I have a 70's 50mm F2 summicron which has a slight foggy film on one of the interior elements ( as well as some dust) there is also a slight backlash in the focusing action - admitedly very slight though. This lens is in very 'user' condition but came at a very good price. I have dismantled and cleaned a veriety of 35mm manual lenses as well as my CF Hassleblad lenses. Is DIY on a M lens a practical proposition - my main concern is upsetting the cam alignment.

-- John Griffin (john.griffin@millerhare.com), March 25, 2002

Answers

It isn't that expensive to have it done by a Leica expert (between $50 and $100)-almost not worth the bother. They will also use the correct lubricant and have all the correct tools. I have also taken apart some lenses will good results, but was happy to let Bill Maxwell clean up my Leica lenses for a nominal charge.

-- Andrew Schank (aschank@flash.net), March 25, 2002.

I tried removing the mount on an M-lens once. There are at least 3 different tubes/rings that are held in place by just the mount screws and immediately start rotating out of alignment as soon as the screws come out!! Focusing ring, lens tube, focusing cam and more!

I managed to get it shut up again with a little sweat, but would never try it again without some official Leica training!

John van Stelten at the Focal Point (Louisville, Col.) cleaned my 90 TE for about $75-90 - seems like the specialized tools alone would cost that much.

-- Andy Piper (apidens@denver.infi.net), March 25, 2002.

Wow! Do you guys have a room with a vaccuum chamber or something? I am thinking of doing the same with a Zeiss lens, but am thinking it will be prob be worse after I expose it to the dust in the air!

-- Karl Yik (karl.yik@dk.com), March 26, 2002.