Leica LTM 5cm Summitar fix question

Leica M39 screw mount bodies/lenses

kalex

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I recently picked up a nice copy of a 5cm summitar f2. Problem is felt inside of focusing ring that holds the lens in place when its collapsed worn off and now if i turn the lens upside down it extends byitself. any suggestions on how to fix this DYI method?

I tried applying small strips of thin velcro but it doesn't give enough friction to hold it in place.

Thanks

Alex
 
Collapse the lens and stick two, maybe three turns of Scotch tape around the rear end. Almost colorless and it will 'thicken' the barrel a bit, so that the felt might engage once again.

If that doesn't do it, have it serviced. Should be real cheap if it doesn't require anything else.
 
The material is very unique both in terms of thickness and density.
DAG or Sherry would likely be the only techs who would have it and
they probably wouldn't sell you a piece unless they serviced the lens.
Last year I ordered felt samples from various outlets, domestic and international,
and none of them worked properly. You might have better luck though.
 
Tomosy claims the felt from 135 film magazines will do.

But removing the rear group of the lens to pull the barrel from the focusing mount is a bit of a delicate operation. (You may need to make or procure a ring wrench.) Also, getting the felt not to fold over and bunch when putting the barrel back is also a bit touchy.
 
Thank you. I guess I'm going to send it to DAG as I was planning on sending my M8 for RF alignment as well.

Alex
 
Collapse the lens and stick two, maybe three turns of Scotch tape around the rear end. Almost colorless and it will 'thicken' the barrel a bit, so that the felt might engage once again.

If that doesn't do it, have it serviced. Should be real cheap if it doesn't require anything else.

Buzzardkid - brilliant suggestion :)
I just tried it and my problem is fixed. the only thing when I collapsed the lens and applied scotch tape, it covered the locking mechanism and that didn't work. what i actually ended up doing was apply 1/2" piece of scotch tape to the extended part of the barrel. now it opens smoothly and holds its collapsed form.
Thanks again

Alex
 
I sent Youxin Ye my Summitar for CLA. he said the felt inside is very unique, the only way he knew how to replace it was by taking it off of another Summitar. Hopefully DAG/Sherry have some felt w/out parting out an old beauty.
 
Apparently, it's horse-hair felt.

The only place I know that has it is CRR Luton. Peter can replace it during a CLA - he did my Summar last year, and it's like new.
 
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