I think I have broken my anamorphic lens

[Dirk Rugged]

I have stripped the internal threads on my anamorphic lens, does anyone know of a way to fix this, or have I just thrown $1000 bucks down the toilet? It is still attached to my camera, does anyone know a way to remove the lens without damaging the camera or the lens more? I would really appreciate any help anyone has. I really can't afford to by another lens.

Thank You.

 

[Martin Hill]

I can't help you with the removal of your anamorphic lens, but you will probably be able to get the thread repaired or replaced. Regarding the cost - it depends how damaged the thread actually is. I've had threads repaired in the past but not for optical lenses.

Pick up the phone book and ring local workshops asking for thread repair. If they do it, you'll most probably be able to take the adapter to them to either have the thread repaired by removing the damaged parts - leaving gaps in the thread, but unless you've really damaged the thread, these will only be small gaps that won't cause a problem. They might be able to figure out the threads-per-inch, thread height, etc, but give them the exact spec of the 72mm thread just to be sure. They might need to completely remove the whole thread and create a dip to attach a new thread surface - but this is risky. If they can repair it, make sure it is fully protected before you give it to them. Sharp bits of tiny metal might come off while they are working on it, and workshops aren't exactly the most clean places in the world.

 

[ericyoung]

I have stripped the internal threads on my anamorphic lens, does anyone know of a way to fix this, or have I just thrown $1000 bucks down the toilet? It is still attached to my camera, does anyone know a way to remove the lens without damaging the camera or the lens more? I would really appreciate any help anyone has. I really can't afford to by another lens.

Thank You.

Well, first of all, have you really stripped them (ie there is no useable thread left, or "merely" crossthreaded them (ie you have attached the lens at a slight angle and the threads have jammed across each other?

I ask because it is still attached to the camera. If it was truly stripped, it would probably fall off!

The knob on the side, gently tightened, normally acts as enough of a brake stopping the threaded ring of the lens freely rotating to allow you to attach and detach the threaded ring from the camera's filter thread. However, if you've crossthreaded, the extra friction will require you to tighten the knob more than usual.

It may be that you've jammed the threads so tightly that the knob can't be tightened enough without damage to allow you to overcome the jamming. But unless you were really applying King Kong strength to attach the lens, I would expect that tightening the knob in little increments more than usual will allow you to eventually detach the lens.

Once you've got the lens off, you should inspect both threads to assess the extent of the damage. If you're lucky, it may be just a matter of carefully brushing out metal swarf (away from the glass!), and paying especial care when attaching it next time. There should never be a need to apply more than very gentle finger force to do this. If you are requiring more, stop and start again!

Or alternatively take it all to a qualified Panny dealer or service centre and let them do it for you, probably at a cost.

Good luck!
Eric

 

[Dirk Rugged]

My broken lens

My broken lens

I have only stripped the internal thread on the side tightening screw, but because it requires the screw to be tightened to remove the lens I am unable to get it off to fix it. The front threads on my camera and the main internal threads on the lens are unharmed to the best of my knowledge. Sorry I should have made this clearer from the beginning.

 

[ericyoung]

Haven't got my anamorphic with me, but perhaps you can push the stripped screw in hard with one hand to try and engage the rotating ring enough to turn it?

Alternatively, does the screw unscrew completely? If it's not captive, you might be able to find a generic replacement, unless it's the hole thread that's stripped in which case you may have to find a slight larger diameter screw and get the hole thread retapped.

When I get home, will have a look at mine and have a think. I don' t know, but is it possible to take the lens apart? Of course this would invalidate any warranty, risk damaging the glass, and maybe let dust inside!! There was another thread about dust inside and taking it apart.