Summicron CLA - where?

[Jerevan]

Just a pretty simple question - I have a Summicron DR that needs a CLA. Any recommendations where I can get that done, preferably in Europe.

It's a "half way across the bridge" question - do I get this lens a clean-up or do I accept the money loss and find a better one? I have been looking at the prices asked for similar lenses here at RFF, and well... I don't know really. Been thinking along the lines of a used, but nice Elmar or maybe, maybe a new one.

 

[CZeni]

Just a pretty simple question - I have a Summicron DR that needs a CLA. Any recommendations where I can get that done, preferably in Europe.

It's a "half way across the bridge" question - do I get this lens a clean-up or do I accept the money loss and find a better one? I have been looking at the prices asked for similar lenses here at RFF, and well... I don't know really. Been thinking along the lines of a used, but nice Elmar or maybe, maybe a new one.

Most of the Europeans on the LUG suggesting using Solms...in the US the preference is split between DAG in Wisconsin and Sherri Krauter at Golden Touch. Some here have had great luck with a fellow in the FSU...I can't recall his name right now.

 

[photocrazy]

A Leica specialist in Luton, England. Its business is so good that they can't take booking until August.

 

[bmoc]

Sherry Krauter has cleaned my 90 elmar and 40 summicron beautifully. Reasonably priced and quick turnaround.

Barry

 

[Alec]

This ?
http://www.angelfire.com/biz/Leica/
They do have a great buzz.

Other addresses can be found there:
http://www.nemeng.com/leica/007e.shtml

 

[merciful]

DAG did a fine job on my Canon 50/1.2, but he's not exactly quick; or wasn't then, anyway.

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

Yes, DAG is great. But shipping from/back to Sweden may be something you have to look into. I'm sure that's not a problem with DAG, but perhaps the shipping/time may be prohibitive for you? It depends on how much you're willing to wait. It's probably cheaper, though, but I don't know.

 

[peter_n]

CRR in Luton, England - the first link that Alec posted above. They have a tremendous reputation.

 

[Jerevan]

Thank you for all suggestions.

CRR - no matter how good - you can't buy stuff when the store is closed. I mean, they got a 3 month backlog... If they hadn't been so busy they'd be my first stop. 😀

I'll give DAG or Sherry a serious thought. Oleg doesn't really do lens work as far as I understand it. Otherwise, Marc Nicolas or Will van Manen looks good, as per eariler recommendations on RFF.

 

[jim0266]

Peter at CRR is the man. There is a reason he has a back log of work. He is the best. After Peter I think Gerry Smith at Kindermann in Canada is great. Then DAG. Have used all three and that's how I rate them. Never used Sherry Krauter.

 

[Eric Boehm]

If the glass needs work (i.e., recoating), I wholeheartedly recommend John VanStelten at FocalPoint. He did a fantastic job with my collapsible 'cron. Came back looking like new.

http://www.focalpointlens.com

 

[egpj]

If the glass needs work (i.e., recoating), I wholeheartedly recommend John VanStelten at FocalPoint. He did a fantastic job with my collapsible 'cron. Came back looking like new.

http://www.focalpointlens.com

I am very glad to hear that he did a good job on your lens! He was recommended to me by Sherry Krauter as well for my collapsible Summicron that goes on my IIf. I sent it off last Thursday and can not wait to get it back.

 

[wlewisiii]

If the glass needs work (i.e., recoating), I wholeheartedly recommend John VanStelten at FocalPoint. He did a fantastic job with my collapsible 'cron. Came back looking like new.

http://www.focalpointlens.com

If you don't mind my asking, how much did that cost? I have a new to me collapsible 'cron that I might consider having that done to when I can afford it.

Thanks!

William

 

[egpj]

Here is a copy of the information that focal point sent me:

Hello Mr. Paul,

We can polish & re-coat this front element and it runs $195.00 + return shipping. additional work not included.
Regards,

John Van Stelten
Make sure I am aware of the correct UPS return shipping address upon payment.
(Ship with the carrier of your choice as they all deliver here. Sorry, no credit cards and no delivery to P.O. Boxes & do not send with cases, caps or filters as they can get misplaced.)
Focal Point Inc.
1017 South Boulder Road
Suite E-2
Louisville, Co 80027
USA
Phone: 303/665-6640
Web-Site: www.focalpointlens.com
Email: john@focalpointlens.com

 

[Eric Boehm]

I am very glad to hear that he did a good job on your lens! He was recommended to me by Sherry Krauter as well for my collapsible Summicron that goes on my IIf. I sent it off last Thursday and can not wait to get it back.

Be prepared to wait... It wasn't exacly speedy. Around five weeks from the day I shipped it to the day I received it, but it was worth the wait.

f you don't mind my asking, how much did that cost? I have a new to me collapsible 'cron that I might consider having that done to when I can afford it.

I paid $250 plus S&H for the polish & recoat and a complete CLA. My original quote was $195 as well. The additional charge was for the full CLA of the aperture and focus helical. That's in-line for the price quoted by DAG for just the CLA ($60).

I bought the lens (an M-mount collapsible 'cron) as a 'bargain' in a local shop. The front element was full of cleaning marks, but no scratches into the glass, and the aperture and focus were *very* stiff. Now the aperture and focus are smooth as butter and the front element looks like new. The rear element had a few light cleaning marks which I did not have corrected and the lens performs just fine. Out of three 50s I own in Leica mounts, it's the one that gets the most use.

Before the recoat the lens flared badly in difficult lighting situations, and had generally low contrast. Now flare is well controlled and the contrast is excellent. I use one of the screw-in vented hoods from 'heavystar' on the big auction site and even in really challenging lighting, the lens really performs nicely.

 

[rpsawin]

I recently had a 50mm Summicron repaired & CLA'd by Sherry at Golden Touch. She did a great job and the price was quite reasonable. I was so happy with her work I sent her my prized M2 for a CLA...it came back like new. I recommend Sherry Krauter quite highly.

Bob