Re: Vintage film cameras
 

I just looked at it again with a measure. It's definitely out. According to the lens markings, min focus is 9 inches, but I have it about 6, Other readings are similarly out. The lens markings are higher than reality. 6 ft focussed ttl equates to higher on the lens mount. Then I can move the lens to the infinity marking but looking through, its not focussed and the focus ring needs more travel.
Glass or lens seems to be put of alignment. Maybe it's been taken apart and not reassembled properly. I don't know if it's an easy fix. No screws on the lens body but 4 on the base. Dare I?

Re: Vintage film cameras
 

Sounds like someone's been at it,maybe taken the innards out of the focus helix but not put it back in the right place. Sounds like an easy enough fix once you can get into it. It's that or it'll only work across the range in which it looks sharp through the viewfinder.

Re: Vintage film cameras
 

I've got the back end off easy enough but that just gets me to the final lens and aperture mechanism. Not sure how to get at the focus ring internals though. Is that likely to be through the back or front?

Re: Vintage film cameras
 

Probably the front. The front element might unscrew by hand, but you might need a strong grip on a very narrow rim via rubber tool. See of you can post a pic or two of it or a link to another one

Re: Vintage film cameras
 

I've had a go at unscrewing it by hand - rubber gloves on - but no success.
This guy had the same problem. It's the same lens though an earlier model.

http://photo.net/classic-cameras-forum/00dnfg

Re: Vintage film cameras
 

http://photografica.robinparmar.com/...etail.html#M04

Originally, I thought mine was M03 but going by serial numbers, it's probably A23 so I don't think one of the better versions.

Re: Vintage film cameras
 

It's worth spending some time googling for "..." with "repair" on the end, where "..." is the name of the lens in its various forms. often you'll find it or something close enough. Looks from the small pic like you need to unscrew the front element with one of those big rubber cones, but it can be hard to tell for sure. I would also look under the rubber grip and see if there are any screws hidden by it.

Re: Vintage film cameras
 

I managed to carefully unscrew the ring on the Hanimex with a washing up glove and a can of spray.

Re: Vintage film cameras
 

Wonder what the outcome of Yoko's trip will be. Johnny, may be of interest for the bellows? 231970430164

Re: Vintage film cameras
 

Wow, he's not kidding about knowing nothing. They'd be rectangular ones I think, the Ikonta M yesterday was a 6x6. I gave it a miss after looking up some prices and the odds of getting cheap new bellows, only worth it as a keeper.