Swapping front elements. Risks?

[JPD]

I'm thinking about having a Rodenstock 4,5/13,5cm Eurynar coated. The first lens I got had scratches on the front element, but I could easily dissasemble the elements.

I got another one today, with a perfect front element, but the second and third element can't be removed.

Could I just swap the front elements? They look the same, and I guess they are of the same formula. I did it with a Triotar once, and it worked perfectly. I know I could just try, but your experiences are welcome.

[edtbjon]

As the Eurynar isn't that valuable I'd go ahead. They should be the same.
By the way, I know there's a recent thread on coating lenses, but which one coating service/workshop did you find "good enough" for your purposes, and for how much (money that is. )

//Björn

[JPD]

As the Eurynar isn't that valuable I'd go ahead. They should be the same.
By the way, I know there's a recent thread on coating lenses, but which one coating service/workshop did you find "good enough" for your purposes, and for how much (money that is. )

Yes, this thread:
http://www.apug.org/forums/forum44/5...ng-lenses.html

At the moment Longman Optical in Tasmania seems to be the best option (AUS $180), but I'm still open to suggestions.

http://www.longmanoptical.com.au

I have now changed the front element for the better one, and I can't see any difference on the ground glass.

[edtbjon]

It's kind of strange having to send gear litterary around the world in order to find a service for it. From here, eh Sweden that is, Tassie is really a long shot. With all of Europe "under us", it kind of feels like there should be something closer.
I don't know if it was discussed in the other thread, but I don't know if the coating plant in Ukraina(?) ever came up. I know that I, a couple of years ago, saw some discussion involving that particular factory, but of course I didsave the link to their homepage. From what I remember in that thread the prices was reasonable, the (few) clients who participated in the discussion were happy. Also, they obviously do the coating for all the russian lenses (for Kiev etc. cameras) that are still sold.

//Björn

[JPD]

I don't know if it was discussed in the other thread, but I don't know if the coating plant in Ukraina(?) ever came up.

It did, but Arax stopped coating lenses recently. He/they sold the coating equipment.

I don't mind sending the lens to Tasmania. I sent my Retina Ib to Chris Sherlock in New Zealand for repair once, and that's even further south.