Front element for 50MM Summicron

[johne]

@Blee017
I save in Tiff and use 600 pixels in jpeg for maximum for posting on sites such as this. Another site has a limit of 120 KB. Just a comment. [I find all this a bit daunting! as I tend to think in X and Super X B&W. Thanks for the tip on the site about cleaning the scanner. I'll check on that.
Johne

 

[Branestawm]

I've got a Summar that would benefit from the Arax treatment. I know it's not seen as one of the more desirable lenses but given the prices they charge I might give it a try. The question is how is the front element held in place? I can get the front bezel off and it looks as if the metal has been swaged over the glass. If anyone has tackled one of these before I'd appreciate some advice.

 

[johne]

Branestawm:
Ask ARAX how to remove the element or check with them and send the entire lens. I had my CLA-ed while I was at it and am most satisfied.
Johne

 

[johne]

Couple of rolls later, I am quite pleased with my refurbished lens!
johne

 

[John Shriver]

The Summar front element is indeed held in place with a metal rim bent over on the back side. You need a lathe to machine off the metal. See CRR Luton's website.

Most Summars are uncoated, so the scratches will be well into the glass. You're less likely to have a fully corrected lens when you're done, compared to lenses with wear only to the coating.

 

[johne]

Point well taken! Thanks.
Johne

 

[johne]

@All

I am still unable to believe how much this lens has improved! It is beyond any expectation I had after first looking on it with shock at its condition. See recent posts here and on gallery.swannsway.ch

Johne

 

[johne]

Bingo! Viewers just passed 1,000
Johne

 

[johne]

Anyone who has gone thru this refurbish have any pictures to share? Would love to see your outcome.
Johne

 

[Kim Coxon]

Standby! I have just got a Cron with a scratched front element. I will photo the process and write it up as soon as I can. I will probably take the element out and put it back so I can do the write up before sending the element away. Otherwise knowing my brain cell capacity, I will have forgotten how I did it by the time the glass comes back!

Kim

Anyone who has gone thru this refurbish have any pictures to share? Would love to see your outcome.
Johne

 

[johne]

Kim,

Best of luck. Looking forward to seeing your progress. I feel confident you will be pleased as I was. I am thinking about trying this on a dog of lens I got from FSU.
Johne

 

[nrb]

I guess it would even be better to substitute the faulty front element but, in view of the results presented here, I decided to contact Arax for the CLA and polishing/recoating of my old 2.8/50 Elmar. Wish me luck!