Dan Chang
Established
Quote:
Originally Posted by ChrisN
>>>>>Timely thread. I do hope you folks have better luck with your 50/1.2 than I have had. In this thread here I sought advice about a similar problem, and documented my disassembly of the lens. I subsequently sent the hazy lens element to Essex for repair.
I must admit, after some good reports of the quality of Essex service, I was somewhat surprised by the nature of their email communication. Of course it is difficult to establish rapport without voice or personal contact - email might not be the best way to establish contact but considering time zones and the cost of international phone calls I thought it was worth a shot, and most businesses should be able to cope with that these days.
Anyway, the email responses from Essex were brusque almost to the point of disinterest. I did send the lens element - they advised a cost of US$60 for cleaning plus return postage; I said go ahead. A few days ago my credit card was charged for the amount indicated (converts to $99 Australian), so I figure they have completed the job and the lens is on its way home.
This morning I received an email from Essex saying, quote:
"We failed to clean your lens. We tried our best spent hours, but the damage is permant. However, we have a Leica Elmar 3.5/5cm screw mount at $100. Please advsie."
That was the entire contents of the email. I asked them to just send the lens home.
I am somewhat disappointed, for several reasons. I will not send them any further work. As I said, I hope others have more luck with them.
Has anyone got a good 50/1.2 element (the compound element immediately behind the iris) from an otherwise trashed lens? Or a recommendation for someone who really knows how to polish a lens? (Admitting it is probably etched by fungus.) The rest of the lens is just about perfect; it will be a shame to not return it to good working order. <<<<<<
about 7-10 years ago, I sent my Nikon F to Essex because I saw an artical on pop photo about how good they are. The F caome back in non operative condition, I had to send it back, they did lousy job. Maybe the owner's skill reputation is good but other camera repair tech did no better job than a monkey on my F.
Second repair I sent my Schneider compar shutter to Schneider, the repair is lousy too, 1/30 and 1/60 become 1/125. have to send back.
I only believe DAG now.
Originally Posted by ChrisN
>>>>>Timely thread. I do hope you folks have better luck with your 50/1.2 than I have had. In this thread here I sought advice about a similar problem, and documented my disassembly of the lens. I subsequently sent the hazy lens element to Essex for repair.
I must admit, after some good reports of the quality of Essex service, I was somewhat surprised by the nature of their email communication. Of course it is difficult to establish rapport without voice or personal contact - email might not be the best way to establish contact but considering time zones and the cost of international phone calls I thought it was worth a shot, and most businesses should be able to cope with that these days.
Anyway, the email responses from Essex were brusque almost to the point of disinterest. I did send the lens element - they advised a cost of US$60 for cleaning plus return postage; I said go ahead. A few days ago my credit card was charged for the amount indicated (converts to $99 Australian), so I figure they have completed the job and the lens is on its way home.
This morning I received an email from Essex saying, quote:
"We failed to clean your lens. We tried our best spent hours, but the damage is permant. However, we have a Leica Elmar 3.5/5cm screw mount at $100. Please advsie."
That was the entire contents of the email. I asked them to just send the lens home.
I am somewhat disappointed, for several reasons. I will not send them any further work. As I said, I hope others have more luck with them.
Has anyone got a good 50/1.2 element (the compound element immediately behind the iris) from an otherwise trashed lens? Or a recommendation for someone who really knows how to polish a lens? (Admitting it is probably etched by fungus.) The rest of the lens is just about perfect; it will be a shame to not return it to good working order. <<<<<<
about 7-10 years ago, I sent my Nikon F to Essex because I saw an artical on pop photo about how good they are. The F caome back in non operative condition, I had to send it back, they did lousy job. Maybe the owner's skill reputation is good but other camera repair tech did no better job than a monkey on my F.
Second repair I sent my Schneider compar shutter to Schneider, the repair is lousy too, 1/30 and 1/60 become 1/125. have to send back.
I only believe DAG now.
ChrisN
Striving
A couple of days ago I posted in another thread (http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12243) to say that Essex had refunded their charge on my credit accout. However, they did not communicate with me about that! I'm still waiting on the return of the lens.
I'm glad to hear that some people have had good experiences with their repair work. Some people have recommended Arax as having the ability to actually polish marks out of a lens - I might give them a try.
I'm glad to hear that some people have had good experiences with their repair work. Some people have recommended Arax as having the ability to actually polish marks out of a lens - I might give them a try.
ChrisN
Striving
Hi Brian
I had some pics in the original thread
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10143&page=1&highlight=canon+50/1.2+lens
Don't know if I can link direct to the pic - will try it -
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=10302
I don't think the canada balsam is stained, but I guess the elements will need to be separated anyway for the polishing and recoating?
I should have it back soon - Essex responded today by email to say it was posted on the 10th.
I had some pics in the original thread
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10143&page=1&highlight=canon+50/1.2+lens
Don't know if I can link direct to the pic - will try it -
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=10302
I don't think the canada balsam is stained, but I guess the elements will need to be separated anyway for the polishing and recoating?
I should have it back soon - Essex responded today by email to say it was posted on the 10th.
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Gabriel M.A.
My Red Dot Glows For You
Brian Sweeney said:
That's encouraging to hear, I'm glad you posted this response. I'm waiting until after Halloween to send my lens off to DAG. If I had sent it when I got this lens, I'm sure I wouldn't have seen it back before then.
I have scanned one roll so far, and I am very very encouraged by the results. I do not see any issues with flare so far, and wide open, although the in-focus areas aren't really "sharp" (I'm used to late 50mm Summicrons, 35 Ultrons, even the Summitar is sharp most of the time), they are very clear. The only lens that is softer than this is my Summar. I even shot a few side-by-side shots of the 50 1.2 Canon and the 50mm Summarit f/1.5 (which I recently sold) and I can't see much of a problem.
I of course would have much rather had a lens that was as described in the ePrey auction. I can understand missing a little bit of oil (it happened to me with Frank), but this lens' blades are literally swimming in it; I'm surprised the oil hasn't leaked elsewhere.
I really hope what you say is true. It really looks like what the problem I have with my lens on the rear element is coating separation, which would explain why I haven't seen any pictures with flare or loss of contrast (I have a few pictures which show good color contrast).
In any case, this has opened my eyes to the greatness of the Canon LTM lenses. Too bad I found this out now that the used market is inflated.
ChrisN
Striving
Thanks Brian. There's hope yet. I'm also keeping my eyes open for another lens, perhaps with damaged outer elements, as a donor unit. I think it is as someone suggested - the remains after fungus etched the glass. I suspect a previous owner had cleaned off the fungus and found the etching, then moved it on! The joys of ebay.
Could anyone list possible sources of a donor lens or element, business's who might have a damaged lens hiding in a dark corner? I'm aware of KEH and Igor's, but there must be others too. Where else do people shop for old RF gear?
Could anyone list possible sources of a donor lens or element, business's who might have a damaged lens hiding in a dark corner? I'm aware of KEH and Igor's, but there must be others too. Where else do people shop for old RF gear?
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back alley
IMAGES
ritz also lists damaged lenses for cheap.
Gabriel M.A.
My Red Dot Glows For You
OK, they say pictures are worth something or the other...
For those of you who have experience with this lens, can you tell me if these are typical results from this lens (all shots are wide open, and used -expired- Agfa Vista 100, in case you're wondering):
For those of you who have experience with this lens, can you tell me if these are typical results from this lens (all shots are wide open, and used -expired- Agfa Vista 100, in case you're wondering):
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Gabriel M.A.
My Red Dot Glows For You
Looking closely at some of these again, I have discovered a hint of flare in strong lighting situations. This may be haze after all!