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Removing kodak medalist front lens group and rear lens group
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PostPosted: Sat Mar 12, 2016 8:12 am    Post subject: Removing kodak medalist front lens group and rear lens group Reply with quote
I have searched for long on the web but there seems to be no way to know how to unscrew or anyway disassemble the front element. I have the original repair manual from butkus.org but it doesn't cover the shutter/lens assembly.

Somebody claims it can be unscrewed but mine is solid as rock.

The rear element has a retaining ring, here the problem is that this ring is seated deep into the helical, so reaching for its slots is impossible without, I guess, a special tool.

In attachment a special grip that I have found to be deemed useful to unscrew other medalist circular parts.

I do not know if it might be the right tool for the front element, though.

As for the rear one, same story, what tool?



PostPosted: Sat Mar 12, 2016 10:14 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Both the front and rear groups can be unscrewed. I did it with the lens from my Medalist. While the front group was easy to unscrew the rear one was not, but in the end I succeeded. No tool was necessary, just by hand.
But in my case it was not necessary to take off the whole shutter assembly - I only unscrewed the lens groups and let the shutter in place, mounted on the helicoid. I was afraid that taking the shutter off may de-calibrate the rangefinder.

To be able to unscrew the rear group I've used a loosener solution (the type for car use) in a very small quantity, applied with a needle. It was effective. I can't recommend this due to the danger that the solution can reach the diaphragm, but I've successfully used it sometimes (with great care). If you decide to use it, you'll do it on your own risk.

Last edited by dan_ on Sat Mar 12, 2016 4:46 pm; edited 1 time in total


PostPosted: Sat Mar 12, 2016 12:32 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
dan_ wrote:
Both the front and rear groups can be unscrewed. I did it with the lens from my Medalist. While the front group was easy to unscrew the rear one was not, but in the end I succeeded. No tool was necessary, just by hand.
But in may case it was not necessary to take off the whole shutter assembly - I only unscrewed the lens groups and let the shutter in place, mounted on the helicoid. I was afraid that taking the shutter off may de-calibrate the rangefinder.

To be able to unscrew the rear group I've used a loosener solution (the type for car use) in a very small quantity, applied with a needle. It was effective. I can't recommend this due to the danger that the solution can reach the diaphragm, but I've successfully used it sometimes (with great care). If you decide to use it, you'll do it on your own risk.


From what you say I gather mine is stuck. Since there is a deep scratch sign on the front barrel made probably by a pincer I assume somebody unscrewed it and put it back in position using too much force.

I will try to dislodge it with a less drastic tool. ty
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