Disassembly of lens

[magiarcher]

Hello everyone, I have a KONICA AR 135MM F/3.2, but the front lens group is moldy, is there a way to remove only the front lens group for cleaning? What type of tools do I need? Thanks

[kathala]

[marcusBMG]

Hi magiarcher, welcome aboard.
135's are usually optically relatively simple: 4 or 5 elements is common. The front element or elements typically come out with the removal of the nameplate ring. This normally engages with the filter thread and may or may not have two notches in it. If it does then a lens spanner is the tool to use. Otherwise something which will grip the ring with sufficient friction to turn it. I use a piece of plastic pipe with a bit of double sided sticky tape over the shaped end - the pipe needs to be the right diameter, just a bit smaller than the filter thread diameter.
Once you have succeeeded in removing the nameplate ring then the front element(s) may just drop out, or may be a pretty snug fit in a housing. In the latter case, hold the lens upsidedown over a well padded table top and try tapping all around the perimeter. If the element starts moving but hangs at an angle, push it back a little till its straight again and drops down evenly. The moment its out, use a sharpie pen to mark its orientation with an arrow on the edge. Take care when re-inserting, you don't want to jam it at an angle, carefully ease it in as straight as possible (this is where rubber gloves are most useful to keep the element clean - good practice to wear gloves anyway) and make sure its properly seated all the way in (it's a good idea to make a scratch before removal marking its level so you can tell). In extremis, if problems removing/reseating, warming the lens to cause some slight expansion can work.
I use a little meths with a drop of household mildew and mould remover added, and some dried out cheap lens cleaning tissues, to clean off the fungus, you don't need anything special particularly for the light fungus on your lens, anything with a bit of detergent action will suffice. Use a blower to remove any flecks of lint, a good lens cleaning tissue or eg lens pen to clean off any smears.
Not a difficult one, this, I'm sure you can manage it.

[jamaeolus]

The best thing is the rubber lens ring tools. But nearly as good is Blu-Tak. It's typically sold in the stationary section of mass merchandise stores like Target etc. It's used to hold up posters on the wall or small bits of paper up on a vertical surface for typing and that kind of thing. It's basically silly putty. It is formable, very grippy and comes off pretty clean. It will only cost a couple of dollars. Form a very small ring of the stuff and press firmly into the name ring (aka bezel). Try not to get on the glass or in the filter threads. Then using a jar to push into and turn the ring anticlockwise.

[Alsatian2017]

Up to now, there is mostly generic advice to unscrew the name ring. While useful with lenses of other makers, Konica lenses are built in a slightly different way : first, you will have to extract the two tiny set screws holding the front barrel. Then, proceed to unscrew the front barrel. Next, unscrew the front lens assembly holding the first three lenses. Finally, loosen the retaining ring in the front to extract and clean the front lens (there is another ring retaining the third lens from the front.

[Zamo]

[Alsatian2017]

[quote="Zamo"]

[KEO]

My three tips to add:

1. Do as much research as you can on the design of the lens before you begin. Pay special attention to the diagram of the elements. The best thing is to find a tutorial or example by some one who has already opened the lens you're going to open.

2. Definitely wear gloves when handling the glass.

3. If you have any trouble replacing the front elements after you've cleaned them, try holding the lens upside down and inserting them from underneath.

Good luck!