Summaron 35mm f/3.5 Focus Ring Completely Stuck

[purgum923]

I picked up a Summaron 35mm f/3.5 at an estate sale — no front or rear caps, just a leather pouch. The focus ring is completely stuck, though the aperture ring moves smoothly and releases the focus lock. I tried a little lighter fluid to loosen things up, but no luck. I’m thinking about trying 99% isopropyl alcohol next, and if that doesn’t work, I’ll send it out for a CLA.

I’d love to hear from anyone who’s dealt with a similar issue on this lens. Did you manage to free the focus ring yourself, or was a professional service the only real fix?

 

[splitimageview]

I just sent a Summaron to DAG to fix this very problem. Aperture ring moved freely but focus was almost completely frozen.

 

[Duofold RF]

If you are not handy, send to YYX or DAG. The helical grease is hardened, need to disassemble clean and re-grease

 

[purgum923]

If you are not handy, send to YYX or DAG. The helical grease is hardened, need to disassemble clean and re-grease

YYX said it's not a common issue, but he will take a look

 

[purgum923]

I just sent a Summaron to DAG to fix this very problem. Aperture ring moved freely but focus was almost completely frozen.

What's the estimated turnaround time with DAG? YYX is 3 months

 

[splitimageview]

DAG received it on Dec 18 and yesterday he emailed saying it would be done this week.

 

[purgum923]

DAG received it on Dec 18 and yesterday he emailed saying it would be done this week.

The turnaround time with DAG is very reasonable compared to YYE. Thanks for sharing!

 

[splitimageview]

Having worked with DAG for 15+ years, always contact him first and ask him for an estimated turn-around. And then a few days before the estimate, send him another email asking if the time estimate is still on target. If you don't get a reply in a couple of days, email again. 🙂

Don gets LOTS of emails and every time he has to reply to one it is time he can't spend on repairs, so his replies tend to be short/curt.

Good luck!

 

[purgum923]

Having worked with DAG for 15+ years, always contact him first and ask him for an estimated turn-around. And then a few days before the estimate, send him another email asking if the time estimate is still on target. If you don't get a reply in a couple of days, email again. 🙂

Don gets LOTS of emails and every time he has to reply to one it is time he can't spend on repairs, so his replies tend to be short/curt.

Good luck!

Don got back to me within an hour with my email inquiry. $200 for the focus ring repair and $50 for the full overhaul, with a 2–3 week turnaround.

 

[38Deardorff]

Don got back to me within an hour with my email inquiry. $200 for the focus ring repair and $50 for the full overhaul, with a 2–3 week turnaround.

No one better to work on your lens!

 

[purgum923]

The lens was repaired in just one week! Super quick service. Thanks for recommending DAG!

 

[38Deardorff]

The lens was repaired in just one week! Super quick service. Thanks for recommending DAG!

Don is The Man!

 

[splitimageview]

The lens was repaired in just one week! Super quick service. Thanks for recommending DAG!

That's quick! Mine took a bit longer but it was over the holidays.

Glass on my Summaron was a mess, and the focus was basically frozen. Glass cleaned beautifully and it's super smooth now.

 

[purgum923]

That's quick! Mine took a bit longer but it was over the holidays.

Glass on my Summaron was a mess, and the focus was basically frozen. Glass cleaned beautifully and it's super smooth now.

I sent a quick email to see if the lens arrived, and he got back to me right away. The repair was already done. Excited to put it on my IIIf and take it out.

 

[purgum923]

Don is The Man!
View attachment 4885739

Don is The Man!
View attachment 4885739

Love the patina on your M4. It adds much character. Looks like it's well loved