Replacement Lens for Retina IIIC

[Calub]

Hey all!
This is my first posting and I am excited to have found a community of other retina users. Now I find myself in a quandary. My Schneider Kreuznach Retina-Xenon f2/50mm lens has a crack and a considerable amount of fungus. A while back I remember reading something about the front lens component needing the same serial stamp as the body in order for the camera to work properly...I guess my question is what do I need to purchase to successfully replace the front lens component on my IIIC and do you know of any places to look?
Thanks,
-Calub

[Al Kaplan]

I really doubt that you'll be able to find any new replacement. Look around for another IIIC in working condition and save your old one as a parts source.

[Brian Sweeney]

The matching serial numbers is not as critical as people are led to believe. It insures that Rodenstock and Schneider components to not get mixed up, and the F2 front elements do not get paired with IIC and IIc F2.8 apertures.

Cheapest bet: Buy a non-working (jammed) Retina Reflex with Schneider Xenon F2 optics. It should be cheap. Replace the front module- easy to do. Try it. Worked for me when I did the same think putting an F2 front module on a Retina IIC.

Random Ebay Example, pulled on "Retina Reflex"

http://cgi.ebay.com/Kodal-Retina-Ref...d=p3286.c0.m14

If the focus is a bit off, post back. Replacing the rear module requires a spanner, rubber gromet, and patience. I've done it.

I do not have any spare F2 components, but do have a spare F2.8 front that will work. The rear modules of the F2 and F2.8 Schneider Xenons are identical. Been there, done that.

[ZeissFan]

It depends. The lens elements are part of a matched set.

It's possible than another front lens element will work fine with the camera. It's possible that infinity focus might be off.

I have a Rolleiflex with mismatched elements that will never focus at infinity. I am going to replace all of the lens elements.

By the way, it's doubtful that you'll find just the front element. You should buy a beat-up Retina IIIc or Retina Reflex and use the lens elements from that (like Al said).