Leica 50mm Summicron-m V3 service info

[Kevcaster]

Hi everyone, my Wetzlar made Summicron-m V3 aperture blades have oil on them and are becoming a little sticky.
I have dismantled it to the two main components - focus assembly and lens assembly. I have removed the aperture ring and aperture plate but cannot see how to split the optics and get to the aperture assembly.

I wonder if there was already a thread on this or if someone has done this before. any links to external info also useful. I found one on version 2 thread and Mikeno has a Youtube video on the made in Canada version which is quite different. As ever, all help gratefully received.
Kevin

 

[lukx]

Cannot really help because I never got this far into my V3 Summicron. But I am curious: was it easy to screw the optics block off the helicoid/focusing unit after removing the retaining ring in the back? My lens just wouldn't come apart and I kept wondering whether I was doing anything wrong. From my understanding unscrewing retaining ring from the back was all that was necessary in order to unscrew the optics...

Good luck with your servicing attempt!

 

[Ko.Fe.]

I only did focus part re-lube.
Lens block just unscrews from focus block.
Video on YouTube is available.
No retaining ring, just unscrew. It is same is Rigid.

 

[Ronald M]

I only did focus part re-lube.
Lens block just unscrews from focus block.
Video on YouTube is available.
No retaining ring, just unscrew. It is same is Rigid.

Yes but mine was so tight it took two men and a boy to unscrew.

You do not get to aperture ring that way.

Be careful with disassembly as some products are glued together.
If you can not get it apart with spanner or screwdrivers, have Leica fix it.

 

[Kevcaster]

Thanks for all the interest.
Yes the lens block just unscrews from the focusing mount. I think I will send it in for service, it is not obvious how to get to the aperture assembly and I do not want to wreck it.

While I'm here. FWIW - The version 3 summicron is slightly unloved. I have owned Summicrons version 1, 3 and 4 and cannot tell the difference in picture quality on a 16x12 print or a projected transparency. Since most pictures are viewed as jpegs on a screen the probability that differences can be seen is even more remote. It's all good, we can relax.

 

[sebastel]

i was able to remove either the front or rear lens block, but unfortunately i can't recall how that exactly went. however, it should be rather obvious, else i wouldn't have gotten there without recalling now.
(maybe a bit weak argumentation, but that's how my mind works ..)

also, i don't have that lens with me right now, so i can't double check. sorry.

cheers,
sebastian

ps: i like the ver. 3 for its slightly longer focus thread.

 

[helen.HH]

V3 is my Favorite of the 50 Summicrons
YUM , took some of my favorite photos with it