Cleaning a Collapsible Summicron

L

littlemax

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Nov 25, 2012
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I am trying to clean my hazy early summicron. I am amazed by this lens which behaves just great. Even a lot less CA than my M-Hexanon 50 (well, a lot less contrasty as well but I don't consider it a disadvantage)
I want to Clean it myself as I am sure i can get a better image when cleaned up.

I have managed to remove the front labelling ring and the first element came off though this elemet was rather clean. From this point i see a flat element underneath but no way to use a spanner to remove it.

This video shows how to separate optical block from mount: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bORzSzjyakM
But not really helpful as I need to reach front elements

An older post seems to suggest the optical block just unscrews above the aperture ring (and then probably separates from the front element and ring I have already cleaned).
Though I don't see where to unscrew. Really looks like a single cast element.
 
littlemax said:
I am trying to clean my hazy early summicron. I am amazed by this lens which behaves just great. Even a lot less CA than my M-Hexanon 50 (well, a lot less contrasty as well but I don't consider it a disadvantage)
I want to Clean it myself as I am sure i can get a better image when cleaned up.

I have managed to remove the front labelling ring and the first element came off though this elemet was rather clean. From this point i see a flat element underneath but no way to use a spanner to remove it.

This video shows how to separate optical block from mount: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bORzSzjyakM
But not really helpful as I need to reach front elements

An older post seems to suggest the optical block just unscrews above the aperture ring (and then probably separates from the front element and ring I have already cleaned).
Though I don't see where to unscrew. Really looks like a single cast element.
Click to expand...


If its anything like a Summitar?
Try on my Blog here

The front element assembly splits in half to get to the elements?
Chris
 
Many Thanks Chris,
This is also what assumed from a former post (so same design). I hold the lens from base and tries to unscrew but my copy seems pretty tight.
I may use pliers and a cloth to dampen pressure on chrome and unscrew this way...
 
Hurrah it came off with strength and the help of different fabrics to get a better grip.

I cleaned a bit of haze on the exposed rear element, below blades. Though I couldnt remove the first element of the front block. removed some rings with spanners but it doesn't came off. May need a suction pen but not even sure if will be strong enough.

Yet, looking through glass with a flashlight, it seems there is no haze between these elements, instead some damage to the glass, like inner cleaning marks. Probably remnents from fungus (?)

Think I will not go further.

I got the lens at good price and pleased with results so I guess it is not a bad deal overall.
Your tutorial will help Summicron owners, thanks again
Maxence
 
for future reference, a tool that i've found unexpectedly effective for unscrewing tight lens rings is a pair of rubber dish washing gloves. they usually work better than the rubber 'crutch tip' tools, and often better than double-sided foam adhesive tape (which is my other favorite tool)
 
rick oleson said:
for future reference, a tool that i've found unexpectedly effective for unscrewing tight lens rings is a pair of rubber dish washing gloves. they usually work better than the rubber 'crutch tip' tools, and often better than double-sided foam adhesive tape (which is my other favorite tool)
Click to expand...

I use bicycle inner tubes..cut into sections they can cushion, grip, cover use on tools or slide onto your fingers.:D
 
to unscrew the front retaining ring of a lens, check ebay for "rubber repair tool set" in the camera section. i got the 37-40mm and 49-52mm for $20.
 
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