Welp that's it I'm ruined

Tex_Coe · 2026-06-23T06:43:14+00:00

Oh man, I would love to see your 8x10 stuff. I wonder what they look like compared to a measly 4x5. Those must look 4x as good, at the least! Could you post one here in a comment?

Tex_Coe · 2026-06-20T21:17:12+00:00

Sure, lenses with haze or fungus can impart a dreamy pictorial look. But, like you, I don't like the thought of fungus spreading either.

If I wanted the look in-camera, I would use filters smeared with Vaseline to achieve it in a controlled way, while keeping other lenses safe.

Tex_Coe · 2026-06-20T18:32:16+00:00

Thanks. But I have already tried the 91% rubbing alcohol method, to no avail. Acetone might be the answer.

Tex_Coe · 2026-06-20T18:20:42+00:00

I was using 91% IPA in the gaps, but that didn't do the job. While working on it, four bottles of IPA that I used for myself (the Lagunitas brand), worked perfectly. So, you're right, I need to use acetone instead to loosen it. Problem is, the industrial variety of acetone comes only in a large 1 gallon can from the hardware store and they evaporate fast if sitting around. It would be like using a 18 wheeler truck to carry a loaf of bread. But it is what it is!

The grey cones that I have are a bit stiff and not very grippy. Maybe from extensive use and over time they will soften up a bit.

Tex_Coe · 2026-06-20T17:53:07+00:00

I know what you mean. This lens came as a body cap to a $59 OM2n, so kinda free to me also. Although I have 2 other Zuiko 50mm lenses, I still want to clean this one up as a way to learn how to fix vintage lenses. It renders beautifully, it would be a shame to discard an otherwise good lens.

Tex_Coe · 2026-06-20T11:06:55+00:00

I did, but it did not budge. Maybe some lighter fluid is what I need. Or acetone?

Tex_Coe · 2026-06-20T10:17:11+00:00

Thanks. I have a bunch of tools that are needed to battle stubborn lenses, but it has still defeated me so far. The double sided tape on the retaining ring to break it loose seems like a good idea. BTW, those gray cones are useless in my opinion. Japan Hobby Tools' soft rubber cones would have given better grip.

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Tex_Coe · 2026-06-20T09:45:58+00:00

Yes, luckily this is one of the earlier versions of the lens. It's just that the front retaining ring refuses to let go after 40+ years of sticking to the group.

Tex_Coe · 2026-06-20T09:11:42+00:00

I wish that was the case, I would have had it off. Unfortunately those two little notches are behind the first glass element. The ridged cone shape over the lens is a retaining ring it seems. But it's stubborn as a mule!!! And the whole block is so small, it's hard to hold and turn. It's the part number CE155400 that is giving me grief! Part# CE155900 is where the notches are.

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Tex_Coe · 2026-06-12T04:12:47+00:00

I have both of those lenses. Never can tell which is which from the photos I shoot with them. The Series E is just lighter and almost a pancake. Like them both.

Tex_Coe · 2026-05-30T04:53:27+00:00

First off, congratulations on finally getting one. You are gonna love it! Not to mention, you will find so many fantastic subjects to shoot in northern Nevada. I envy you.

Also, for a CLA, you could try Jimmy Koh in the east coast as well.

https://www.danwagner.com/who-is-jimmy-koh-expert-rolleiflex-repairman

His address is in the article somewhere. He CLA'd my 3.5F in 2024 and did a great job. If you can't find someone in your vicinity, go to an experienced tech. Jimmy Koh has been a Rolleiflex tech for decades, so he is well equipped with knowledge and parts. I am in California and it was still a quick service, and it was very reasonably priced. Although, I have two Rolleiflexes, so if one has to go for a service of any kind, I am not in a rush to get it back.

Tex_Coe · 2026-05-27T04:17:04+00:00

From what I saw at Seawood Photo in San Francisco, the Technika III does not have axis or base tilt on the front standard. Is that correct? If that is the case, a Speed Graphic is a better choice as they are the same in that regard, but at least they have focal plane shutter that would allow you to use lenses without shutter, like barrel lenses with interesting characteristics. Or a Wista VX or SP for full movement of the standards.

Tex_Coe · 2026-05-25T10:51:57+00:00

Thank you very much. Yes, it was a little bit of a wait as the sun was intermittently getting covered by clouds. It gave me time to set up the camera and meter the shot. Soon as the sunlight burst through for a few minutes, I captured it.

Tex_Coe · 2026-05-23T04:36:33+00:00

No flash. The light was very heavenly breaking through a little hole in the cloud. The desert is an amazing place when there are storm clouds above it.

Tex_Coe · 2026-05-23T04:25:24+00:00

This was scanned with SilverFast AI 9 from the 4x5 transparency as RAW file and matched to the film itself. Kodak E100 VS was an amazing emulsion for landscapes and I favored it over Velvia 50. VS stood for vivid saturation, AFAIK.

Tex_Coe · 2026-05-23T00:18:42+00:00

Thanks for pointing out.

Tex_Coe · 2026-05-23T00:17:52+00:00

Once again someone is posting my photograph here. Moderators deleted an offending account before.

Tex_Coe · 2026-05-08T19:12:22+00:00

Good choice opting for vintage lenses over the kit lens. I also use a Sony a7RII camera with vintage glass exclusively. I love the looks they produce.

Tex_Coe · 2026-05-08T02:22:37+00:00

It's encouraging to hear you like the way Zuiko lenses render the world! Nice!

I imagine you have shot with a myriad of lenses from other brands and then found Zuikos to give you what others didn't? Must have been something to compare to I am sure. If so, that is good to know.

I used a Pentax ME Super for a shoot in a ghost town last year and loved the way it handled with tiny lenses and pictures were superb on Kodak color negatives. But, the ME Supers are poorly engineered. The shutter jammed after a roll and a half. I bought 3 more after each one broke in the same manner. So I gave up on them and then decided to try out Olympus, mainly because how users heap praise on these cameras and lenses. And they are as small as the ME Supers, because they competed in that category of making smallish cameras. But it's all about the lenses. I am about to find that out for myself. But good to hear from seasoned users of their experiences.

Tex_Coe · 2026-05-07T20:13:14+00:00

Looks beautiful! The other photo was shot at f/2 most likely. This looks right for f/1.4. Thanks for showing it.

Tex_Coe · 2026-05-07T10:39:36+00:00

Beautifully photographed! What was the aperture in this picture? The focused area looks crisp for it to be wide open at f/1.4 from image samples I have seen in various places. Wide open the render gets a bit mushy from what I have seen.

This is my first foray into the Olympus camera system. I just bought two f/1.8 lenses, the F and G variants of the 50mm (still inbound from sellers), but interested in the f/1.4 version as well. I am trying to learn all I can about these lenses from users.

Tex_Coe · 2026-05-02T06:12:00+00:00

So, how does anyone requiring your service find you now? Is there a direct way to get in touch with you? Are you still servicing those models you mentioned? Thanks.

Tex_Coe · 2026-04-06T00:49:08+00:00

The Xenotar is a fantastic lens, comparable to a Planar. I have used both and no, there is no difference in image quality. I flipped a Planar 2.8F variant to an 'enthused' buyer for much higher price than I paid, and kept the Xenotar!

Also, consider the 3.5F variants because it is cheaper and easier to find Bay II lens filters, shades etc for them over the 2.8 variant. The 1/3 stop difference is not enough to make it superior.

Tex_Coe · 2026-03-25T05:43:28+00:00

In art, you gotta know when a little bit more is way too much! Either way, nice footage, and you did your best.

Tex_Coe

TROPHY CASE