To lubricate or not to lubricate (my Elmar)?

[visiondr]

I have a nearly perfect new style Elmar-M f/2.8 which needs only a little lubrication to make it perfect. It grabs just a touch when doing fine focussing. So, my question is, how do I go about fixing the problem? I could send it away for a CLA and have a perfect lens back several days and several dollars later. Or, I could do it myself (I'm pretty handy and not too squeamish). If I decide to do the job myself, what lubricant should I use, and will it be sufficient to lubricate the exposed helicoid at the back of the lens?

Ron

 

[Flyfisher Tom]

You might consider contacting Rick Oleson, who if I recall correctly is a member of RFF and certainly of the classic camera forum at photo.net. He recommended using WD-40 that has been sprayed into a jar, let sit overnight, so the precipitate separates to the bottom, use the thin light oil remaining at top. The other alternative is to use fine watch lubricating oil.

good luck, and let us know how it turns out 🙂

 

[jaapv]

I had my Tri-Elmar do jusy that. I put a mini-drop of the cleaaner-lubricant I use for my dental turbines in the helix thread, using a miniswab and the problem was gone. The lens was seen by Leica subsequently for "dotting", when they do a check at the same time and was passed as "no work needed" So ask your dentist.

 

[Bill58]

microtools carries two differrant kinds of oil--light/ heavy.

 

[Artorius]

A little off topic but

A little off topic but

Your avatar pic is one I produced back in the early-mid 60's as a black w/one psychedelic color original wall poster. I sold all rights to it for an amazing $75.00. Not thinking of the future, it seemed like good money for it then, back in my college revolutionary days. I forget who shot the original pic of Che', but they never came back at me for their cut of the money. Damn, hind site never forgives.

As to your question, as a former camera repairman, only you can decide if you want to do the lube yourself. Although a fairly easy job to do, what happens if you mess it up? Dollar values vary, and it is your option. Good luck in whatever your choice.

 

[Stu W]

The original photo was made by Alberto Diaz Gutierrez, wh used the nom de plume of Alberto Korda. I believe he was skunked out of any royalties on that photo. As far as lubing the helical, I found that depending on the tolerances a light oiling works fine. Sometimes I use a light grease made by castrol if it binds with just the oil. Sometimes a couple of drops of lighter fluid is all it takes. I would try just lubing the exposed part of the helical before dis-assembling it. Stu

 

[sebastel]

off topic as well

off topic as well

hi stu,
on your avatar, is that you "oiling" your neck?
it is so cool that i suspect it to be posed.
:-D

cheers
sebastian

 

[Stu W]

Actually, that is a candid shot of Shane Macgowan of the Pogues doing what he is famous for, other than singing. I myself never indulge, well not anymore. Stu

 

[sebastel]

ah i see.
shame on me that i did not recognize mr. macgowan.
but pictures don't sing, do they?

alcohol is like medicine - the dosis makes the poison. so, it's not more than one for me.

sebastian

 

[Xmas]

Stu

I though it was Rene Burri who used a M2 to take the photo of Che?

noel