Criteria or “symptoms” warranting CLA

[caloosajo]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Curious how folks decide on a routine CLA for their lens? Meaning, still RF calibrated, focus mechanism is smooth, image quality is per usual, etc. but needs a “spa day” for this, that, and the other.
 

I finally sent my 50 Lux in for CLA after timidly attempting to clean the front element of its dust and crud, which gathered even despite UV filter always being on. A few passes with a blower bulb and microfiber before I aborted the mission, and decided it was time. 
 

Anyone have a rubric or rule of thumb they follow, especially for their Daily Driver M lens?

[earleygallery]

I don't think I've ever had a CLA on any lens I own. I'd only bother if there was a problem with the lens otherwise I think it's best to leave them alone.

All lenses end up with dust inside, unless it's really excessive it shouldn't make any difference to image quality (just as there's all that dust floating around between you and whatever you're photographing).

[ianman]

48 minutes ago, caloosajo said:

Anyone have a rubric or rule of thumb they follow, especially for their Daily Driver M lens?

Never yet.

[Anbaric]

After 85 years, my Summar is definitely overdue, but my 70 year old Summitar shows no signs of needing one. Perhaps someone serviced it 30 or 40 years ago?

[caloosajo]

Thanks, all. I think the equivalent to ARRI stateside is ROR, which I also dab onto KimWipes (forgot to mention). This was the first time I felt like that combo also seemed to just be swirling around the dirt/grime. 

Appreciate the input in reinforcing my usual plan of attack! Have a good weekend. 
 

 

[plaidshirts]

55 minutes ago, caloosajo said:

Thanks, all. I think the equivalent to ARRI stateside is ROR, which I also dab onto KimWipes (forgot to mention). This was the first time I felt like that combo also seemed to just be swirling around the dirt/grime. 

Appreciate the input in reinforcing my usual plan of attack! Have a good weekend. 
 

 

I bought a small vacuum for those instances a blower just won’t do. 
The only time I sent a lens in was when the aperture ring became misaligned somehow. 

[lct]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

3 hours ago, caloosajo said:

Anyone have a rubric or rule of thumb they follow, especially for their Daily Driver M lens?

Yes: (a) If ain't broke don't fix it (b) beware of paranoia . 

[Jeff S]

Never a general CLA, since the 70’s, only to address a specific mechanical issue (twice).  Did recently buy a 1960 35 Summaron f2.8 that had just returned from DAG for overall service, which provided the comfort of a 6 month warranty.

Jeff

[spydrxx]

I've only CLA'd lenses for mechanical issues so far. I do have a wonderful Canon rigid LTM which has developed a slight internal haze, but so far I haven't noticed it affecting the color or contrast of my shots (film & digital)...just an annoyance knowing it is there and that if I opened my pocketbook, I could make it disappear.

[Pyrogallol]

If it is the later black plastic and chrome version, rather than the earlier all chrome heavy lenses, it may be the haze that cannot be removed however well it is cleaned. I had a couple of those ones that developed haze and have seen several 100mm Canons that had bad haze. It does not seem to affect the earlier Leica style all chrome and brass Canon lenses.

[spydrxx]

8 hours ago, Pyrogallol said:

If it is the later black plastic and chrome version, rather than the earlier all chrome heavy lenses, it may be the haze that cannot be removed however well it is cleaned. I had a couple of those ones that developed haze and have seen several 100mm Canons that had bad haze. It does not seem to affect the earlier Leica style all chrome and brass Canon lenses.

Thx for the note. Mine is the all chrome heavy 50mm/1.8, and as I said it is very light at this point in time.

[Pyrogallol]

Like my one.

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!