Re: Sputnik problems

[E R Swanson <ers@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

> 
> As to removing the front elements, it's a real bugger.  Incredibly hard to
> get those rings out, and even harder to put them back.  Having done it
> once, I would not recommend taking them out unless you want a fight.  I've
> never had a problem with unblackened lenses, although I always shoot
> stopped down.
> 

I just did it for fun. The trick is to make yourself a two part ring
seating tool out of plastic (metal is dangerous re proximity to the
optics). Hold down one end of the ring with one small chunk of the
plastic, and ride the other around the perimeter of the ring until the
other end snaps into place.

Elliott