Oil on aperture blades

[earleygallery]

My 35mm Summicron R has traces of lubricant on the apterture blades. There was the slightest trace of some when I bought the lens s/h a few years ago but it's been working fine until the other day when I noticed that they aren't snapping back open as fast as they should.

I need to have the problem fixed. Any advice appreciated (if you've had a lens fixed with similar problems, cost, recommended repairers - I'm in the UK).

Thanks

[lambroving]

James,

Might or might not help at this point, but always leave the aperture wide open on a Leica lens when you put it away. Had some oil on my 35/2 Type II and some other member suggested this. After a few months, no more oil. Worth a try.

If you have a mechanical problem, ask Malcolm Taylor.

[earleygallery]

Thanks for the suggestions William. I'll try leaving it open set open (and will do the same to my other lenses).

James

[marknorton]

DHL it to Solms for a CLA, Gerald Wagner is very helpful. I had my 14 year old pre-ASPH 35mm Summicron-M cleaned and it came back looking like new. About £160.

[lambroving]

Originally Posted by marknorton

DHL it to Solms for a CLA, Gerald Wagner is very helpful. I had my 14 year old pre-ASPH 35mm Summicron-M cleaned and it came back looking like new. About £160.

Mark,

CS is fine for the later stuff but they are too busy and too expensive for simple work on 30 - 60-year-old Leitz gear. The Leitz techs, Malcolm and over here, Sherry Krauter, can work on the old stuff blind-folded. In fact Solms sends their old gear to Malcolm for work...

My newer lenses, M7 and MP would go to Solms if they needed anything NJ couldn't handle, but my SL. old R-lenses and M5 would ONLY go to Sherry. The Leitz, Wetzlar-trained people just know this stuff cold. I presume James's 35/2-R is 70's-vintage. BTW, over here you can sometimes find a Mint 35/2-R two-cam for $350 - $400!