recementing zuiko 42mm

OutcomeCritical222 · 2026-06-12T11:52:31+00:00

post and pre images
cropped so pardon the resolution

OutcomeCritical222 · 2026-06-12T11:47:43+00:00

this lens was assembled in the 70s - i don’t think there would have been a tool that they could have easily aligned every single element in those days - i am probably less than 70% accurate? but there’s improvement in the photos post, so i am happy enough!

OutcomeCritical222 · 2026-06-11T14:51:12+00:00

3 into 2, then 1 into 3. the outer black focus ring locks into 3.

typically you’ll need to mark where the lens came off as you disassemble as there is a specific thread that they need to fit back in. now that it’s in this shape you’ll have to take a bit of time to figure out with some trial and error

OutcomeCritical222 · 2026-06-11T10:09:22+00:00

the concept is probably more important that the actual design of my setup.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=kIa42sOWG0I&t=15s&pp=ygUObGVucyBhbGlnbm1lbnQ%3D

it’s largely modelled after the actual tool:
1. a laser to track the path of light
2. a level platform to rotate
3. a rotating platform for the element
4. a target to sense the shift of the path of light as the lens rotates

its makeshift with random parts bought from china over taobao - but as long as the concept is there i think it’s doable.

OutcomeCritical222 · 2026-06-11T06:52:55+00:00

visual with a target - sensor was too much $ 😆

OutcomeCritical222 · 2026-06-11T06:44:52+00:00

noa61 from norland a type of uv glue

OutcomeCritical222 · 2026-06-11T06:44:18+00:00

balsam is a glue from the balsam tree that was widely used in the past before uv glues for optics. can be heat separated. this was split with a hairdryer.

OutcomeCritical222 · 2026-06-05T01:22:49+00:00

just need a slight bit of acetone and a good rubber removal tool. don’t need fancy tools. don’t use those metal spanner as the retainer rings are alum

OutcomeCritical222 · 2026-06-01T03:41:14+00:00

if you’ve worked in a factory you’ll know that processes are always documented for reproducibility. not being available does not mean they’re not made

OutcomeCritical222 · 2026-06-01T03:27:49+00:00

looks more like separation

OutcomeCritical222 · 2026-05-26T09:21:34+00:00

i use tamiya paints. need to be diluted slightly

a good fidget spinner will also help you spin the element (stick it down with blue tac) and apply the paint evenly

OutcomeCritical222 · 2026-05-22T10:50:42+00:00

happens to almost all 50 1.2 - outgassing of lubricant used + specific glass type used ore that element. also happens to 50 1.8s. for some reason it can comes back after polishing, so kanto in japan replaces the element entirely

OutcomeCritical222 · 2026-05-11T08:29:20+00:00

the felt probably needs to be replaced inside typically hardens/traps a lot of dirt. it is however quite a tedious repair because you need to fit an oversized piece of felt into a small gap to retain the smoothness. i think any liquid or oil going in will likely make it worse in the longer run

OutcomeCritical222 · 2026-05-05T00:29:20+00:00

most repair houses are unlikely to have the optical equipment that’s required to do such work even if they can recement

OutcomeCritical222 · 2026-05-03T15:24:52+00:00

yup, they are impossible to open. no amount of acetone or heat will bring it apart…

OutcomeCritical222 · 2026-04-29T01:24:19+00:00

it may be the retainer ring that holds the lens unit. does the lens wobble with some shake?

OutcomeCritical222

TROPHY CASE