repair of lens problems - recomendations

[harry01562]

In going over my 50mm RF lenses, I found a problem. Fortunately, it's relatively minor, sortof.. One of my 1.9 collapsible lenses has what appears to be a paint chip adhering to one of the internal rear elements. I believe it's from flaking paint on the internal helical. Some lite shaking of the lens produced some tiny flakes of black, as well as the original larger chip. Does anyone have a favorite lens-type repairperson? If they were someplace close to New England, it would be an additional incentive. I thought of Sherry Krauter (sp?), but I think I heard she was very busy, and not too certain of her experience with early Canon optics. I'd like to have the lens CLA'd, and have the internal helical repainted with flat black. I'm guessing that can be done, to prevent further chipping.

Thanks, Harry

 

[saltyfli]

I can highly recommend Focal Point Inc. They have cla and made other repairs for me on my ltm Canon optics. They are experts on these older lenses and their unique problems . Many repair shops say they can repair your lense, but why not send it to someone who repair these lenses evey week, as opposed to someone who might have repaired this type of lens 2 or more years ago.They can be reached at 303-665-6640. Ask for John. What difference where the repair shop is, unless you want to walk in with the lens? Send it by Priority mail with tracking and signature required and insure it for more then double what you feel it would cost to replace it. You should be asking who is the best qualified to repair your lense, not how close. In any case good luck , let us know how you make out. Saltyfli

 

[peter_n]

Harry I would second the recommendation of John Van Stelten at Focal Point. He is truly a lens expert and will respond very promptly by email if you contact him. He will not however provide a repair estimate until he has examined the lens (a very reasonable policy, IMO).

You might also want to give Sanford Camera of Arlington a try. They CLA'd an old Nikon lens for me a couple of years ago and did a great job. Whenever I buy a "new" lens I always take it over there and get a technician to examine the lens and clean the front and rear elements. They are a factory authorized repair facility for Canon and other major brands. You should probably give them a call first to determine if they are comfortable servicing a vintage lens. Details:

John Van Stelten
Focal Point, Inc.
1017 South Boulder Road
Suite E-2
Louisville, CO 80027
303-665-6640
Focal Point, Inc.

Sanford Camera Repair
1056 Massachusetts Avenue
Arlington, MA 02476
781-648-2505
Sanford Camera Repair

 

[John Shriver]

Sherry has plenty of experience with Canon lenses, and a large stock of spare parts for them. She doesn't work on LTM bodies, but works on LTM and Leica glass.

The paint is probably from the edge of one of the inner groups. There's no helical inside the lens barrel. It's about time for old lacquers from that era to start breaking down, both my Leica Summar lenses came with a bad case of "black dandruff".