35mm Summaron - 3.5 or 2.8 issues?

[Ken Ford]

I've been reading up on LTM 35mm Summarons and there appear to be problems with the internal elements in the f/3.5 version deteriorating. Does the f/2.8 version suffer the same problems?

 

[Ken Ford]

This is the thread that has me worried:

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40750

Is this a common problem with fogged Summarons or something extreme?

 

[like2fiddle]

That thread is the first I have heard of the problem you are referring to. I have the 2.8 M mount and it is a fine lens. I sent it to Sherry Krauter about a year ago for a full bath because I noticed a little eyelash-shaped fiber internally. I don't know what it was or how it got there, but it's gone after the cleaning and, as I wrote, it's a fine lens.

 

[vrgard]

First I've ever heard of this as well. And I don't know if it's a LTM lens issue only or possibly affects the M mount version as well. Not sure I can add anything further to this other than to say that I just sent my 35/3.5 Summaron in M mount off to Sherry for a cleaning to remove a bit of internal haze. I spoke to Sherry about it before sending the lens to her and she was very clear that she has some particular cleaning solution that would completely clean/remove the haze without problem. I plan to post some "before and "after" type shots when I get the lens back.

-Randy

 

[Ken Ford]

OK, it sounds like this may be an unusual occurrence then. Let the GAS reign!

Thanks, gang!