Problems with my 35 summicron (1st ver)

[maximusmini]

Hi all

I just bought a 35 summicron off eBay (a 1st gen w infinity lock). It arrived today and I'm having 2 problems with it.

1) I can't get it to mount on my M4. I lined up the red dot but I can't get it to turn all the way till it clicks into place. I've tried this with both the infinity lock on, and off, neither method works. BTW, I also use the M4 w a 1st gen 50 summilux and a 90 Rokkor with no problems. Am i missing something here?

2) min. focus on the 35 summicron is supposed to be 0.7m. I can't get the focus tab to turn so that the 0.7 lines up with the arrow. It only goes to slightly less than 0.8. What's wrong and what can be done to correct it?

Photos of the lens are available at the following links.

www.flickr.com/photos/86306610@N00/1377332986
www.flickr.com/photos/86306610@N00/1377334932
www.flickr.com/photos/86306610@N00/1377333590

I'm quite new to Leica and photography in general so I'm getting a bit worried. Please help.

Much thanks Tim

 

[Never Satisfied]

Hi Tim, it doesn't sound good. I think maybe it has been serviced and reassembled incorrectly, can you try it on another body to be sure, but I'd contact the seller 1st. Cheers Andrew.

 

[sirius]

I wonder if it needs Leica "eyes" to be mounted? I'm no expert, sorry to hear you're having trouble. I'm sure the experts here will have some advice.

 

[Bill Blackwell]

The first version Summicron (like this one) tends to be overpriced, but holds its value quite well. Fogging and hazing between the elements are quite common with these. Therefore, if the glass is clean and depending what you paid for it, I would send it to DAG (or some other reputable repairperson) for a once-over and repair.

It sounds to me like the lens flange is bent. But if you take a pin-light flashlight and shine it through the glass and see haze, there are potentially other greater problems.

 

[HuubL]

Tim, The lens flange is bent and tried to force back. The seller "overlooked" the items before putting it for sale. The bent and scratches are obvious on his photos on evilbay! He sells a lot there and has a name to lose. He will most probably take it back and refund your money.

Check my response to your question on PNet!

 

[maximusmini]

Thanks very much for your help gents. The advice has been spot on. I checked again and the flange is indeed bent. There is even a hairline crack in the flange. I've contacted the seller for a return and full refund. Hope it works out.

In any case, thanks again for your invaluable help.