Summilux 50 V2 Element Replacement?

[adamr1699]

Hi all,
I recently bought a Summilux 50 v2 for a steal due to a chip in the second element in the front group. The previous owner said this had no effect on usability, and I do believe him but could see it causing possible issues in the future.
I doubt there is any way to have this done but I'll just throw it out there:
Does anyone know of a way to replace the element?
Thanks all!
Adam R.

 

[adamr1699]

In reality I probably shouldn't have bought it as I have way too many 50s.
i'll likely list it for sale in the classifieds if anyone is interested.

 

[michaelwj]

Just curious, but have you had someone look at it? I'm struggling to see how you would chip a glass surface that is not exposed to outside? Are you sure it's not some debris that can't simply be cleaned?

Also, the v2 summilux has a single front element, followed by two more individual elements. The last four elements are in two groups. Which element do you mean by the second element in the front group?

 

[mpaniagua]

I too have the Summilux V2 and confirm the lens arrangement. He is probably referring to the second element on the front side? Wonder as well how the lens was chipped. Probably a CLA/Cleaning attempt gone wrong?

Best regards

Marcelo

 

[adamr1699]

I too have the Summilux V2 and confirm the lens arrangement. He is probably referring to the second element on the front side? Wonder as well how the lens was chipped. Probably a CLA/Cleaning attempt gone wrong?

Best regards

Marcelo

That would be my guess. I unscrewed the front group and removed the retaining ring so I could take a look at the element. It is definitely a chip, there doesn't seem to be any damage to any other portions of the body though so I don't believe it was dropped. Probably a DIY lens service was attempted by someone a bit too eager. 😛

 

[x-ray]

Leica may have replacement parts in luring elements. It's worth a try. Also contact Don Goldberg at DAG. I know from experience it's not as simple as dropping in a new element. I broke 2 elements in a Schneider Super Angulon 121mm when the lens board adapter on my Sinar Norma vibrated loose. The lens hit concrete and warped the shutter and broke 2 elements in the rear cell. I was able to find a lens the front cells were trashed in and get Schneider to match the rear cells to the front.

When talking to the Schneider tech he said they have replacement elements and parts for virtually every lens they've made and are stored in Germany for such incidents. Leica may do the same or Don may have one that he uses per parts.

A chip Isn't always the death of a lens. I had a triple convertible Protar for my 8x10 camera with a large and deep gouge in the front element. It had no effect on image quality.

 

[x-ray]

If the chip is at the edge and oriented so it's either at the very top or bottom when the lens is on the camera it probably wouldn't have any effect.

 

[adamr1699]

If the chip is at the edge and oriented so it's either at the very top or bottom when the lens is on the camera it probably wouldn't have any effect.

I thought the exact same thing, when I opened it up to check I rotated it from the side to the top for that very reason. Haven't finished the first roll yet so we'll see but the previous owner sent me images shot on his M9 straight out of camera that looked really great, even one with heavy back-lighting to show the scratches were not an issue, seems like quite a resilient lens, great character😀.
Adam R.