Elmarit 28mm F2.8 V2 Canadian front element

[ernie42]

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Hi there I have been given this "unuseable" lens by a friend. If you are not familiar with this lens the front element is quite convex and the centre sits about only 1mm below the rim. At some stage the lens has been placed on a surface or stored with  a cap the was resting on the high point of the lens and has worn a 5mm diameter circle of coating off the front element.  To make matters worse it looks like they removed the front element to try and work on it and somehow scratched the interior surface of the lens. I know its a pipe dream but I was wondering if anyone might have parts from a damage lens or if someone might be able to point me in the right direction to get a replacement element as the rest of the lens is in excellent condition.

cheers Evan

here is a pic of soft centre

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[wda]

Evan, welcome to the forum. I owned a similar copy of this lens version, for many decades, replacing it with a more modern version in the digital era. As it was a gift, I would explore professional repolishing and surface recoating options. Please tell us what you decide. I doubt whether you will find a spare front element.

[ernie42]

Hi David, thanks for the reply. Yes I figured that there was little chance of getting a replacement lens. Before posting on here I did google about getting it repolished but every comment seemed so negative. But like you said it was gifted to me so I haven't got anything to lose.

If I found someone that works on optical glass I was wondering if you knew what kind of coating I should try and get? I am based in New Zealand so I don't know how t extensive  the optical industry is here and was wondering if the coating used on prescription lenses would work in a pinch.

I am appreciative of any advise you or any other member could offer

Evan

[wda]

A good starting point would be your main Leica agent. If they cannot do the job in country, they might recommend a trusted local repair agency. There are options elsewhere, but I doubt you wish to go that route.