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.
Drew Bedo
www.quietlightphoto.com
http://www.artsyhome.com/author/drew-bedo
There are only three types of mounting flanges; too big, too small and wrong thread!
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
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
Tin Can
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.
Drew Bedo
www.quietlightphoto.com
http://www.artsyhome.com/author/drew-bedo
There are only three types of mounting flanges; too big, too small and wrong thread!
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
Tin Can
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.
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.
Tin Can
Drew, get yourself one of these - https://www.mcmaster.com/98728A114/
it'll make ID'ing the screw thread easier.
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.
Last edited by Drew Bedo; 18-May-2023 at 07:18.
Drew Bedo
www.quietlightphoto.com
http://www.artsyhome.com/author/drew-bedo
There are only three types of mounting flanges; too big, too small and wrong thread!
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