28/01/2024
Let's talk about Frankenstein lenses and cameras. A Frankenstein lens or camera is one which has been build up from different parts, usually from the same type of camera or lens but not always. Sometimes parts from other lenses or cameras are used. When creating a Frankenstein object, one needs to understand the design in order for it to perform within factory specs. In some cases, objects are put together as fast as possible in order to be sold, especially in the case of rare and expensive items. This subsequently creates issues which are discovered by the buyer and ultimately lead to great disappointments. Behold a rare Leitz Thambar 9 cm lens, produced in 1935 (at least based on the serialnr mentioned on the name ring). However, we noticed that the focusing assembly was from another Thambar because it didn't work with the optical block (given that the optical block is not a Frankenstein case, which is also possible) in any way. We had to find the right combination of the helicoid assembly, combined with the right combination of the cam assembly (in order to communicate with the rangefinder unit of the camera). Even then it had to be finetuned and with finetuning we mean we had to grind away some hundreds of a mm from the cam so it would communicate the correct distance information. A difficult and risky job. One can easily grind away too much... Luckily we have the measurement equipment and the experience for a job like this.
Lapping the cam of a rare Leitz lens?! In the case of a Frankenstein lens, it's the only option for the lens to be usable and the lens has less value in its current unusable condition. The cam and focus were checked at very close focus and up to 10 meters and finetuned where needed.
We also had to produce some cam parts for a rare Hektor lens which were worn from use. When buying expensive and rare cameras and lenses, always verify that all parts are genuine and match with each other. If it's a Frankenstein object it will sometimes require a lot of work to get it working properly again.
