter mechanism. Just grip the front element by the knurled edge, and turn counter clockwise (anti-clockwise, if you're a Brit-- can't tell). Mine was not very tight. I guess it's possible that yours is stuck somehow.

In any case, you should be able to use pliers, or vice grips, as long as you pad the lens with some soft cloth.

[mbisc]

How about just getting yourself an old Kodak Signet 35 -- they can be had for almost nothing these days and have the stellar Ektar lens (the 44mm version), plus a built-in rangefinder.

[Steve M.]

Thanks folks. I'll get my large pliers, wrap the lens surround w/ lots of tape, and give it a reasonable twist. It's probably stuck w/ the same stuff that the lens helicals are often stuck w/ on these cameras.

I actually thought of one of those Kodak Signets, but they're not as small as the Retinas (don't fold up), and they're, well, funny looking. I doubt they're as well built as these Retinas also.

This little guy flies under the radar whilst out and about shooting, while the Signet looks so different it would probably attract attention. I have Balda cameras that do that. The little one w/ no rangefinder, no one notices. The somewhat bigger model w/ a rangefinder and meter, people notice.

[Brian Sweeney]

I missed this first time around!

Try a rubber mousepad, or a rubber gromet.

The front module comes right out, unscrews normally, counter-clockwise.

If you squirt ronsonol into it, you do run the risk of the black paint used to control reflections dissolving and getting into the balsam. Big Whoops.

[LennyB539]

While we're on the subject of removing these S/K Xenon f2's: my IIA has cruddy Canada balsam. I'd love to replace the darn thing, but IIAs don't come up for auction often (in New Zealand). Anyone know if the "brass module" can be replaced with a more common fitting from a Retinette? Or, maybe, where the "parts tree" is for these IIAs?

Cheers
Lenny

[colyn]

Originally Posted by LennyB539

While we're on the subject of removing these S/K Xenon f2's: my IIA has cruddy Canada balsam. I'd love to replace the darn thing, but IIAs don't come up for auction often (in New Zealand). Anyone know if the "brass module" can be replaced with a more common fitting from a Retinette? Or, maybe, where the "parts tree" is for these IIAs?

Cheers
Lenny

The Retinettes lens elements and parts are not interchangeable with the IIa.

[LennyB539]

...How about the SK f2/50 lens from a Retina IIIc (or the SK f2/50 from any other non IIa Retina)? Is that likely to be interchangeable with the lens of my IIa?

Cheers,
Lenny

[Chris Sherlock]

Yes, it just unscrews. Nothing tricky, like left-hand threads or that...

Regards, Chris

[Chris Sherlock]

No, a different beast altogether.
Regards, Chris

[LennyB539]

Thanks, Chris. BTW--Are the "for sale" items on your website up to date?

Hope you had a good trip/holiday.

Lenny