NIKKOR Ai 24/2.8 - need help with cleaning front glass

[chudy128314]

I have amazingly performing manual focus Nikkor 24/2.8. It has some fungus at the very edge of the front glass. How could I remove the front glass? I tried to unscrew front plate (with inscriptions, serial number etc.) using various tools but I failed. Do I really need to get it "from inside"?

This is the lens:

[cooltouch]

I'm pretty sure you have to get at that front element from the front. Did you try a large rubber stopper to remove the front bezel? Behind the bezel should be a retainer ring with the slots for a lens spanner.

[Gardener]

No, most likely you need to go from behind - the entire optical probably comes out as one if it is designed as other Nikkors of that generation. An alternative/complementary solution is to remove the rubber ring, unscrew the front edge of the focusing ring and look for a set screw located under it. Once set screw is loosened, you can unscrew the front of the lens. Actually, do start from the front.

[Jiaming]

I have no experience with Nikkors, but for vintage lenses, it should be accessible from the front. See if this helps you,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWZ9pPFKYb8

[chudy128314]

Thanks for the info. I tried to remove front ring/plate in all ways I know that worked with my other lenses. So before I use even greater momentum I decided to ask, I don't want to ruin this masterpiece.