Updates:

Welcome to our updated forum!  VIP Members can reset their password using their username or email address.

To glue or not to glue...a separated lens

Started by Realityguy, Dec 14, 2007, 04:51 AM

Previous topic - Next topic

Blue_agave

Dec 14, 2007, 04:51 AM Last Edit: Sep 20, 2024, 01:24 AM by smf_adm
We're talking about a Mamiya TLR lens here. The viewing lens had some lens separation on an internal, and required cleaning, and believe it or not, as I was disassembling it, the two glued elements literally fell apart. Surprisingly, the glue

Markus

Dec 14, 2007, 06:01 AM #1 Last Edit: Sep 20, 2024, 01:24 AM by smf_adm
Canada balsam is pretty hard to find these days. I ended up buying some from a guy from Canada on ebay to re-cement a lens element. With balsam the repair is reversible and more old school. The balsam was not all that expensive (I think about $15 incl. sh

Blue_agave

Dec 14, 2007, 07:42 AM #2 Last Edit: Sep 20, 2024, 01:24 AM by smf_adm
Sounds like a plan, Markus - thanks! I'll drop you a note. You know, I was wondering about that eBay balsam  - I wrote the guy to ask him a little about it, but did not get a reply. But if you got good, crystal clear results, then I'm sure w

Wernerjb

Dec 14, 2007, 10:07 AM #3 Last Edit: Sep 20, 2024, 01:24 AM by smf_adm
I can highly recommend Kremer Pigmente http://kremer-pigmente.com/ as an excellent source for Canada balsam. I have recememented three lenses by now and all of them show excellent results. For those who

Markus

Dec 14, 2007, 01:19 PM #4 Last Edit: Sep 20, 2024, 01:24 AM by smf_adm
The Canada balsam I bought from that guy on ebay worked well. The lens is clear and I managed to get it together without making too much of a mess. The trick is not to use too much of it, a little more than one drop of it was enough for a lens with a di

Paul Ron

Dec 16, 2007, 11:06 AM #5 Last Edit: Sep 20, 2024, 01:24 AM by smf_adm
Balsam is very commonly used in Histology labs to mount tissue samples under a cover slip. If there is a lab in your area, ask em and they will probably  be glad to give you a few CCs of it. Bring your own bottle.

Blue_agave

Dec 20, 2007, 12:10 PM #6 Last Edit: Sep 20, 2024, 01:24 AM by smf_adm
In case anyone is following along, Markus, as good as his word, mailed me a syringe of Canada balsam. I have already repaired the 250mm lens (3 drops), and I've repaired a 135mm rear element (1 drop). I will say that if I had not enjoyed the adv

Markus

Dec 20, 2007, 06:16 PM #7 Last Edit: Sep 20, 2024, 01:24 AM by smf_adm
I am glad to hear the repairs worked out for you! You're most certainly welcome.
 
I second your statement about the difficulty in centering the lenses. The one that I repaired also was sitting in a barrel without any play so there was no problem i

Realityguy

Dec 21, 2007, 03:48 PM #8 Last Edit: Sep 20, 2024, 01:24 AM by smf_adm
I have a large format 90mm angolon that the front element has separated into the large front lens and smaller rear one..Apparently by this thread..not a good idea to self-fix..Anybody have an idea of the cost and where to have it done(and have you had it