My first Leitz lens!

captainslack

captainslack

Five Goats Hunter
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I recieved a Nikon D70s kit for Christmas, but did not like the lens that came with it. I already had a better quality Sigma SLR lens so, I went to the local camera store and asked if I could trade the new one. The guy there said sure and asked what I needed. I looked around and found a collapsible Elmar that was in excellent condition. Asked the salesperson how much he wanted and it turned out to be exactly the same as what he was going to give me for the SLR lens! SWEET! :D

So, my Leica IIF has now been reunited with the lens it shipped from the factory with and I couldn't be happier. Problem is, now I have two new toys to play with and I can't decide which one to grab first. Ah, well. This is the kinda problem you want to have.

One problem with the lens, though: the focusing knob is really hard to turn. What's the best way to lubricate the helical threads?
 
Well, it may not be the best way, but notice that the helicals are exposed on the Elmar. I used a little grease on the Summitar, worked it, and cleaned off the excess. Very little grease.

I'm sure the best way involves disassembling the lens. I go for the cheese-wiz solution when possible.
 
You and I are thinking along the same lines. I did that on a collapsible Industar-50 I had once and it seemed to do the trick. Worth a shot, I guess.
 
captainslack said:
... Problem is, now I have two new toys to play with and I can't decide which one to grab first. Ah, well. This is the kinda problem you want to have.
Click to expand...

Easy. Use the Nikon to take pics of the IIF!
 
That is what I end up doing with my Nikon DSLR. I also use it with the LTM lenses for quick tests of the optics. If they work as a macro lens, the elements must be good.

The 5cm F3.5 Elmar was also my first Leitz lens. It and a Leica IIIf were in a $50 grab bag (yes, stapled shut grocery bag) at a local pro camera shop. The Store Manager had a real sense of humor.
 
Brian, my jaw about dropped to the floor when I read your grab bag story. Incredible - the grab bag bins in the shops here contain stuff like pieces of cases, old batteries, flash parts, 10 year old flatbed scanners, etc.

Cap'n - congrats on the Elmar. Post some results when you get the chance.
 
Those old Elmars are great lenses and a good Industar 22/50 isn't far behind either. An old Elmar on an M makes a truly pocketable camera! :)

 
captainslack said:
One problem with the lens, though: the focusing knob is really hard to turn. What's the best way to lubricate the helical threads?
Click to expand...

The Elmar and it's clones are the easiest of all to relube. Just remove the minimum focus stop screw and the two halves of the focus mount will screw apart giving access to clean off the old gunk and relube. Take care to note where the two halves separate so that you can thread them back together in the same place. It is not that much of a problem if you forget that little note, but it will save having to try more than one entry point for the reassembly.

Regards, Paul C.
 
FrankS said:
Camera, lens and coffee shot?
Click to expand...

Coming soon to a thread near you! :D

(To be taken with the D70, of course!)

I put some lubricant on the helical threads when I got home from the hockey game this evening (Canes 6, Lightning 4 WOO-HOO!!!) and once i'd worked it in, the focusing ring works smooth as silk now. Can't wait to go shooting with it tomorrow!
 
vote for elmar

vote for elmar

My personal vote for elmar with a good B&W film and post photos of elmar with camera!
 
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