A miracle lens, a miracle shot.

Dingo · 07-19-2004

Hello all,

Recently I disassambled a collapsible FED 50mm f/3.5, cleaned it and reassembled it. I tested it and the result is so unbelievable, so want share it with friends here :

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/phot...549/ppuser/192

Comments welcomed.

Regards,

Dingo

taffer · 07-19-2004

CAN I send you all my lenses so you have them cleaned and reassembled !?

Now seriously, that thing is SHARP ! So maybe it's really worth to take the thing seriously and start learning how to clean and assemble a lens.

Sumo_du_Jour · 07-19-2004

They're sharp allright. A hundred questions pop to mind straight away...

What kind of seals did you find in there, what condition were they in?
Lubricant, what did you use on re-assembly?
How did you clean the glass?
Did everything go back together properly - any parts left over?
Did you burr any little screws, or have any anxious moments?

Laika · 07-19-2004

Your lens does look sharp, congrats on the nice overhaul.

I've found most of the Soviet lenses can benefit from at least the focusing threads being relubed, it makes a world of difference for a user lens. I doubt I'd "teach myself" to service a Leica lens but with the Soviet copies I was happy to get stuck in. The collapsible lenses are very good quality from what I've seen, the later Ind-50 is said to be the best of the bunch but I've had excellent results from the Ind-22 and FED (Ind-10) lenses as well.

hoppinghippos · 07-19-2004

great work dingo! care to give a tutorial on how to CLA the lens?

Rich Silfver · 07-19-2004

Very nice - and now you have the masses demanding a step-by-step instruictions guide on lens cleaning

pvdhaar · 07-20-2004

Quote:

Originally posted by rsilfverberg
Very nice - and now you have the masses demanding a step-by-step instruictions guide on lens cleaning

Not only that, but we want the 'before' and 'after' pictures as well !

Dingo · 07-20-2004

Guys,

I didn't expect all these responses, in fact I did it because of John Robertson, he has proved the FED 50mm is a gem, that's why I gave it a shot.

The cleaning process is an interesting story, I will find a good way to show to all you guys ASAP, but don't expect too much, my methods are quite DIY, and don't try them on the CV or Xpan lenses.

I will keep all you guys informed ASAP, OK ?

rover · 07-20-2004

You know, I have an Industar 61 LD with a toupee between the elements. Maybe there is hope for it yet.

back alley · 07-20-2004

matt denton has a 'how to' on his site, c/w photos.
i'm at work & don't have the site address handy now.

joe

Laika · 07-20-2004

Quote:

Originally posted by backalley photo
matt denton has a 'how to' on his site, c/w photos.
i'm at work & don't have the site address handy now.

joe

Here it is ...
http://homepage.mac.com/mattdenton/p...ing/index.html

hoppinghippos · 07-21-2004

I've tried disassembling my lens and I realised there's such a tool as a "lens spanner" acc. to the websites to unscrew the plastic bits holding the lens in place. Anyone know what can be used in place of a proper lens spanner to open it?