dcshooter
Member
I have an m39 version of this lens that has developed the dreaded Summaron haze on the inner elements, and I am attempting a strip down and cleaning (I have a ton of experience working on old lenses), and was easily able to strip off the various exterior rings, re-grease the helicals, etc., but I have been stymied trying to disassemble the inner optical cell in order to access the inner surfaces of the inner elements.
The elements appear to be mounted in removable brass plates, visible in the rear of the picture found at this page: http://photo.net/leica-rangefinders-forum/00YIK6.
I first thought they were screw-in, and tried a small friction tool on each, but to no avail. I've also found references in other threads to the inner elements being slide-in, but it is unclear if they are referring to this version or the M-bayonet version, which has a different design. Either way, they are held fast, and suction cups/calipers/etc. will not remove them.
The main barrel of the cell appears to be of two piece construction, with a seam between bright metal and blackened portions. I've tried unscrewing this portion, both forward and reverse, but it holds fast in both directions. This seam is just ahead of the diaphragm itself, and I'm also afraid that once I get it apart, little blades will go flying everywhere, and I'll face the joy of reassembling the aperture.
In the course of these attempts, I've applied MEK, heat, etc. and nothing has worked. Has anyone successfully here disassembled this and would be willing to share some pointers? The only repair manuals I've been able to find have been for the bayonet version, which hasn't helped. As you might imagine, it's quite frustrating to be so close and not be able to proceed!
The elements appear to be mounted in removable brass plates, visible in the rear of the picture found at this page: http://photo.net/leica-rangefinders-forum/00YIK6.
I first thought they were screw-in, and tried a small friction tool on each, but to no avail. I've also found references in other threads to the inner elements being slide-in, but it is unclear if they are referring to this version or the M-bayonet version, which has a different design. Either way, they are held fast, and suction cups/calipers/etc. will not remove them.
The main barrel of the cell appears to be of two piece construction, with a seam between bright metal and blackened portions. I've tried unscrewing this portion, both forward and reverse, but it holds fast in both directions. This seam is just ahead of the diaphragm itself, and I'm also afraid that once I get it apart, little blades will go flying everywhere, and I'll face the joy of reassembling the aperture.
In the course of these attempts, I've applied MEK, heat, etc. and nothing has worked. Has anyone successfully here disassembled this and would be willing to share some pointers? The only repair manuals I've been able to find have been for the bayonet version, which hasn't helped. As you might imagine, it's quite frustrating to be so close and not be able to proceed!
Uglee
Established
I also have this lens. The inner elements in front of and behind the aperture diaphram are pressed in place. I was able to remove the front element simply by tapping the the lens against the palm of my hand. The rear element however was in tight and I was unable to get it out. With the front element removed it was easy to clean the rear lens with the aperture diaphragm wide open. Just by careful of the soft lens coatings. Hope this helps.
ribina
Newbie
Hi Uglee and dcshooter,
I have this lens too.
I had read some topic of the problem haze of Summaron 35:
http://www.djcphoto.com/index.php/removing-haze-from-leitz-35mm-f3-5-summaron/
http://rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=128568
With the LFM lens, i thinks that remove the rear lens with the spanner is easy.
But you always remove the front lens and clean inside. You can show me how to remove the front (or rear) lens (step by step), please.
With some picture if possible (because i'm zero in this domaine).
Thank you so much
Ribina
I have this lens too.
I had read some topic of the problem haze of Summaron 35:
http://www.djcphoto.com/index.php/removing-haze-from-leitz-35mm-f3-5-summaron/
http://rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=128568
With the LFM lens, i thinks that remove the rear lens with the spanner is easy.
But you always remove the front lens and clean inside. You can show me how to remove the front (or rear) lens (step by step), please.
With some picture if possible (because i'm zero in this domaine).
Thank you so much
Ribina