Nokton 50 1.5 problem

[depe]

Today I received a Nokton 50 1.5 from ebay. When I turned the diaphragm ring to change the f number the diaphragm blades collapsed. Can this be fixed? How much can cost it?

[ruby.monkey]

Why bother? Get a refund and look for a decent example.

[depe]

I won it along with other items, so I suppose that I'll have to return the pack. I was going to offer to the seller to pay the repair instead of return it.

[f16sunshine]

It could be fixed and if you can work something out with the seller and want to go for it. It's a pretty damn ominous sign though. Who knows what that lens went through to have such a major breakdown.

[depe]

The thing it that other than this the lens is in pristine condition, I think that it has been barely used. Do you know if this is a costly fix?

[Vickko]

No idea whether it is a costly fix or not. Maybe email Stephen Gandy for an estimate. If the blades didn't get permanently bent, then the original blades could be used. If any blades got bent, then they would need replacement, and the cost (and maybe time) would go up.

Anyway, Stephen's email is: CameraQuest@Earthlink.net 818-879-1968 Los Angeles

But for the work needed, the front lens cell needs to be removed, to gain access to the iris control ring and the blades. The ring needs to be removed and the iris blades nested back into the proper pinholes and slots. Then the lens is reassembled.

And while it is all apart, I'd want to investigate why it happened in the first place.

This sort of thing could happen on old lenses if oil seeped onto the blades and caused them to stick. It shouldn't happen on new lenses. I could guess that shipping vibrations got the mechanism just slightly jammed up, so that when you turned it, the iris blades popped. Same probability as lottery winnings - rare, but, it happens.

Best of luck

[depe]

Hi Vickko, thank you for the info! It's really strange what happened, I've never seen a lens in this condition. I also suppose that it can be due to the shipping as It was not very well packaged. I'll ask for the price, but maybe the best option is return It. Is a pity as otherwise the lens is like new (and I was wating to photograph whit it ).

[Frontman]

I had the aperture blades fall loose in a brand new Nokton, about halfway through the first roll of film I shot with it. I had the 50/1.1 version, but the design is similar.

The Nokton 1.5 is a great lens, it is my main 50 on my Leicas now, I am thinking about getting the SC version for my Nikon rangefinders.

[sevres_babylone]

Originally Posted by Frontman

I had the aperture blades fall loose in a brand new Nokton, about halfway through the first roll of film I shot with it. I had the 50/1.1 version, but the design is similar.

The Nokton 1.5 is a great lens, it is my main 50 on my Leicas now, I am thinking about getting the SC version for my Nikon rangefinders.

I had a similar thing happen with my 50/1.1 (but since I shoot digital, it was halfway through a virtual roll of film.) Had it replaced, and no problems since then. Also fortunately, no problems with my 1.5.

[maxwell1295]

I have a 1.5 on the way.... fingers crossed.

[depe]

I think this is not a very common problem, so probably you don't have to worry. Here's a pic, if anybody is interested:

[Krosya]

Putting blades back on any lens is a pain. Not sure how much it would cost, but I'd just return a lens. Unless you got it for next to nothing and willing to risk it.

[Vickko]

Yep, popped blades. Very odd to see the slotted ring not centered. It has come right out of its mount, with the blades following.

Unless you are skilled at the art of iris repair, best not to do it yourself.

[dct]

Originally Posted by depe

I think this is not a very common problem, so probably you don't have to worry. Here's a pic, if anybody is interested:

What a terrible image of such a nice lens! I also just got a mint condition 50/1.5 two weeks ago; I had more luck than you. It was well packaged and there are no evident problems after my first shots.
Hope you get well refunded.

[Fuchs]

Be careful not to shake the lens too much with the iris blades on the loose inside it. I had once an inner element coating badly damaged by the iris blades touching it. It was a 1950's collapsible summicron with notoriously soft inner coatings. I dont know if these modern lenses have tougher coatings inside, but in n any case, better not to try.

[Tiger 68]

Not specifically about this lens, but as general question. What would be the safest way to ship a lens? Diaphragm completely open, or closed? Maybe with a piece of tape to secure the f/stop ring? Or doesn't it matter?