S-Lee Posted May 22, 2021 Share #1 Posted May 22, 2021 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hello, I recently bought a collapsible Elmar 50/2.8 (1969) from a private collection. Apparently this person never used the lens and it has sat in it original box for god-knows-how-long. So the grease in the focusing helicoid got hard and the focusing helicoid doesn't rotate or even budge at all. Does anyone know of any releasing/dissolving liquid to loosen this? Thanks. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted May 22, 2021 Posted May 22, 2021 Hi S-Lee, Take a look here Seized focusing helicoid on M lens. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
jaapv Posted May 22, 2021 Share #2 Posted May 22, 2021 Send it in to a competent repair shop. The lens needs dismantling and a full CLA. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stein K S Posted May 22, 2021 Share #3 Posted May 22, 2021 Welcome to the forum! And congrats with a lens that seemingly very very much deserve a full CLA! 😀👍 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pedaes Posted May 22, 2021 Share #4 Posted May 22, 2021 (edited) 3 hours ago, S-Lee said: focusing helicoid doesn't rotate or even budge at all Welcome As advised - needs a full service. Still surprised it doesn't move at all though. Sure you are turning focus ring? Does it extend and collapse ok? Edited May 22, 2021 by pedaes Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pyrogallol Posted May 22, 2021 Share #5 Posted May 22, 2021 I assume you are pressing down the infinity lock button as you start to turn the focussing? Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! 3 1 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/321122-seized-focusing-helicoid-on-m-lens/?do=findComment&comment=4205773'>More sharing options...
Danner Posted May 22, 2021 Share #6 Posted May 22, 2021 Stiff grease is one thing, completely seized is another. That wouldn't happen to a lens sitting in the closet. Hopefully it's the focus lock, and not a FUBAR'd lens. Good luck. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lct Posted May 22, 2021 Share #7 Posted May 22, 2021 Advertisement (gone after registration) Happened to me last century on a beaten Elmar 90/4 collapsible. Was completely stuck by old grease. I fixed it with some WD 40 and it still works like a charm 30+ years later. Not an advice to follow of course . 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hintsalae Posted May 23, 2021 Share #8 Posted May 23, 2021 With older folder camera lenses dismantling the lens and submerging the helicoid to warm alcohol for hours has worked for me. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pedaes Posted May 23, 2021 Share #9 Posted May 23, 2021 1 hour ago, Hintsalae said: With older folder camera lenses dismantling the lens and submerging the helicoid to warm alcohol for hours has worked for me. Are you seriously suggesting that for this lens? If not, your point is....? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lct Posted May 23, 2021 Share #10 Posted May 23, 2021 The optical cell can be easily removed if memory serves and the focus mount is a mere helicoid but submerging it with alcohol would ruin the friction material i suspect. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
spydrxx Posted May 23, 2021 Share #11 Posted May 23, 2021 Just get a CLA and get full enjoyment from your lens for many years to come...if you have to ask how to change the lubrication, you don't yet have the skill set to do a competent job. A CLA will also include any lens cleaning and focus adjustment which may be needed. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
250swb Posted May 23, 2021 Share #12 Posted May 23, 2021 I vote for the lens lock, but at this rate I doubt the OP is coming back. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pedaes Posted May 23, 2021 Share #13 Posted May 23, 2021 Yes, be good to hear from OP. Perhaps he died of embarrassment! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stein K S Posted May 23, 2021 Share #14 Posted May 23, 2021 CLA at Leica is always a joy 👍 However, this is a 1969 lens... I sent in a 1955 Summaron 35mm 3,5 (rather mint, but with some fogging at the usual place with this lens), but it was returned with the explanation that Leica do not service lenses like this anymore. So my question is if you guys in here have a feel for how old lenses Leica are willing to offer CLA? Somewhere between 1955 and 1969 seemingly (may LTMs are some kind if «limit»... regards, Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lct Posted May 23, 2021 Share #15 Posted May 23, 2021 I would not send such a lens to Leica. Easy job for a good repairer. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
S-Lee Posted May 23, 2021 Author Share #16 Posted May 23, 2021 (edited) Hi everyone, thank you for all the advice! Having used just about all Leicas I could get my hands on, starting with Leica A, I am sure I haven't missed the infinity lock... 😜 I appreciate pointing that out, though. The lens came in its original box complete with the polycarbonate case. The serial is 232xxxx, hence my guess it's from around 1969. The collapsing barrel has no visible hairline scratches usual in collapsible lenses. In any case, does anyone have an idea how much complete CLA costs (roughly)? Can anyone confirm if Leica will service this lens? (I'm just trying to save back and forth time relying on your experience.) Thanks again! Tomorrow I will try applying a few drops of xylene, the strongest polymer dissolving solvent, (very carefully) and see if it would do anything... Edited May 23, 2021 by S-Lee Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pedaes Posted May 23, 2021 Share #17 Posted May 23, 2021 19 minutes ago, S-Lee said: how much complete CLA €350 with independent, probably double with Leica. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danner Posted May 24, 2021 Share #18 Posted May 24, 2021 (edited) I just had a 90 Tele-Elamit-M serviced by YYECamera.com (USA) and total cost was US$95. Lens came back with crystal clear optics and smooth focus/aperture (i.e. good as new). 2-Month wait time, however. Edited May 24, 2021 by Danner Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
spydrxx Posted May 24, 2021 Share #19 Posted May 24, 2021 Have used YYE and DAG and had great results with both. Recently DAG took on a lens job which YYE didn't feel he could handle, and I was quite pleased with the results. Yes, there have been increased wait times since the pandemic, but that shouldn't hold you up from getting done what needs doing. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lucerne Posted May 24, 2021 Share #20 Posted May 24, 2021 OP is located in the UK. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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