Lens Repair
Wednesday, May 21st, 2008A question posed today: “Is it possible to disassemble to clean and restore an old Voigtlander & Son large format lens? It is full of loose flakes and particals, but it is an awesome lens, and the glass is clear.”
My answer:
It may be possible - partly depending on the construction of the lens. Many lenses have elements that are held in place with threads or retaining rings; some older lenses had the brass barrel rolled over the edge of the element, which makes disassembly much more difficult.
I can recommend John at Focal Point:
http://www.focalpointlens.com/
He worked on an old Gold Rim Dagor that I shoot with my Deardorff. He disassembled and recoated the lens, replacing the old soft coating with a modern multi-coating. I am always pleased with his work - and he will tell you frankly if the cost of the repair is higher than the worth of the lens. Sometimes one repairs anyway - just because the lens is a classic.