Originally posted by marcusBMG I have cleaned 55BB's by separating the lens at the helicoid (remove the distance scale - small screws). To avoid getting grease off the helicoid onto hands, wipes etc insert a piece of thin card into the lens front half.
IIRC you do need to mark the point of separation. Overall an easy lens to clean.
Thank you Marcus for your advice.
I was a bit sceptical of splitting the lens so first I had a go at removing the front element with a lens spanner, cleaned the glass up with meths and refitted it without mishap.
Lens shows a better contrast than when it had fungus though it may be the lighting.
I will be selling the Makinon, it doesn't provide results as good as this Tamron.