To CLA an early I-61 vs buying an I-61 L/D

[Alowisney]

I'm about to send off my Fed-2 to Fedka for CLA and shutter replacement and I need to do something with the early I-61 that came with it. I was thinking of sending it off to have it CLA'd at the same time, but I've got a bit of a dilemma. I can have it CLA'd for $39 or I can buy a newer I-61 L/D for $49. The newer lens would have click stops and I'm assuming that the lenses are CLA'd before being sold by Fedka, but please tell me if I'm wrong!

Would it be better to go ahead and spend the extra $10 and get the L/D or does it really matter?

 

[brachal]

I would CLA the older lens. Build quality on the LD isn't nearly as good.

 

[paulfish4570]

me, too ...

 

[wolves3012]

From personal experience, every one of my I-26 and I-61 lenses needed a re-lube. The late I-61L/D versions are poorly made, they have printed markings too. The early ones are quite reasonable though, they have engraved markings. Best build quality seems to be the I-61 "panda" (black/white) or the I-26.

In other words, probably better to get your existing lens CLA-ed, it's a very easy job. If you want the I-61L/D, ask if it's got engraved or printed markings and avoid unless it's the engraved sort. It is a little bit contrastier than the I-26 and you may like that.

 

[Alowisney]

Thanks for the input guys! I sent my I-61 to get CLA'd, along with the camera, to Fedka's repair guy. I hope it can make it to Brooklyn through the snow!