I bought a 14" Wollensak Verito in great shape and I can't get the rear lens element and retaining ring off the shutter to mount it through the lens board. I had removed both one time, and they slid off easily, and very easily went back on with no forcing. So I'm kind of perplexed why it won't budge now.

Anyway, what's a safe way to remove it without just applying brute force??? I'm wondering if perhaps the retaining ring is up against the rear element and needs to be moved the other way first....

Click image for larger version. 

Name:	IMG_7108.jpg 
Views:	31 
Size:	42.5 KB 
ID:	194048