Need advice re a stiff focusing summicron

[Kiyatkin]

Hello, I recently bought a 50mm summicron m (built in hood type) off eBay. It was well priced and in great cosmetic shape. Now I recieved it and there are some issues - focusing is very stiff between .8 - 3m. Usable but pretty uncomfortable. The aperture ring seems to rotate very loosely actually feeling quite loose at f2 and f16. Are these signs of real problems or something that will easily get fixed with a CLA? I am trying to decide whether to try to complain to the buyer or just send it in for repair. Also what would be a reasonable repair place other than leica on the east coast? Thanks ahead for any input.

 

[coelacanth]

I can't comment on the seriousness of the problems, but I sent a Summicron 35 in similar condition to Sherry and the lens came back absolutely perfect working order with buttery smooth focusing. Her price is for either one of the two parts of the lens, or for both. (and for parts if major parts are needed) Ask her for actual pricing, but I think you can expect about $150 for the worst case senario.

http://www.sherrykrauter.com/

 

[Kiyatkin]

$150 I can handle, I guess. The stiff focus actually seems less worrisome than the relatively loose aperture ring...

 

[Robert Lai]

I had a very stiff aperture ring on a collapsible Summicron (LTM). Lens came back perfectly from Don Goldberg for only $80.
www.dagcamera.com

 

[discjockey25]

If the e-bay seller incorrectly described the lens I would consider attempting to get a refund or at least try to get him/her to pay for the CLA. Another good lens repair person is John Van Stelton at Focal Point; he is located in Colorado but he is very good. Also, Youxin Yee in Massachusetts may be another possibility-- don't know if he does lens CLA's but he's excellent with the Leica camera bodies and his prices are very reasonable.

 

[coelacanth]

Just to clarify, $150 was for focusing and aperture ring that lost the clicking ball baring so again, probably for the worst case.

 

[Kiyatkin]

Thanks for the help. Talked to sherry and got it in the mail. We'll see if this is a smart move in a couple of weeks..

 

[tele_player]

Within a few weeks of me having that 35 'cron, and using it very gently, the aperture ring became quite stiff at both ends of the range. I sold it 'as is', and bought a very fresh 35 'cron ASPH.

Just to clarify, $150 was for focusing and aperture ring that lost the clicking ball baring so again, probably for the worst case.