My New Antique Lens: A Question About Screws

[Tin Can]

A lot of 'mechanics' botch thread repair

I know that as I was Forman for a baker's dozen of the inept

and fixed threads endlessly

Drew, there are lots of new brass screws available along with the appropriate taps to thread a hole. Someone in the future might thank you for replacing the remaining screw and taping all 4 holes to fill them with modern screws. The fact that 3 screws are missing may indicate that the holes the screws were in were damaged to the point that the old screws simply were unable to stay in them and do their job. Carefully measuring the existing screw and getting the next size larger with appropriate tap would make the camera happy and all the future users of it.

[Drew Bedo]

S.K. Grimes has responded posativly through e-mail. They will be my back-up p"Plan B". I am sure they will do a great job.

However, I would prefer working with a local shop if possible. Seems the only Houston area shop that will work on non-digital, vintage cameras gear now is "Riley's Camera and Repair.

https://rileyscameras.wixsite.com/home

Carefully reding his website, I take it that only all mechanical gear is worked on, so not my Canon Eos Rebel 35mm film body either. Oddly (to me) he posts no e-mail or phone number, only Instagram and FaceBook contact info. Luddite that I am, I have no accounts with either.

I'll post an update whenever this lens thing is resolved.

[LabRat]

Since you have one of the focus drive screws, you can compare the thread to a modern screw to see if it is a standard size, and you can remove it to try in the other tapped holes to check if the threads are still good, then get some brass screws that size to replace the missing...

The optic cleaning is straightforward, but depends on how the barrel retains the elements... Most of the older lenses have screw-in retaining rings that hold elements in place that might be a little stuck due to old corrosion or sometimes black painted over, but a normal chore for a tech... Cleaning will restore lens for a much better contrast result and worth it... But some Petzval elements are thin near their edges, so care is needed to avoid chipping the glass...

Good luck!!!!

Steve K

[Tin Can]

I buy tiny bolts, nuts and washers in sets from Amazon

I have oodles of them now, for mounting lenses primaily

Helps to have a micrometer, depth guage, ad nauseam

Look at these cheap solutions

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=tiny+bolt..._ts-doa-p_3_10

[Drew Bedo]

Thanks everyone.

I admire and envy those with the tools, workspace, ability and skill to do a DIY CLA.

I have dexterity issues now so I am timid about dismantling the 150 year old glass bits . . .edge cipping is on my mind.

I may be able to deal with the screws myself.

I'll tell you how it all came out in a month or so.

[Tin Can]

I am getting blinder by the month, right eye is very bad, left is better

I have a special pad sold for camera repairs. It keeps little parts from bouncing away, Neotech. Very handy. Cannot find a selller now

You also need good screwdivers and a tiny bliers

eBay also sells tiny stuff cheap

Good luck

[Jim Jones]

I strongly second LabRat's suggestions (post #13). The owner of a lens from the early years of photography is merely the temporary custodian of an increasingly rare and perhaps valuable bit of history. Rethreading the lens barrel for modern screws is maybe one step above using duct tape instead a responsible repair job. Please fix it right or leave the repair for another owner who respects old lenses.

[Tin Can]

I do not re-tap

I try to find a smaller bolt and nut, Duct and Gaff tape will eat the finish

I used Metal Disintegrator service 0n priceless prototype Cummins englines too often

As Foreman I had 14 clumsy mechanics that I did not hire

https://electroarc.com/setting-the-r...ore%20sampling.

[Jim C.]

Drew, get yourself one of these - https://www.mcmaster.com/98728A114/
it'll make ID'ing the screw thread easier.

[Drew Bedo]

The local guy I referenced, "Riley's Cameras and Repair" is located in a part of town I do not feel confident going to.

I walk with a cane and travel on public buses. In today's state of urban unrest, I just don't think I'll go there.

This project will now go to SKG.

Some' before" pictures.