P3D Re: Bent lens threads

[SHIELDS@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

You must be very, very careful not to damage the front element of the
lens. Considering this, you _may_ be able to very carefully and gently
use a needlenose pliers (the finer the better, although two sizes may
come in handy) to straighten the edge of the lens mount. Using a cloth
between the pliers and the lens mount will reduce the possibility of
damaging the threads, but will make it more likely to slip. Then you will
need to use very small pattern files or perhaps a sharp penknife blade
to clear out the threads of any material that got mashed into them when
you were doing the straightening. You may also need to gently file the
outer edge of the rim to remove any burrs. When you think you have gotten
it straight enough, try to thread an old, non-valuable filter into it.
Work it back and forth with some grease on the threads. You may need
to rebend if this isn't working. When the old filter will go in, thread
it in several times, wiping off any chips caught by the grease.

I successfully used this method to straighten the rim of an Olympus
flat 38mm f/2.8 for the Pen FT. You'll have to decide how mechanically
inclined you are and/or how valuable the lens is. Perhaps you will
want to take it to a professional instead.

Hope this helps.

Mark Shields

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