M3/Summicron 50 question.

[Deutsche Optik Fan]

Having finally been able to return to rangefinders after a 30+ year interlude (I began in 1967 with a new Zeiss/Voigtlaender Vitoret), I bit the bullet and bought a recon'ed M3 and then a 50/F2 'cron to go with it (along with my VC gear). The lens was from an RFf member and was as advertised and everything looked and worked great, until I mounted it on the Leica, where the focus ring became almost immovably stiff. I de-mounted it and it worked just fine.Obviously the clearences are a fraction of a millimeter off, because when I mounted it on my VC Bessa R3M, it's buttery smooth and when I mounted my 50/F2 classic Heliar on the Leica, it focused and collapsed with no problem. It seems some machining might be in order, but where to begin ? Anyone had this kind of problem? If so, what did you do? Any other suggestions? Ach!

 

[Benjamin Marks]

Well there are two issues here that I can see: the price and representation of the gear and the mechanical issue itself. It seems from your post that you bought both pieces from the same seller. It seems unlikely that this problem would suddenly manifest itself -- what did the seller say about the condition of the gear?


If the seller will not repair the lens at his expense, I would send the lens and camera to Don Goldberg (DAG Camera Repair in the US) for a check-up. He is an excellent machinist. Curious though.

Good luck.

Ben Marks