Summicron lens fog - fixable?

[olisones]

Hi all,

I'm currently in discussions with a seller for a Summicron 35mm f/2 V1 with goggles.

The seller has said there is fogging in the lens and sent a photo. He seems to think this is not fixable via a service and does not affect images, although I know that this would cause glare on some shots.

I would happily get the lens serviced but wondered if any one had any experience with these older lenses and fogging (not an uncommon thing for glass this age).

Here is the photo of said 'fogging'.

Any thoughts?

 

[mpaniagua]

Picture seems to be missing.

I disassembled a fogged collapsible Summicron and it was fixable. Same with a LTM Elmar 90.

Regards
Marcelo

 

[x-ray]

I bought a v1 non goggle version from a friend that was severely fogged. The focusing helix was frozen as well. The glass otherwise was fine and I picked it up not knowing if all the fog could be cleaned out. I sent it to Youxin Ye but unfortunately he wasn't able get it totally clean. In its original state it was completely unusable. I'd say he was able to get 95% of the haze out and I use it regularly and get great results. Youxins comment was, It's old glass and partially oxidized. It's impossible to get all the haze off. I paid $300 for it and wouldn't recommend paying much for one with severe haze. You don't know how much can be cleaned up. P

 

[olisones]

Picture seems to be missing.

I disassembled a fogged collapsible Summicron and it was fixable. Same with a LTM Elmar 90.

Regards
Marcelo

Ah that’s strange. Try this:

 

[peterm1]

Yes it is fixable in most cases. As others have reported, the internal coating on some early Leica glass is very soft and technicians are reluctant to try to clean too hard due to the risk of damaging the old, soft coating. This is not invariably a problem that arises, but does come up from time to time and I have experienced it myself. Though on getting the lens back after the tech. told me this was an issue and that he did not feel he could de-fog it totally I have not found it to be particularly problematic. And the lens was certainly much better than before the CLA was performed. I think you need to be realistic. It may not be cured 100% but it is likely it can be made usable unless there has been etching of the glass or coating.

Some lenses such as the Canon 50mm f1.2 LTM has a reputation for fogging over and over. It is necessary CLA the lens now and then to rectify it though fortunately this lens is relatively easy to disassemble clean and reassemble.

 

[Steve M.]

That's haze, and it will cause the lens to flare if there's sun in the frame, along w/ probably softening the images somewhat at wide apertures. I'm pretty sure John at Focal Point can clean it, but you have to ask yourself if it's worth putting that much money into the lens, along w/waiting on the repair to be completed, vs holding out for a clean one.

 

[maddoc]

As I understand it, John has retired and Focal Point is closed.

http://www.focalpointlens.com/

That's haze, and it will cause the lens to flare if there's sun in the frame, along w/ probably softening the images somewhat at wide apertures. I'm pretty sure John at Focal Point can clean it, but you have to ask yourself if it's worth putting that much money into the lens, along w/waiting on the repair to be completed, vs holding out for a clean one.

 

[olisones]

Thanks all. I agree, it's a bit of a risk paying a large sum for something that might not be fixable although the Summicron is very tempting due to it's price - even with a CLA it will come out cheaper in the long run. . I'm going to look at a 2.8 Summaron today which is a lot cheaper.

 

[pippy]

It might very well be worthwhile depending on how much it cost for the lens and I would advise having a proper appraisal of the possibility for comprehensive cleaning by a skilled repairman.

I had a 35mm Summaron which had no visible fungus / haze to the naked eye but was severely affected by flare. I took it to a repairman for assessment and he said it had fungus growth. Fortunately the glass wasn't too far gone and it could probably be cleaned out completely. In the end it cost me £130 ($178) for the work but the lens (a 1954 pre-M2 non-goggled version) now works perfectly and, obviously, the CLA was a much cheaper option than had I needed to buy a new lens...

I don't have 'before' images for the sake of comparison but they were VERY hazy.
FWIW here is an 'after' image plus a 100% crop of the centre area shot immediately after I picked up the lens purely as a test frame so no prizes for Artistic Merit. The white lettering is printed on a grey mesh fabric which explains the slightly 'bitty' quality.

M9-P, shot at approx 1/350 f11 @ ISO 160;

Pip.

 

[oldwino]

The Summaron 35/2.8 is a fantastic lens. A little jewel. Sharp from f2.8.

If you are the States, I’d recommend DAG for lens (and Leica camera)service. He’s done several of mine and they always come back like new.

 

[Ronald M]

Any haze at all will lower contrast and give a muddy effect.

Lenses are properly chemical cleaned, not rubbed and scrubbed or there will be scratches. Interior coatings are soft as smoke.

Have seller clean it up first.