Leica LTM Testing a Xenon....

[LeicaTom]

"Instant Vintage"

LOL!

And I knew all this years ago about the Xenon........ 😀

Those three were taken with my ultra rare KM Kreigsmarine Leitz Xenon f1.5/50 (uncoated) which could have been made even better maybe with some Toothpaste? But I wasn't going to try, that KM camera and lens sold for a small fortune, I regret selling it sometimes.

If I had it now I could buy a "new" M9P a Non-Asph Lux 50 a Cron 35 v4 and a SS M3 and STILL had a chunk of change left over......

Anyway great lens, impossible to find without scratches, like the "wartime" CZJ Sonnar f2/50 the front lenses were super sensitive and ALL of them got nasty cleaning marks after 65+ years of being used.

Tom

 

[Mr_Flibble]

Sanmich's sample in the classifieds looks pretty clean 🙂

 

[PMCC]

Hmm, anyone know how the tootpaste/metal polish cure would work on a Summar with the typical zillion cleaning marks?

 

[02Pilot]

Hmm, anyone know how the tootpaste/metal polish cure would work on a Summar with the typical zillion cleaning marks?

Probably not much to lose, but it's important to recognize the differences in the materials. Most metal polishes, at least the ones for soft metals, are chemical polishes - they lift contaminants from the surfaces. Toothpaste and other polishing compounds (like those for automotive paint) include a mild abrasive; the better ones will have an abrasive that degrades as its used, so it's harder to over-polish (this is obviously more important for painted surfaces than here). These remove or at least smooth high spots, producing a more even surface.

If a lens is really bad, normally what I'll do is polish with a metal polish, then use a mild abrasive compound (I prefer 3M Imperial Hand Glaze).

 

[Vince Lupo]

"Instant Vintage"

LOL!

And I knew all this years ago about the Xenon........ 😀

Tom

This is the second Xenon I've owned. The first one I owned, well, it was a peach:









When I think about all the stuff I've sold over the years that I should have kept.....

 

[sanmich]

Sanmich's sample in the classifieds looks pretty clean 🙂

Thanks Rick
Not perfect, but not bad ;-)

 

[Vince Lupo]

With the new hood and yellow/green filter.


Xenon Riley by Vince.Lupo, on Flickr

 

[Clark.EE]

Zeiss was coating Binocular optics in 1935/6. Just external air surfaces, soft like early Leitz coatings.
By 1940 all surfaces were hard coated.
Presumably the Binos were more important for the War effort, so the Camera lenses didnt get coated?
Anyone any idea?

 

[LeicaTom]

Yeah, Vince that is mad beautiful!!!! "Export" = feet Xenon.

I want to get my hands on a 1943 to 1949 *coated* one if possible, if not then a mid 50's Summarit again, both lenses are amazing for shooting portraits and softer black and white projects....

🙂

Tom

 

[Mr_Flibble]

Finally finished the roll in the IIIb with the Xenon attached to it this weekend.
If I find the time I'll post some scans tomorrow.

 

[oltimer]

It is really very nice, beautiful condition too.

The "normal" XOONS is made from brass, rather soft. Is this one steel?

Erik.

Erik, the dealer I purchase my equipment from in Toronto, has a original brass/snap on one now up for auction in top condition. His name is Al at setadelstudios, on Ebay

 

[Mr_Flibble]

My lil' nephew, Rollei RPX 400, Ro9 1+25 8min