C/Y Zeiss 50 1.7 Planar - separating 2 front elements..Help!

[biggles3]

Hi - I acquired a nice little 1.7 Planar but on careful examination, there's a smear on the rear surface of the front element. I've been able to remove the front 2 group but have no idea as to how to separate the two bits of glass so it can be cleaned. Checking the Zeiss diagram, it would appear that the 2 front elements are not glued together which is at least encouraging.




From the slight marks on internal surfaces, screws etc, I'd say someone has attempted to clean the lens before but didn't check properly before reassembling. Can anyone help? Photos of the offending 2 element assembly are attached.

[jeroul]

I am having the same problem too. The front 2 elements is in a housing that seems to be glued together at the edges (2 spots)
I need to clean the surface inside those groups. How can I open it? Thank you

[Srdjan]

I have the same problem, how nobody know how to separate it?

[Srdjan]

There is a way to do it, but is not simple.
You take sharp blade-knife and you have to deform metal to outer side that holds glass. Do it on beck side later is less visible. You go in circle until you can remove glass.
If you are not careful you can damage lens forever so maybe it is better to give it to some professionals.