Does Leica replace elements in an R lens?

[alan.y]

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I have a Summilux-R 35 with severe damage on the two foremost elements. I'm interested in having them replaced.

 

Does anyone know whether Leica still stocks spare elements for their R lenses, and if so whether it'd be economical to have elements replaced (i.e. whether it'd cost about as much as buying another lens.)

 

Thank you.

[masjah]

Alan, I think it would be well worth asking them - they often have spares for a considerable number of years. As to cost, it might also be well worth asking; I've seen a non ROM 35 Summilux R recently go for about £2k, and the ROM lenses are usually more (though these days I'm not entirely sure why) and that would cover a lot of repairs. Is there also damage to the lens body though, because that might be the deal-breaker?

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[jaapv]

In general they don't stock replacement elements for R lenses any more. Nor for quite a few old rangefinder lenses. Often even the optical glass used is not available nowadays. But you can always try and hope to strike lucky.

Edited August 12, 2014 by jaapv

[topoxforddoc]

The front elements don't matter so much. If you got a bad scratch, you could just fill the scratch with a black sharpie. It's the rear element, which matters critically. Mark that and you are in trouble.

 

Andy Barton posted a link a few years ago on an article with a 35 cron, which had a completely smashed front element. Pics looked fine with it though.