35mm Summilux pre-asph disassemble

[Jaymz007]

Aloha All

Can someone please help me. I am trying to CLA my 35mm Summilux pre-asph model. It is the smallest 35 lux.
I saw a YouTube video of it but my lens doesn't unscrew the entire elements.
When I turn the front of the barrel it is supposed to un screw from the entire focusing mechanism but the rear element seems to be stuck to the focusing mechanism. How do I remove the rear element part of the lens?

Thanks everyone. Rangefinderforum's knowledge is a very valuable place.
James

 

[Gregm61]

Sounds like a lens in the process of being ruined to me.

 

[Jaymz007]

Excuse me .. Gregm61
Please do not post comments of something that you don't even know about.
I don't even think you know me and I know you don't know my skill level so I would appreciate these comments on your own thread.

 

[Chuffed Cheese]

Subscribed.....

 

[Erik van Straten]

There are two models of the pre-asph Summilux 35mm: the Steel Rim with serial numbers from 17XXXXX to 216XXXX and the second version of the lens, from serial number 222XXXX. The lens head of the Steel Rim unscrews, that of the v2 doesn't. The internal construction of the v2 is completely different, not only mechanically, but also optically. The Steel Rim is usually chrome (unlikely that you have the black Steel Rim, ultra rare) and the v2 is in black.

Erik.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Are you absolutely sure that your "skill level" is up to this? Highly regarded specialist lens repairers tend to be highly regarded and specialist for good reasons. What exactly are you trying to adjust in your CLA? Or is it just cleaning? It seems eccentric to me to take apart a lens that is worth several thousand dollars on the strength of a Youtube video and advice on an internet forum, but I wish you the very best of luck. I wish you even more luck in reassembling and collimating it.

Cheers,

R.

 

[Jaymz007]

I already did a complete rebuild of a 35mm Summicron 8 element down to cleaning the aperture blades and cleaning all elements. The Lens came out very good and it is in a better condition than what it was. I also did the 50 Elmar f3.5 LTM and 50mm Hektor LTM. I believe I am very capable but this lens is kind of hard to figure out. BTW I have the titan version of this lens.

 

[Jaymz007]

Hi Erik

So do you know how disassemble the Titan version of this lens?

Thanks
James

 

[michaelwj]

Hi James,
The optical cell should unscrew completely from the focusing unit. Once it’s out you can access the focus tab screw to replace that, and that’s as fast as I’ve been.
If you have unscrewed the front and the rear element remains maybe a picture will help?

 

[Erik van Straten]

Hi James,

The Titan version is a late version of the v2. I wouldn't touch it. Just send it to Leica or a very good repairman, like DAG. As others have said, we are talking here about several thousand dollars. The lens and/or the finish (and the screw heads) are easily damaged.

Erik.

 

[Jaymz007]

The problem is, from the front optical cell starts to unscrew nicely but after a couple of turns it gets stuck and sounds and feels like something is scratching or catching and then gets stuck. That is my problem right now.

 

[Erik van Straten]

I would first remove the f-stop ring (three screws, then lift out) to see what to do next. If you can make some pics with your iPhone, and show them here, that certainly would help.

Erik.

 

[Roger Hicks]

I already did a complete rebuild of a 35mm Summicron 8 element down to cleaning the aperture blades and cleaning all elements. The Lens came out very good and it is in a better condition than what it was. I also did the 50 Elmar f3.5 LTM and 50mm Hektor LTM. I believe I am very capable but this lens is kind of hard to figure out. BTW I have the titan version of this lens.

Dear James,

Fair enough. But you can't blame us for being hesitant on your behalf!

Cheers,

R.

 

[michaelwj]

The problem is, from the front optical cell starts to unscrew nicely but after a couple of turns it gets stuck and sounds and feels like something is scratching or catching and then gets stuck. That is my problem right now.

Does changing the focus distance change the stick feeling?

It sounds like one of the small screws on the side of the optical cell is loose and catching on the focus ring assembly. Maybe try removing the mount to see if you can get a better look?

 

[Phil_F_NM]

Whatever you do, don't take the focusing helical apart. The optical cell in this lens is pretty simple as it is basically a drop-in unit and the helical is completely separate. There isn't much to go wrong in your reassembly, so you'll be fine.
I made the mistake of flushing my old 35 summilux in an effort to get it focusing smoother. What happened was it almost completely locked up and in the end I had to take it down to individual bits. That little helical unit is almost built like a Nikon lens with CRC. After the relube and cleaning some fog out of the optics it was a gorgeous shooter.
If your optical unit is coming apart in two pieces (if I have your description right) then you have one or two loose (or missing) grub screws in there which should be holding it all together until its completely out.
This lens and the 21mm 3.4 super angulon really got my attention when I took them apart because they are like finely assembled watches but also very modular. Brilliant design.
Anyway, good luck, you'll do fine with this I'm sure.

Phil Forrest

 

[Fraser]

I've had mine in bits a few times, the front should unscrew but as already said and from memory it held on with grub screws. I had mine apart to change the shims as the lens had gone to two repair people and the focus was wrong. If you are taking the lens apart from the back remember to mark the helicoil when the lens separates. It shouldn't really be that hard to get the lens apart.
Whats scarier is when you are working on a 35mm summicron v4 and all the aperture blades fall out!
good luck

 

[Jaymz007]

Thank you guys for your help. I have experience of resetting all aperture blades on a 35 summicron 8 element so that does not scare me.
I like the idea of removing the M-mount in the rear to see what is going on.
I will try that. But I think the tiny screw that holds the rear element cell is loose or came out. But the weird thing is the lens works fine and focus is smooth.