Stuck aperture ring on LTM lens

[mdwsta4]

I just received a 5cm Summitar lens in overall good condition. Unfortunately, the aperture ring is extremely stiff; I cannot move it beyond f2.8 and even that is extremely forceful. Any suggestions on how to improve this without sending it off for a CLA?


Thanks!
M

 

[burancap]

I was in your shoes with EXACTLY the same problem a few nights ago.

First, this lens is notorious for this -there is nothing wrong with your sample!

The fix is bolt simple, and right here on RFF (post #6): http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=50601&highlight=Summitar+lube

 

[mdwsta4]

Thanks for the link. I'll have to give that a shot and see if it helps.

 

[mdwsta4]

If I read that post correctly, you collapse the lens, remove the two screws, then the aperture ring should unscrew, correct? From there you would clean the area with lighter fluid, re-grease, and reassemble. Is that right?

I was in your shoes with EXACTLY the same problem a few nights ago.

First, this lens is notorious for this -there is nothing wrong with your sample!

 

[mdwsta4]

I ended up following two methods which I, personally, found easier to understand:
http://kameraking.blogspot.com/2012/10/summitar-5cm-sticky-aperture-repair.html

and
http://justinlow.com/articles/repair-leica-summitar

Night and day difference! Now the aperture ring is smooth as butter! Also went 1 step further and did the same for the focus ring. Unfortunately, I'm running into a problem with the distance. I am able to get to infinity, but it only gets as close as 4.5 feet. Been trying for the past hour to align it properly to no avail.

 

[burancap]

Sorry I could not reply ... was out all day on a glorious Sunday here!

Sounds like you got the ring sorted! I can't offer any particular advice on the focus.