Nordvik Posted July 19, 2018 Share #1 Posted July 19, 2018 Advertisement (gone after registration) Can someone recommend a brand of screwdrivers? 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted July 19, 2018 Posted July 19, 2018 Hi Nordvik, Take a look here Screwdrivers for lenses and cameras. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
jaapv Posted July 20, 2018 Share #2 Posted July 20, 2018 https://www.micro-tools.de/en/home/ Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
zeitz Posted July 20, 2018 Share #3 Posted July 20, 2018 Buy lots of them. You will often have to file the tips to get a custom blade for the precise fit you need for precision work. For older lenses the screws can be very tight. I have filed the tips of screwdriver bits from the hardware store to put in a tap handle to achieve the required torque. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wlaidlaw Posted July 20, 2018 Share #4 Posted July 20, 2018 (edited) I think the Swiss A+F (Albert Froidevaux) are the best quality price compromise. Bergeon and Horotec are a bit more expensive and I can detect no difference in quality from the A+F. I also don't like the very slim shanks on the Horotec. If you use them a lot like I do, you will need a sharpening stone and jig. The other very useful tools are a set of Flexiclamps and a lens ring tool. I haven't got them with me but in the UK, I also have a set of rubber plugs for undoing rings and a few more Flexiclamps for Barnack Leicas. The final tool which I seemed to have lost and ordered another one yesterday, is an anti-magnetic pair of tweezers. I suspect my last pair are now being used for eyebrows. Wilson PS. I also use Micro-tools.de. Very efficient and reasonable prices. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Edited July 20, 2018 by wlaidlaw 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/286751-screwdrivers-for-lenses-and-cameras/?do=findComment&comment=3558709'>More sharing options...
pedaes Posted July 20, 2018 Share #5 Posted July 20, 2018 (edited) From shots of the assembly stations, it looks like Leica use Facom screwdrivers and sockets https://catalogue.facom.com/uk-en/categorie/electronics/micro-tech-screwdrivers/micro-tech-screwdriver-kits Edited July 20, 2018 by pedaes Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nordvik Posted July 20, 2018 Author Share #6 Posted July 20, 2018 Thank you all for your answers. For now I just filed down the tip of a cheap one. But I would like to have something like that A+F set in the future. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
250swb Posted July 21, 2018 Share #7 Posted July 21, 2018 Advertisement (gone after registration) I use precision screwdrivers for work and would recommend a German brand Wiha 'Picofinish'. They sell them in sets as well as individually. Try eBay. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gobert Posted July 21, 2018 Share #8 Posted July 21, 2018 I think the Swiss A+F (Albert Froidevaux) are the best quality price compromise. Bergeon and Horotec are a bit more expensive and I can detect no difference in quality from the A+F. I also don't like the very slim shanks on the Horotec. If you use them a lot like I do, you will need a sharpening stone and jig. The other very useful tools are a set of Flexiclamps and a lens ring tool. I haven't got them with me but in the UK, I also have a set of rubber plugs for undoing rings and a few more Flexiclamps for Barnack Leicas. The final tool which I seemed to have lost and ordered another one yesterday, is an anti-magnetic pair of tweezers. I suspect my last pair are now being used for eyebrows. Wilson PS. I also use Micro-tools.de. Very efficient and reasonable prices. Bergeon and Horotec are the Rolls-Royce tools under the screwdrivers, but I think they are more meant for watch makers. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wlaidlaw Posted July 21, 2018 Share #9 Posted July 21, 2018 Bergeon and Horotec are the Rolls-Royce tools under the screwdrivers, but I think they are more meant for watch makers. So are the A+F, who started as watch part makers in La Chaux de Fonds, one of the watchmaking centres of Switzerland. When I was lucky enough to taken round the Omega-ETA plant about 20 years ago, including the customisation shop, I would say the majority of the technicians were using either A+F or Bergeon in carousels. I was particularly interested as I was using German Wera jewellers screwdrivers at the time and did not particularly like them, with rather large and clunky plastic handles. I bought a lovely wooden box of the A+F screwdrivers the next day at a shop in Zurich (Uhren-Borse or something like that). They were sadly stolen from a cupboard in my office at work, along with two Minox cameras, so I now just have the same screwdrivers but in plastic packets. Wilson Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gobert Posted July 21, 2018 Share #10 Posted July 21, 2018 I think that WERA makes high quality tools, I use their screw drivers and bits, but it’s not the best brand for “micro” tools. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
derleicaman Posted July 21, 2018 Share #11 Posted July 21, 2018 WIHA also makes excellent micro screwdrivers. The old standby for camera repair guys was NIWA from Japan. I still have several of them, but they have been out of business for some time. One of the great things about their screwdrivers were the interchangeable bits. The best tool I have found for lock ring removal is made by SK Grimes Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wlaidlaw Posted July 21, 2018 Share #12 Posted July 21, 2018 I think all three makes of the Swiss Screwdrivers have replaceable bits. Certainly my A+F ones do. In the nice wooden box of them I had stolen, there was a tube of spare bits for each size. Wilson Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/286751-screwdrivers-for-lenses-and-cameras/?do=findComment&comment=3559341'>More sharing options...
alan mcfall Posted July 21, 2018 Share #13 Posted July 21, 2018 I get by with Starrett, Moody, and for ultra small screws some unmarked jewelery screwdrivers (far right). All metal, interchangeable hardened and ground blades. Old school, I guess. Newer leicas use "cross-point" screws which I believe are not Phillips. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/286751-screwdrivers-for-lenses-and-cameras/?do=findComment&comment=3559405'>More sharing options...
alan mcfall Posted July 21, 2018 Share #14 Posted July 21, 2018 Sometimes to see those really small screws, I use this 2.5x binocular attachment, from Leica Microsystems. Not sure if they make them anymore. A good light is necessary, here is a cool LED unit made by Electri-Tech , New York, but with Leica logo. In later days, Leica, the new company, put their brand logo on a lot of things. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/286751-screwdrivers-for-lenses-and-cameras/?do=findComment&comment=3559407'>More sharing options...
schattenundlicht Posted July 21, 2018 Share #15 Posted July 21, 2018 Sometimes to see those really small screws, I use this 2.5x binocular attachment, from Leica Microsystems. Not sure if they make them anymore. A good light is necessary, here is a cool LED unit made by Electri-Tech , New York, but with Leica logo. In later days, Leica, the new company, put their brand logo on a lot of things. IMG_0641.jpg I have difficulties adjusting to my wife‘s microsurgical binoculars. Instead I prefer one of those large low cost illuminated loupes they use in nail studios (not that I frequent those)... Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/286751-screwdrivers-for-lenses-and-cameras/?do=findComment&comment=3559423'>More sharing options...
jc_braconi Posted July 25, 2018 Share #16 Posted July 25, 2018 DONAUhttps://www.ebay.fr/itm/Schraubendreher-Set-Kreuz-Schlitz-mm-Zoll-Sechskant-Innensechskant-Torx/170967207197?hash=item27ce708d1d:m:mi7gGsAx-eFv5rArjYg5k6w Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nordvik Posted February 22, 2019 Author Share #17 Posted February 22, 2019 I never came around to buying those AF Switzerland screwdrivers (18970 A). When I look at Amazon it says they are "Dispatched from China". Is this the real thing? Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wlaidlaw Posted February 22, 2019 Share #18 Posted February 22, 2019 19 minutes ago, Nordvik said: I never came around to buying those AF Switzerland screwdrivers (18970 A). When I look at Amazon it says they are "Dispatched from China". Is this the real thing? My guess is that they might not be real ones. I buy mine from Cousins a jeweller's tool and part suppliers in the UK. https://www.cousinsuk.com/category/screwdriver-sets My A*F screwdrivers are all marked "Made in Switzerland". They are a little cheaper than Bergeon or Horotec but seem pretty much as good. With all these Swiss screwdrivers, the blades are both sharpenable using a jig and stone and replaceable. Wilson Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nordvik Posted February 23, 2019 Author Share #19 Posted February 23, 2019 Thanks Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
haikos Posted February 6, 2022 Share #20 Posted February 6, 2022 On 7/20/2018 at 4:50 AM, wlaidlaw said: I think the Swiss A+F (Albert Froidevaux) are the best quality price compromise. Bergeon and Horotec are a bit more expensive and I can detect no difference in quality from the A+F. I also don't like the very slim shanks on the Horotec. If you use them a lot like I do, you will need a sharpening stone and jig. The other very useful tools are a set of Flexiclamps and a lens ring tool. I haven't got them with me but in the UK, I also have a set of rubber plugs for undoing rings and a few more Flexiclamps for Barnack Leicas. The final tool which I seemed to have lost and ordered another one yesterday, is an anti-magnetic pair of tweezers. I suspect my last pair are now being used for eyebrows. Wilson PS. I also use Micro-tools.de. Very efficient and reasonable prices. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! @wlaidlaw Sorry to revive an older thread. I'm in the market to stock up on some precision screwdrivers. Are all of the dimensions in your post needed? Also, I would imagine the German stuff (Leica) uses Metric and the Japanese stuff (Cosina) uses JIS, am I right? Looking online there are a ton of different sizes and kits etc and choosing what to get is difficult. I can't find any A-F kits like the one you have above other than on their own website which needs an account etc. I have a mix of Leica and Cosina so I want to be well covered. Thanks for any tips! (no pun intended) Haig Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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