Leica R 50mm Summicron Broken Aperture

[Larsy]

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Hey Everyone, Ive been building a set of Leica Rs for 9 months or so and am loving these lenses for cinematography. However I have run into an issue with the aperture of my 50mm summicron.

The aperture is stuck at F2. When I turn the aperture ring, nothing happens. For awhile leading up to this issue I noticed that there were times the aperture was not working when I tried to open up or stop down, but with a few turns it would eventually engage and work as intended. Now however it wont change at all. Its still usable but using a broken lens wont cut it for a lot of the work that I do. 

Is this a common issue and is there a way to fix myself? If I had to send it out I might just buy a Summilux. Any tips from anyone who dealt with a similar issue? 

[spydrxx]

I'd call either DAG (Don Goldberg) or Sherrie Krauter to fix the  frozen diaphagm.

[Larsy]

Thanks. Was hoping it was common and or easily fixable. Ive seen those two mentioned around quite a bit. Looks like Ill have to reach out. 

[250swb]

On 5/16/2024 at 8:45 PM, Larsy said:

Hey Everyone, Ive been building a set of Leica Rs for 9 months or so and am loving these lenses for cinematography. However I have run into an issue with the aperture of my 50mm summicron.

The aperture is stuck at F2. When I turn the aperture ring, nothing happens. For awhile leading up to this issue I noticed that there were times the aperture was not working when I tried to open up or stop down, but with a few turns it would eventually engage and work as intended. Now however it wont change at all. Its still usable but using a broken lens wont cut it for a lot of the work that I do. 

Is this a common issue and is there a way to fix myself? If I had to send it out I might just buy a Summilux. Any tips from anyone who dealt with a similar issue? 

Try exercising the stop-down lever on the back of the lens and see if you can get it to free up. 

[nitroplait]

It may be hardened oil on the aperture blades. My R 50mm Summicron (v1) hand to be cleaned recently for that reason.

[Larsy]

5 hours ago, 250swb said:

Try exercising the stop-down lever on the back of the lens and see if you can get it to free up. 

Well Ill be damned. I did this and it works again. For how long? Who knows. Thanks for the tip! 

[hepcat]

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1 hour ago, Larsy said:

Well Ill be damned. I did this and it works again. For how long? Who knows. Thanks for the tip! 

Definitely sounds like oil on the aperture blades.  It needs a cleaning.