Disassembling Kodak 'Bantam' Colorsnap Front Lens

ID: 190932

Description: Removal of lens in case of stiff rings, dust in...

Steps:

  1. Make sure you make a multitude of photo's and markings of where the lens was in what position before removal.
  2. The leatherette is removed on this photo. There are no screws hidden underneath and removal is only a good idea if it's already loose or dirty.
  3. The front of the camera is split it 2 parts, the lens at the front and then the shutter behind it.
    4. Step image
  4. The shutter is behind the lens and not visible from the outside.
  5. First the lens needs to be removed. This is done by screwing out the 2 grub screws at the side of the lens with a 0.9 flathead. They are located in the focus ring of the lens.
  6. Important note: These screws are super tiny and you don't want to drop them. You can just screw them out a little bit to remove the tension and grip they have. You don't need to fully remove them at all to remove the first part of the lens.
  7. Photo shows the first part that will be removed.
    8. Step image
  8. I made a small scratch on the brass inside ring and on the underside of the focus ring to make sure i placed it back in the right place. I would advice you to take it off while it's at infinite focus. That was the easiest to find back if you also unscrew the middle (actual) focus ring for regreasing.
    9. Step image
  9. The last picture also shows the 3 long brass screws that basically hold all the other pieces in place. Make sure you remove part by part and not everything that is loose at once.
  10. When i did my dissassembly i messed up and put things in the wrong order. Please make sure you have it in the right order.
  11. Which is (from first removed to last): Outside focus ring, brass cover, black ring with diamond, lensgroup, aperture ring, ring (should be greasy), kodak name plate, paper cover below.
  12. You should end up with this.
  13. From here you could unscrew the 4 corner screws to reach the shutter mechanism or focus on the lensgroup to clean dust or possible fungus.
  14. The reassembly is much harder then the disassembly, so be warned! And take good photo's!
  15. Also no need to worry about how the aperture ring was, there is only 1 way it can fit back via a slot.
    16. Step image
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