Need Advice: Inside element looks dirty on new-to-me 50mm Summicron-M

[urs0polar]

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Hi,

 

I recently received a new-to me 50mm Summicron-M (with the focusing tab, serial # says it was made in 1991) that I find a strange result doing the "flashlight test". It seems there's an element inside that either has leftover cement on it or wasn't adequately cleaned, etc.

 

I've posted a video where the stuff i'm talking about comes into focus at 0:10. It's in a ring around the outer edge of one of the internal elements. This view is from the rear of the lens. There is a hair and some dust on the rear of the rear element, but I'm not as worried about that obviously.

 

I tried it on my M8, and it's extremely sharp and looks amazing, but I'm wondering if I should send it back because of this stuff on the inside element...

 

I put the video on youtube

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

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[earleygallery]

What you describe sounds like separation but it's unlikely on a lens of that age. Are you sure it's not just a reflection you're seeing?

[urs0polar]

Thanks James,

 

Yeah it's definitely not a reflection. I guess I should send it back and wait for a better one. There don't seem to be a lot of tabbed Summicron IVs around right now.

 

Thanks again

[Bill W]

I would say if it bothers you, send it back. It will be an issue if you try to sell it later on. Good luck.

[jaapv]

It might have been cleaned with an excess of cleaning fluid. That may produce separation on a younger lens.

[urs0polar]

Thanks guys. I don't think it's separation exactly. It looks as if someone opened the lens to clean haze off of an internal element but didn't clean all the way to the edge of the element... the front retaining ring looks (under very close inspection) like the person didn't use the correct tool (the slots are a tiny bit damaged).

 

I think what happened is that an internal element had haze on it for whatever reason (perhaps an overzealous oiling of aperture blades earlier in its life?), so the person opened it via the front ring, cleaned the haze off as best they could, then re-assembled the lens. Under the flashlight test, the haze left around the outer edge of the element shows up.

 

While that's great for them that they cleaned it, I'm not so sure it's great for me, what with resale value and all.

 

It's a pity because this is the exact lens I've been looking for - a tabbed 50 summicron-m. Oh well, back to the drawing board. Thanks again.

[IWC Doppel]

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Where are you based ?

 

I might know of one for sale (not mine), that has just been 6 bit coded and Mint-

[urs0polar]

Where are you based ?

 

I might know of one for sale (not mine), that has just been 6 bit coded and Mint-

 

Hi IWC, I'm in New York City. I'll send you a PM.