Serenar 135/4 flaking internal paint

[Nikon Bob]

I was given a 135/4 Serenar because the previous owner did not like the large paint flakes visible in the lens. With nothing to loose, I unscrewed the front lens group and found that the paint was flaking from the long tapered shoulder of the last lens group. I removed as much of the remaining loose paint and repainted with automotive fast drying flat black touch up paint. I found that the second lens group will unscrew giving access to the rear of the front lens for cleaning. It took some time to get the rest of the free paint flakes out of the lens. The lens appears to work well from the limited use that I have had with it. Anyone else had this problem? The 135/4 does not seem to used too much here, any reason such as poor optical quality? I have one test shot wide open and close that seems to hint at good performance that is possible with this lens.

Bob

 

[Mackinaw]

I had a chrome 85/1.9 that had some internal paint flaking as you describe. Didn't seem to have any effect on optical performance so it never bothered me. I sold the lens, to Raid, a few years back. Maybe he can add a few comments if he sees this.

Jim B.

 

[Nikon Bob]

Jim B.

The former owner just didn't like seeing the large flakes but stated the flakes did not seem to effect performance. Just fussy I guess. I can't say there is any difference not having shot the lens before painting it. Just surprised at how easy a fix it was with this lens.

Bob

Bob

 

[Mackinaw]

While I'm hardly a skilled camera technician, I have taken apart several lenses to clean oily aperture blades and cloudy elements. I've always been surprised how relatively easy it's been. I guess we forget that a lot of these lenses were designed to be "mass produced" so assembly/disassembly is pretty straightforward.

That being said, there are some lenses I would never try to take apart. Way beyond my meager skills.

Jim B.

 

[John Shriver]

The peeling paint is a real issue, since it is used on glass edges of the lens elements that will otherwise cause flare. Leica Summars are mostly old enough to need this edge painting replaced.