There is a small setscrew in my new large format lens that requires boring a hole in the lensboard in order to countersink the screw (presumably for stability). This appears to be an optional process. My Toyo lensboards are very thin, and I am reasonably sure that I will mess up this process if I try it. Is it really necessary to go to the trouble of accomodating this setscrew in the board for lens stability, or is it truly optional? Thanks for your responses.

-- Jim Poehling (NW0Q@compuserve.com), December 16, 1998

Answers

You can probably get along without it, although it shouldnt be a problem to drill one if you wish to use it, either. If you want to use it, try applying paint, lipstick, etc., to the setscrew, and lower the lens assy on the lensboard in your desired orientation so the setscrew marks the spot of contact, then remove the lens, use a nail or punch to mark the center of the contact point, then carefully drill it out against a piece of wood, then use a larger drill bit to deburr the hole by hand.

-- Ron Shaw (shaw9@llnl.gov), December 16, 1998.

You might want to consider having your lens mounted by a professional. It shouldn't be that expensive, and the peace of mind is (I think) worth it.

-- Rob Rothman (robrothman@worldnet.att.net), December 16, 1998.

You can use a small 3 sided file to cut a notch in the edge of the hole of the lensboard. It's quick and easy, I've done it about half a dozen times, and there's no light leak. I think it's worth keeping the setscrew.

Alternatively, you can remove the setscrew, since it's not essential. The setscrew keeps the lens from rotating even a small amount. This rotation speeds up the loosening of the lens, but it takes a while before the loosening is detrimental. If that happens, just tighten it up again with your spanner wrench.

-- Don Wong (wongx017@tc.umn.edu), December 17, 1998.