Mamiya 55mm TLR filter ring repair

[digital_provenance]

I have an opportunity to purchase a used Mamiya 55mm lens for my C330f

which is said to be in excellent condition (glass, shutter, diaphram)

except that there is a "ding" on the taking lens filter ring. It

won't allow one to put a filter on it. The price as-is comes in at

about $200 U.S.

 

How difficult and/or expensive would it be to have this repaired so it

would accept a filter? is it an easily replaceable part?

 

TIA

[lemastre]

Good price for the lens even with a ding in the ring. But, a blow hard enough to

bend the ring could do internal damage. Check all the lens and mechanical

elements. If they check out, I'd buy the lens, unscrew the front element,

remove all the glass, and try to put the ring back into round with a pair of

needle-nose pliers or by hanging the ring on the corner of a metal bar and

tapping with a light mallet. Failing that, I'd visit a repair shop. I've had one of

those 55mm lenses for about 30 years and have made maybe one shot with it

in the studio. I eagerly await the next opportunity.

[digital_provenance]

I better add that I would be purchasing this long-distance, so I dont' have a chance to handle or inspect it in person. It's being sold by a reputable shop though and comes with a 90 day guarantee.

[victor_lioce]

Ask the seller if they will give you a 15 day no questions asked return on the unit before you buy it. Anyone willing to do that should be OK to deal with. If not, buy it with your credit card so if you get "stiffed" you can call the credit card company and tell them not to honor the purchase. Then you have their camera and they have none of your money, if they become difficult.

 

If you are satisfied the camera works, you might check with a local repair shop and see if they can provide you with a replacement front for the lens barrel. If you are handy, you can replace it your self, with the aid of a 55mm lens repair manual, available from the Mamiya web site (www.mamiya.com). Or if you don't want to do it, you should be able to get it done at a good local repair shop.

 

Hope that helps.

[jim_everett]

I had a repair like this made many years ago on a very expensive lens, so I know it is possible. I don't remember how much I paid, but as I recall it wasn't too much. The repair shop had a tool which worked the filter ring back into shape; they didn't need any parts and it was repaired while I waited. I was probably lucky, but it would be worth your time to call a professional camera repair shop and see what they could do.