CLA

[paulsydaus]

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Guys,

Just a general question.

I've been a Leica user for about 7 years now...

How often as a rule of thumb does do my Leica M lenses need maintenance, assuming normal use etc?

There is nothing in the documentation from Leica about this...?

I know there probably isn't a hard rule but I'd be interested to know if there is any guidance available?

One of my 50's seems to have possibly sucked in a dusty during focusing at some point over it's life but it doesn't seem to affect the image. The focusing might also be a smidgen rougher than when brand new but hardly noticeable.

Anyway thanks in advance!

Paul

Ps what does CLA stand for? Clean, Lubricate, Assemble?

Cheers!

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[jaapv]

[....] Adjust.

[Ecar]

Paul,

There's indeed no rule. Mostly depends on usage conditions, frequency, ... as well as storage environment (e.g., hot/humid climate more likely to favour fungus).

Also, the grease used in some (mostly older) lenses may slightly evaporate and produce fogging.

FWIW, a few of my lenses are 30+ years old and have never been opened.

My rule is to have a lens CLA'd when either the glass looks less than perfect or the focusing/aperture mechanism become less smooth. YMMV.

[jankap]

I have a IIIF + Elmar 50mm + Elmar 90mm of 1959 (date of my exam). No CLA up till now.

Last year I tried this equipment again, all are ok.

But the lenses are f/3.5 and f/4, so adjustment is not so critical.

Lenses are clear still, no dust inside. Helicoids work smooth.

Jan

[Peter H]

My 3-year old 28 Summicron has suddenly become stiff and jerky to focus, though the focus itself is still spot-on. It's just a handling issue, but a distracting one, so it will have to go back for some Care and Loving Attention.

 

None of my other lenses, old or new, have ever needed any attention, but they like to be used.

[marknorton]

I know it's quite expensive, something like €300 depending on the lens, but worthwhile in that it restores the lens to as close to "as-new" condition as possible. Of course, not all lenses have to go back to Leica and, like an old car, it's worth seeking out less expensive options for older lenses.

 

I had a pre-ASPH 50mm Summilux done early this year and it came back in excellent condition and I have really liked revisiting the softness the lens imparts, a bit like the f1 Noctilux and 75mm Summilux.

 

This lens cost a little more because the grease had hardened over time and more work was required to clear it out of the helicoids.

 

It goes without saying the protecting the lenses from the elements, especially sand and gritty dust will reduce the need for CLAs but there's no point in putting up with second rate handling and performance when you can have the problems sorted out.

[paulsydaus]

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Thanks for the replies everyone. Cheers!

[250swb]

My 3-year old 28 Summicron has suddenly become stiff and jerky to focus, though the focus itself is still spot-on. It's just a handling issue, but a distracting one, so it will have to go back for some Care and Loving Attention.

 

None of my other lenses, old or new, have ever needed any attention, but they like to be used.

 

This can often be caused by the bayonet flange going off centre due to the screws loosening. It's a result of the force applied when you mount and dismount the lens. You could try just backing the screws off a bit and gradually re-tightening them opposite to opposite. This could re-centre the flange.

 

It happened on both my 28mm Summicron and 35mm Summicron.

 

As for the original question, you only need a CLA if you have a problem.

 

Steve