I’m receiving tomorrow from Japan a canon serenar 35mm f2.8 with fungus. I’m planning to service the lens but I can not find any info about how to dismantle the lens. I will appreciate any tip.
It’s been a while since I did mine, but my recollection is that it is like most Canon lenses of this vintage. This is from memory, so please take it as such and use caution if something doesn’t seem right.
Use a spanner to remove the retaining ring from the rear, which will allow the optical blocks to separate. If you need to get into the optics further, you’ll have to unscrew the retaining rings on each block to do so. I cannot recall if the front ring has notches or not; if not, you need to use a rubber stopper to remove it.
Other than that, I think it’s pretty straight-forward. Make sure you have the right tools before you begin. Good luck.
Thanks for your prompt response. I just received the lens. Looks better then expected in relation with fungus, some cleaning marks in front and a light separation on the front optic but in the border. Just did some test with my Sony Nex 6 and the lens still sharp and reasonably contrasted. I have already some experience with servicing a Elmar 50mm 3.5 from the same era but never to conscious about other manufacturers. Happy to hear that’s nothing “special” about. Will post few pics after the first roll.
A little edge separation is not likely to be a problem. Fungus is easily cleaned up using moisturizing hand cream – I know it sounds crazy, but it works. Apply a heavy layer, wait 5-10 minutes, remove, and clean the glass as you usually would. If it’s like most used lenses I’ve seen, there’s some haze inside even if it’s not visible to the naked eye. Use a bright LED flashlight to look. Most old lenses benefit a lot from a thorough cleaning.
If you don’t have the original hood for that lens, I made one up using a 34-46 step-up ring and a 46mm metal hood, both cheap generic pieces from ebay. A bit ugly, but no vignetting. With the cleaning marks you will probably see some benefit. Easily made up if you decide you need one.
The lens came with the original 34/44mm adapter. I have a 3D printer, I’m thinking about building a hood. Did check already with a light. Looks better then expected. Normally I use a mixture of water peroxide and ammonium . I did heard about using cream for athlet foot but just cream is a new concept for me.
I’m sure there are many ways to deal with it; I’ve always opted for the hand cream simply because it’s commonly available and non-destructive, so there’s no risk to coatings and such.
3D printing has been a great thing for making hard-to-find parts. Please let me know if you succeed – I’d love to see the result.
Yep, will let you know.