Leica summitar 1948 glue/Lub removal,is it possiable

[splaash]

Im thinking of buying a Leica 11F which has a summitar which is stuck at f5.6
Ive heard on this forum that this is a commen problem with this lens??How can i clean out the old lube??
I found instructions to clean my Jupiter which is now smooth as Russian silk(they have quite a rough finish inside)
Cant i weild my screwdriver and clean the Leica lens??Or is it sealed???

Anyone had this problem and cleaned it??

 

[greyelm]

The front elements simply unscrew to expose the iris blades but before you do this try a simple procedure. With the lens placed front down, dip a toothpick in some lighter fluid and let the tiny drop of fluid go into the junction between the adjusting ring and the lens barrel. Now exercise the ring to see if it frees up. I have never had the courage to dismantle an iris diaphragm as I understand they are extremely difficult to reassemble. If you do remove the front elements it is a good oportunity to clean any haze off the inner surface of the lens (I have done this successfully with lens cleaner)

Here's a link with pictures.

http://justinlow.com/articles/repair-leica-summitar

 

[Nikon Bob]

Here is another thread that helped me out with my Summitars http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=50601&highlight=summitar+stucking+aperture . It worked nicely and I did not have to go near the aperture blades.

Bob

 

[splaash]

thanks those links are great ill try lighter fuel first and hope

 

[Nikon Bob]

Well, the lighter fluid method sort of temporarily worked for me but not in the long run. Always worth trying the easier way first though.

Bob

 

[greyelm]

Well, the lighter fluid method sort of temporarily worked for me but not in the long run. Always worth trying the easier way first though.

Bob

A second application after a few days may be worth trying.

 

[splaash]

Firstlz i have to FIND lighter fuel.In this gas lighter and no smoking age the zipo lighters are on book selfs not out lighting things

I suppose a gallon of fuel from the local garage wouldnt be the same?

 

[BobYIL]

Splash, as long as you apply it just along the separation line along the aperture ring with a toothpick or screwdriver with 1mm width, then use gas, ordinary gas but after applying each time try to move it.. Do not apply much to make it wet with fuel.

Sooner or later this lens would need cleaning.

 

[rxmd]

A second application after a few days may be worth trying.

If it didn't go away after the first cleaning, and you're unsure of getting the blades back together, I would give the lens to a professional and spend $100 on a CLA, rather than mucking around again and again moving the gunk from one place to another.

 

[Nikon Bob]

Yea, giving it to professional to fix would definitely be the safest and easiest way. OTH I don't have a very high level of mechanical aptitude and was able to do two of mine. Keep in mind there is no reason to remove the aperture blades at all. You just have to be extremely careful to not disturb them while cleaning the dried lube from the ring or you will be in a world of trouble.

Bob

 

[Bill58]

Firstlz i have to FIND lighter fuel.In this gas lighter and no smoking age the zipo lighters are on book selfs not out lighting things

I suppose a gallon of fuel from the local garage wouldnt be the same?

A cleaner/ solvent called "Varsol" is practically the same as lighter fluid and should be available in the USA from most garages or distributors.

 

[Bill58]

Firstlz i have to FIND lighter fuel.In this gas lighter and no smoking age the zipo lighters are on book selfs not out lighting things

I suppose a gallon of fuel from the local garage wouldnt be the same?

A cleaner/ solvent called "Varsol" is practically the same as lighter fluid and should be available in the USA from most garages or distributors, unless it has been banned by the EPA since I lived there 10 years ago.

 

[splaash]

I have found ronson lighter fuel.Amazing.I will follow all your instructions,its an early one not the 6 blade which are a problem.But i will be very careful

Why are old Leica lens so expensive and getting worse?They are very nice but certain Russian glass was coated before Leica coated and some can be very good for $20

I read a funny note about the M9 and leica firmwear update to send the image taken to the SD card the problems was the image wasnt saved to card and an M9 costs more than my car

 

[John Shriver]

Why? The success of the M8 and M9. Plus, the folks who buy those cameras have deep pockets.

Problem with the Russian LTM glass is that it often doesn't focus accurately on Leica cameras. Slightly different standardization of focusing.