Problem with Elmar-C

[luiman]

Hi all,

I have a problem with an Elmar-C 90mm, purchased here on RFF.
The lens is an excellent performer, but there is something inside of the glass that seems haze or fungus.
So, I sent it to an Italian repairer for a CLA. Yesterday he told me he has a problem to remove the optical unit: although he has used a solvent, it's impossible to separate the lenses.
Is there anyone here who has experience of dismantling and can help me?

Thanks.

EDIT: I realize only now that I have posted in the wrong section 🙂

 

[Steve M.]

Send it to John at Focal Point in the US here. It sounds like the lens elements are cemented together. You won't be able to address that yourself. But, considering the expense (probably $100 plus insured shipping both ways) I'd either keep it as it is, since it takes good photos, or see about returning t to the seller for a refund, or sell it a loss w/ an accurate description and purchase another one. These are inexpensive lenses, by Leica standards anyway, and there's plenty of them around.

 

[luiman]

Thanks for the tips, Steve. Yes, I think that the costs are excessive for the cost of the lens.
I want to be sure it does not fungus, in which case I keep it as iti is with no problems.

 

[Palaeoboy]

It sounds like the lens elements are cemented together. You won't be able to address that yourself. But, considering the expense (probably $100 plus insured shipping both ways) I'd either keep it as it is, since it takes good photos, or see about returning t to the seller for a refund, or sell it a loss w/ an accurate description and purchase another one. These are inexpensive lenses, by Leica standards anyway, and there's plenty of them around.

The Elmar-C is a 4 Element in 4 Group configuration so there arent any cemented elements with this lens. I think you will find he means the lens cell that contains the 4 elements is difficult to disassemble to remove the individual elements to be able to clean the haze within.

I havent heard of difficulty with the repair of this lens before so I agree with others, try get a few free quotes from someone experienced. Keeping in mind the low cost of this lens by Leica standards you then factor in if its worth it or not.

 

[luiman]

Thanks for reporting your experience and tips, Palaeoboy. The repairman says he has not yet managed to disassemble the optical unit because of an adhesive, may be inserted during assembly. He will try again with a solvent. If the lenses are not cemented, I understand that he is unable to remove the entire lens cell.
For me, it would be enough to know that is just haze (not fungi), to keep the lens as it is. But I'd also have other tips or experiences.

It's the Elmar-C design, without cemented elements: