Sticky focus collapsible summicron

[gertf]

The mailman brought today a beautiful collapsible summicron sold in EX condition by Adorama's ebay seller. However the focus is so sticky it is almost impossible to move.

The lens appears to be free of haze, cleaning marks, fungus etc.. Is the sticky focus something that's likely to get better with some use or should I just bite the bullet and either send it back or get it serviced?

 

[gertf]

Crikey, and you've had no oil leakage anywhere afterwards?

Do you know if anyone services these in Oz? I've sent lenses to Sherry Krauter before, but it takes a long time flying across the big pond.

 

[gertf]

Thanks Keith, I'll keep moving it around. Hopefully it'll loosen up.

I want to bring it on our trip to Norway/England/Thailand in 4 weeks time, and I don't think SK or DAG will be able to get it back to me in that time considering the time it takes to send it over and back.

Thanks for your fast reply 🙂

Gert

 

[Paul T.]

Mine was sticky, perhaps not as bad as yours, but it's improved now.

I did get instructions from Youxin Ye how to deal with this, I'm sure he wouldn't mind if I pm them to you...

 

[gertf]

Hi Paul,

Very much appreciate it. Thank you.

What gets me is the description: 'EX, in fine working order', from Adorama. You would think they could check the focus before listing?

 

[Paul T.]

I should point out I didn't really try Youxin's cure, the lens stopped binding with use... it really bugged me at first, it was very jerky and hence difficult to focus, but a bit of use, being thrown around, left in a hot car boot seemed to sort it.

I love the Summicron Collapsible. I sold a modern Elmar-M collapsible to fund it, gained an extra stop, a less bulky lens, and $250 to pay off my credit card bill.

 

[Dralowid]

Or perhaps trya a tiny bit of lighter fluid on the threads...it tends to soften old grease.

Michael

 

[Erik van Straten]

The mailman brought today a beautiful collapsible summicron sold in EX condition by Adorama's ebay seller. However the focus is so sticky it is almost impossible to move.

The lens appears to be free of haze, cleaning marks, fungus etc.. Is the sticky focus something that's likely to get better with some use or should I just bite the bullet and either send it back or get it serviced?

Hello gertf,
Get yourself a set of high quality jewellers screwdrivers. Check carefully that you choose the right size to unscrew the three small screws on the back of your lens, in the flange where it touches the camera when mounted. When the screws are out, you can unscrew the helical mount. Remember the point where the two parts come loose. Clean both sides of the helical mount with an old toothbrush and lighter fluid toroughly. When dry, smear on both sides a fair amount of ballbearing grease. Put the thing back together, it's not difficult at all. Your Summicron will work perfectly for at least another fifty years.

Erik.

 

[SteveM(PA)]

Is it sticky off the camera as well? Youxin CLA'd mine twice, and finally determined that the lens flange was slightly bent, "not perfect level," whereby it would bind up when mated to any of my cameras. Off camera, it was smooth. He said the lens flange would need to be replaced, which Sherry could do (he didn't have the parts). So...smooth off camera, def. needs to go back.

 

[gertf]

Thank you Erik and Steve for your comments.

Steve: the focus is sticky off camera as well. I'm reluctant to send it back due to the condition of the lens overall. There is not a single cleaning mark on the coating, and it was a relatively reasonable price.

Erik: I will give it a try, thank you for the advice.