Canon 50mm f1.2 LTM Repair Option

Miles.

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Hi all,

As many here know, the Canon 50mm f1.2 LTM lens is infamous for suffering from a type of haze/element degradation that, more often than not, cannot be solved with a simple CLA.

Some years ago I became aware that Kanto Camera, a preeminent repair shop in Japan, offers a remanufactured element that can be replaced during a CLA. Just this year, after failing to find a “nice” copy of a 1.2, I finally sent mine in for the service.

Today, just 6-months after I first mailed my lens, it arrived safely back in Portland.

Kanto Camera charged $250 USD for a CLA and the replacement element. Considering that this service isn’t available anywhere else in the world, I figure that’s a pretty nice deal.

I’m not affiliated with Kanto Camera but I think it’s important to highlight these type of repair opportunities, particularly when you must assume this service won’t be possible forever.

Pictured is my lens with the “bad” element removed.IMG_1034.jpeg
 
I know this problem well! Went through three Canon 50/1.2's and finally got one with clean glass. They are amazing lenses. Well worth the $250 CLA.
L1021208.jpg
The original dream Lens?
 
The price on the Nikkor 5cm F1.1 is way down- I've seen them under $3K.
The Zunow 5cm F1.1: buy the 7artisans 50/1.1 instead. Same basic optical formula as the V2 Zunow 5cm F1.1.
Wide-Open, 7Art 50F1.1
L1021851.jpg
 
Pictured is my lens with the “bad” element removed.
So Kanto returned the bad element? I've been thinking about having this done to my 50/1.2. As for Kanto, I've had them perform CLA's on a few of my cameras over the years. They do exemplary work.

Jim B.
 
So Kanto returned the bad element? I've been thinking about having this done to my 50/1.2. As for Kanto, I've had them perform CLA's on a few of my cameras over the years. They do exemplary work.

Jim B.
I asked for it back as a curiosity… figured it might be neat to share here!
 
Which element is it and which refractive index has it? (should be equal to the original)
 
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That’s great info. I have this lens and will send it to Kanto for the CLA and inspection. 6 months and cost is reasonable. Thank you for sharing.
 
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