Cleaning a Collapsible Summicron

[littlemax]

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.

 

[Clark.EE]

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.

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

The front element assembly splits in half to get to the elements?
Chris

 

[littlemax]

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...

 

[littlemax]

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

 

[rick oleson]

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)

 

[mikemc_photo]

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)

I use bicycle inner tubes..cut into sections they can cushion, grip, cover use on tools or slide onto your fingers.😀

 

[Dez]

The best tools by far for lens disassembly are the flexi-clamps from Microtools.

http://www.micro-tools.com/store/~/C-FLX/Flexi-Clamps.aspx

Unfortunately, some of the most useful sizes seem to be permanently "temporarily out of stock". They advertise on ebay as well, but don't necessarily actually have all the sizes they list, which is frustrating.

Cheers,
Dez

 

[aizan]

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.