How do I get the first lens off, in a 50/1.5 Summarit?

The Summarit is not known for being an easy lens to work on.

Some discussion here:

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=71267

If it has haze, you want to do everything you can to try and clean that haze with chemicals, rather than ever wipe an element. The right solution (according to Leica) is 94% distilled water, 4% ammonia, and 2% hydrogen peroxide. Wiping with tissue and cleaning fluid is sure to remove the coating, instead of removing the haze. With 7 elements in 5 groups, lens coating is very important to the Summarit.
 
The front section unscrews, section in front of the aperture. You will see a retaining ring on the inside of that section for taking out the first group. That should leave the front element inner section exposed.
 
Thanks Brian

I removed that lockring, and the front section is still firmly stuck in the front silver/chrome ring. And I've removed any screws that come in from the side.

Does the front section push out?

Or does it unscrew out?

Or do I need to heat it all up to loosen things up?

Vick
 
I'll need to dig out the parts Summarit and take a second look- Somehow I got mine to loosen up and come out the back. It has been a while.
 
I got it. It was just tight.

Retainer ring comes off, and the doublet (2nd and 3rd lens) come off as a group, leaving the first lens in the housing.

Thanks all

Vick
 
Okay! I just checked my parts Summarit- and the group is tight in place, but "wiggles" out. It has a brass fitting that keeps it in tight.
 
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