lens spanner wrench of choice?

[buggz]

Hello,
Is there such a beast, as a favorite make/model?
Or just get one of the ones offered on eBay?
Thanks.

[Kirk Gittings]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/131992-USA/Rodenstock_260600_Metal_Lens_Wrench.html

[buggz]

I've seen those.
I was leaning to more of the caliper styles with changeable tips?

[Kirk Gittings]

How often do you remount a lens? I've had mine for maybe 20 years and it still looks like new.

[jnantz]

sk grimes makes one ( point tip and slot tip )
the last spanner you will ever get ... and it comes in a wooden box too

[Walter Calahan]

I second SK Grimes' spannered wrench set. I have both the pointed and slot versions. Can't imagine needed anything else.

[Leigh]

I use the Rodenstock lens wrench (now labeled Linos) that Kirk linked in post #2 most of the time.

I actually prefer the Toyo wrench as being a much sturdier design, but...
1) it won't do size 3 shutters, only 1 and 2, and
2) the wide wings won't fit into recessed retaining ring holes in wooden lensboards.

Toyo wrench at B&H: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/61131-REG/Toyo_View_180_625_Lens_Mounting_Wrench.html

They're both excellent products.

Adjustable spanners...

My favorite is the style that looks like an adjustable compass, with tips coming out at a right angle:

http://www.mayadate.org/pix/Spanner_H200.png

Note the metal castings for the arms. A cheaper version uses stampings, and is much weaker.

The SK Grimes spanner wrench looks good: http://www.skgrimes.com/products/spanner-wrench
I generally avoid this style, but his 1/4" square trammel bar and angled arms look reasonably strong.

Another type that I've seen but not used, that appears to be a decent design, is this:
http://www.mayadate.org/pix/Spanner_L200.png

One spanner to avoid is the H-type with the insertable tips, like this:
http://www.mayadate.org/pix/Spanner_I200.png

Those tips will move out of position under pressure, possibly damaging the lens or workpiece.
If you have one of these, DO NOT exert any significant downward pressure. You'll break something.


- Leigh

[buggz]

Thanks to all for the replies and information.
I was also thinking of removing, reconnecting lens elements as well as mounting,
thus my thinking of the "caliper types" rather that the "card types"?

[Maris Rusis]

I make my own lens wrench out of two pine wood slats 10mmx30mm x300mm long held in parallel by three transverse bolts with wingnuts. Two screw drivers at the required spacing go through the space between the slats at right angles and are clamped by tightening the wingnuts. This gadget handles all retaining rings, flanges, filter rings , etc, that have two notches (or holes) 180 degrees apart. So far no retaining ring however corroded or jammed has resisted the mechanical advantage of this long handled "lens wrench".

[scm]

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31YCjKv2N-L._SL500_AA300_.jpg
I 've been using one like this since about 1988

[Ramiro Elena]

I just made one with two precision flat screw drivers and a drilled piece of wood. Like the tool above but a stick of wood instead of the two horizontal rods.

[Joshua Dunn]

Another plug for the S.K. Grimes wrench. But mine did not come in a wooden box. It’s expensive but a fine tool. When buying these wrenches it’s no different than buying any other tool, it simply comes down to how much value you place it fine tools. I have the square Linos wrench and it works and is more portable. But for precision, strength and versatility wrenches like the S.K. Grimes wrench are better tools.

-Joshua

[Old-N-Feeble]

Adjustable spanners...

My favorite is the style that looks like an adjustable compass, with tips coming out at a right angle:

http://www.mayadate.org/pix/Spanner_H200.png

Leigh... Where might on buy one of these online? Automotive tools retailer?

[Adrian Pybus]

I use one from Edmund Optics, Barrington, N.J.
It has replaceable and different tips and it works fine,

Adrian

[Tony Karnezis]

One spanner to avoid is the H-type with the insertable tips, like this:
http://www.mayadate.org/pix/Spanner_I200.png

Those tips will move out of position under pressure, possibly damaging the lens or workpiece.
If you have one of these, DO NOT exert any significant downward pressure. You'll break something.

- Leigh

What a timely thread. I started looking for a good spanner today. The card type lens wrench has served my needs until now, but I just bought a lens in a recessed Linhof board that requires a spanner to reach the retaining ring. It sounds like I should avoid the design with removable tips out of concern for the tips shifting under torque.

[Jon Wilson]

The S.K. Grimes wrenches work great. I purchased both of them because when you weigh the price of a messed up shutter or lens as a result of a poor wrench job, well IMHO they are worth the price.

[seawolf66]

I got this one at ebay for 30.00 with shipping

[john borrelli]

I bought the rodenstock and then the toyo version unfortunately neither work with my wood (wisner) #0 lensboard. I guess I'll have to try the caliper style wrench instead. I have been trying to save every ounce and I thought the caliper style would weigh a little more but the lensboard is recessed and the flat wrenches can't get passed the ridge.
Perhaps this info may be useful to other first time wisner owners.