Leica LTM got a sun optics 90mm f4 worth a cla?

Leica M39 screw mount bodies/lenses
O

onespeed

Guest
found a sun optics 90mm f4 in a box o' stuff at a tag sale, it's hazy, worth a cla? or should I clean it meself and try to collimate it? by the way I have nothing into it so if it is a decent performer I would be likely to have it done
thanks, Robert
 
Limpovitj said:
Why is that? I looked for opinions on this lens a couple of years back when I was looking into buying one, and I only ever could find pleased owners. The general opinion, as far as I can remember, was that it was a little better than the Elmar 90/4.

Not that I've ever used one myself, though. I can't remember why I didn't get the one I was looking at, and now I've got an Elmar (that I'm perfectly happy with).
Click to expand...

I guess some people are just Leica or Canon snobs.:rolleyes: My opinion is that if you really like the camera or lens, go ahead and have it fixed if it has value to you.
 
Last edited:
Limpovitj said:
Why is that? I looked for opinions on this lens a couple of years back when I was looking into buying one, and I only ever could find pleased owners. The general opinion, as far as I can remember, was that it was a little better than the Elmar 90/4.

Not that I've ever used one myself, though. I can't remember why I didn't get the one I was looking at, and now I've got an Elmar (that I'm perfectly happy with).
Click to expand...

I said what I said with the understanding that the lens needs repair. If you can fix it yourself, then this is a different story. One of my favorite lenses is a cheap Steinheil 85mm/2.8.
 
I own one in good condition and it's an excellent small lens, and yes I think it's sharper than the Elmar 90/4 (which is not too hard to achieve, although I like the Elmar as well). A CLA should not cost more than $40-$50 for this as it's a simple lens, and I recommend it.

Sola also made a 50mm and a 35mm, both exceedingly rare.
 
I have this lens, and it is a fine performer. I was pleasantly surprised. I had to open mine and clean the internal surfaces. I was very easy to do.
 
zeitz said:
I have this lens, and it is a fine performer. I was pleasantly surprised. I had to open mine and clean the internal surfaces. I was very easy to do.
Click to expand...
Yes, well I admit to actually cleaning some internal surfaces of a 90/4 Elmar successfully and the Sola is a lens with a very similar construction so it can be probably be done by an amateur who is careful. Correct spanner wrenches are recommended .
 
I have one as well, it came with a leica IIf converted to IIIf that I recently bought. Internet opinions are very positive, I'm going to have it CLA'd for sure.
 
leatherman and a bottle of window cleaner

leatherman and a bottle of window cleaner

took it apart last night before dinner, wife said 20 minutes to eat is that going to be in pieces for hours? i said I hope not ,short story long , cleaned regreased and tidyed up before dinner, I used a leather man and my kung-fu grip
thanks for the help
Robert
now I gotta go shoot some film
 
Robert: I hope that the photos will come out great. These lesser known optics can offer surprises. I stand corrected.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom