Leica 50mm Summicron DR repair and cleaning information

[jordanstarr]

I can't find an exploded view or repair guide/manual anywhere for this or another similar lens. I've taken apart plenty of lenses for cleaning (fungus/haze) with NO PROBLEMS. This is the first lens I've hit a snag with and can't get the front element off. I know I'm missing something really basic and I'm sure it comes apart 'cause there's a retaining ring in there. If you have information that is useful, I'd appreciate it.

...Unless the lenses are fused in there and need to be machined out I don't need to hear naysayer comments like "don't do it", "take it to a professional", etc. I've done this plenty of times with other lenses, shot with them and they've turned out perfect and better than before.

Lens has fungus. Needs to be removed ASAP. Thanks in advance.

[Brian Sweeney]

They are not fused, they are in extremely tight.

See:

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=94425

[Brian Sweeney]

I've taken several of these apart, and learned the hard way that the elements are almost a compression fit. They come out, but are very tight. Interchanging elements requires some careful measurements. But it worked out for me.

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=81676&d=1286028855

I use a soft suction cup from a "Sun Catcher" toy. On top of that, used some lend cleaning fluid -slight amount- to get more suction out of the cup. Several tugs were required on all of the lenses disassembled.

[ferider]

Not sure where the fungus in your lens is, but the two that I cleaned only had haze behind and in front of the aperture. To get there is very easy, the front half of the optical barrel just un-screws. Also, coatings are very soft.

[Brian Sweeney]

Where I have labeled "Access to front of element before aperture", that block simply unscrews to expose the aperture.

Be careful around the blades, they can fall out very easily.

[jordanstarr]

This is awesome. Thanks for all your help. Exactly what I was looking for.

[Brian Sweeney]

Give it a try, post back here. I have a Parts Type 1 Rigid Summicron that can be torn down for further detail.

[Brian Sweeney]

To split the optics module into two sections:

Do not take any set screws out.

Use two strips of rubber, like from a mousepad.

Grasp the bottom the the optics module with one, and the knurled rings at the top of the lens with the other. Hold tight and twist, they front section comes off before the aperture blades. The section unscrews with the Aperture Index DOT on one piece, and the aperture ring with the other.

[Brian Sweeney]

Summicron type 1 Rigid Break down.

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=81688&d=1286106403


Optics out of focus mount:

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=81687&d=1286106396

Front ring and washer out, use suction cup for front element which is very tight.

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=81688&d=1286106403

then retaining rings for inner elements are accessible. Will also require suction cup.

[Brian Sweeney]

Break down optics module.

I use split hollow rubber corks:

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=81689&d=1286106447

Separation occurs with F-stop ring on one section and index on the other.

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=81690&d=1286106452

[jordanstarr]

Brian...

You are amazing. Thanks for the help. I owe you big time.

...Jordan

[buzzardkid]

Reviving an old thread here.

Question: does the above approach in detail also apply to the Summicron-DR?

[ferider]

Yes. You'll find an M2 repair manual online - used to be for the military. That also has an exploded diagram of the DR in it, if you are interested.

[buzzardkid]

Thanks Roland! I'll keep an eye out for that repair manual, my M2 has got some minor surgery scheduled, maybe I can do it myself.

[Brian Sweeney]

The optics module on the DR and Type I Rigid Summicron are identical. The DR Summicron modules were probably "cherry picked" to be tighter on focal length deviations.