Dust inside 18-56mm Leica lens

[pocholin]

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My 4 y/o lens has developed dust inside the lens that clearly shows on most pictures, the worst part is that it moves around. Is this something I can fix myself? Or must I send it to a lens repair shop?

I've tried searching Google for instructions on how to disassemble it but nothing comes up. 

 

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[frame-it]

send it to Leica

[pocholin]

I guess I have no other choice, I was trying not to be out of this lens for 2 months. Although I have a few other lenses.

The most shocking part was when it capture some images flawlessly and 10 seconds later (after I removed the camera from tripod, faced the camera down to set the interval capturing (timelapse) it introduced the ugly spots!

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[Le Chef]

And you’re sure it’s not dust on the sensor?

[pocholin]

Yes, I am. In fact, that's the first thing that came to mind when that happened. I've checked it and cleaned it. I've taken a picture without the lens to a white background and it looks clean. Also, I can clearly see the dust inside the lens

[SrMi]

2 hours ago, pocholin said:

Yes, I am. In fact, that's the first thing that came to mind when that happened. I've checked it and cleaned it. I've taken a picture without the lens to a white background and it looks clean. Also, I can clearly see the dust inside the lens

To check for dust on sensor you should use the lens set at the smallest aperture.

[pocholin]

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Yes, the lens is filthy....all that is NOT on the outside of the top glass.

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[Indeepthought]

Time for the Leica techs to get to work on your lens.. 🍷

[jaapv]

And the question: How did it get there?

[pocholin]

2 minutes ago, jaapv said:

And the question: How did it get there?

Well, I'm not fully surprised, it isn't weather sealed. This les has been to all kinds of climates and environments, dusty walks on desert and forest trails, rain (couple of times unexpected), beach, snow, sudden temperature changes, etc.  It probably lost most sealing when I fell off a running horse with the camera on me (I was indeed shocked nothing apparent happened to the camera or lens), rolled twice or three times on the ground. 

Just began wondering if I should spend the $$ on fixing this lens or just get a Sigma 18-50 F2.8? Much faster and with much closer minimum distance. (12cm vs 30).

[Indeepthought]

Ah, the plot line thickens! You should have told the full story in your OP. The 18-56mm is a great lens, I’m sure once Leica have worked their magic it will again be a terrific piece of gear. Of course you could always have it repaired and buy/try the Sigma in the meantime.. 🍷

[jaapv]

I doubt whether Leica will repair it. They may well offer you a new one at a considerably reduced price - and a fast turnaround.  The did so twice on a TL lens for me.

[Indeepthought]

12 minutes ago, jaapv said:

I doubt whether Leica will repair it. They may well offer you a new one at a considerably reduced price - and a fast turnaround.  The did so twice on a TL lens for me.

Great info… 

[jaapv]

No guarantees though… Just a customer’s guess…Not even an informed close-to-Leica guess

  

[pocholin]

Well, it is good to know something like that could be offered. Also, I still need to talk to them about my broken viewfinder cover (different fall, unexpected wind knocked the tripod off in July while stargazing). BTW, I do love my CL, I'll keep it for the long run...we've been through a lot together.

[Le Chef]

10 hours ago, pocholin said:

we've been through a lot together.

Remind me not to stand next to you on the lake front 😉

[rob_w]

When i came to trade in my TL18-56 there was so much dust inside it they refused to take it, at all, at any price.

From what i have seen, the Sigma 18-50 matches its performance and, gives you a very useful extra stop.  That might be the simplest route.