Help required for Summicron M 50mm

[whyn0]

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Hi, I have recently bought a summicron-m 50mm f/2 and i have watched it through the torch and noticed a slight fog, which looks like cleaning marks on the rear element. Still i would like some opinions if the lens is not usable or should require cla any time soon. Thank you in advance.

 

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Edited April 4, 2024 by whyn0

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[a.noctilux]

Dusty/foggy lens returns to sender !

We have better shape Summicron to choose from.

CLA will take time/money without "guarantee good enough result" afterward.

Edited April 4, 2024 by a.noctilux

[Topsy]

2 minutes ago, a.noctilux said:

Dusty/foggy lens returns to sender !

We have better shape Summicron to choose from.

CLA will take time/money without "guarantee good enough result" afterward.

Good advice. 👍

[whyn0]

Thank you so much!

[wizard]

vor einer Stunde schrieb a.noctilux:

Dusty/foggy lens returns to sender !

I beg to differ, it all depends on the price paid for this lens. Most lenses of this vintage will have a little/some dust on the elements, especially when using a torch for inspection purposes, and what has been pictured above is certainly not lots of dust. You will NEVER notice this kind of dust in your pictures taken with that lens. So if the lens was cheap, just keep and enjoy it. If it was on the expensive side, consider returning it.

[Lelmer]

Paid price is to be considered, of course...but nice Summicron 50mm lenses are pretty common. If possible, I'd return it to the seller. If not, I'd try it before considering a CLA.

[fotografr]

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Al is quite right. The dust is unlikely to show up in your imaging. The haze is another matter. It will lower the contrast. Also, it can be difficult and sometimes impossible to remove, so there's no guarantee that sending it off for a CLA will give you a good result. 

[lct]

2 hours ago, a.noctilux said:

CLA will take time/money without "guarantee good enough result" afterward.

+1. The buyer has not to take this risk. No problem if the seller agrees to pay for a CLA at his/her own expense and risk though.

[espelt]

You really have to differentiate between dust and fog. A little dust is not a problem. Most older lenses have more or less of this. This does not affect the image result. Just like there are no light cleaning marks or small scratches on the front lens.
You can try this yourself: stick a few small sections of black tape on a filter. With the aperture open you won't notice anything at all. Something only becomes visible when the aperture is closed.
It's different with fog. This usually comes from some kind of fumes or oil that has gotten inside. Depending on the intensity, this then leads to a reduction in contrast. And damage to the rear lens - fatal.
If possible - return it. Chrons are not rare and there are plenty to be found in good condition.

[Danner]

That looks worse than any of my 1950's vintage Leitz and Nikkor lenses.  Personally, I would not want to shoot with a lens in that condition.

Edited April 4, 2024 by Danner