Should I return this lens? (Elmar 50mm with scratches at the frame of the lens)

[dotsr]

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Hey y’all,

I just received a Leica Elmar 2.8 / 50mm that I ordered from the Leica Classic Store. It was described as condition A- and the images looked perfectly fine to me (description als said that it was in a very good condition). Unfortunately I didn’t save the pictures, otherwise I could take a look now.

In general the whole appearance and glass is great, very clean, almost no scratches. Unfortunately I noticed those damages to the paintwork around the tiny holes at the rim of the frame of the front lens (see images). Looks like someone opened it very carelessly or with the wrong tool (either in order to clean the lens or swap the glass).

Should I be worried about this? Would you return the lens in a case like this? Unfortunately I cannot test it at the moment – I don’t have a camera yet.

Thanks so much for your help and advice.

Cheers,
Sascha

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[TomB_tx]

You are right - someone opened (or tried) with a pin spanner that didn't fit, and scratched the paint. If it were mine, and the performance is otherwise fine, I'd probably keep it. If the appearance bothered me I might touch up the paint (a slight risk of paint fumes affecting the coating...) 

If it is going to bother you in spite of good performance - return it. There are still good ones around. I like that model - the first Leica lens I tried in about 1966.

[rogxwhit]

Myself, I'd certainly return it & seek a refund.  It's a sign of blatantly hamfisted dismantling, and who knows what further incompetence it may betoken? 

[pedaes]

Welcome to the Forum.

Surprised that didn't show in head on shot.

My worry with it would be in future. Looks like fixings are damaged which may make it difficult/impossible to service lens in future.

I would ask if they are prepared to replace front ring and if not (probable) return it. It is not a rare lens. Here is a later one https://www.ffordes.com/p/SOR-28-073601/leica-m/50mm-f28-m-chrome

The 50mm Elmar-M is an excellent lens, and you can find a Thread devoted to it.

Edited October 29, 2024 by pedaes

[TomB_tx]

23 minutes ago, pedaes said:

The 50mm Elmar-M is an excellent lens, and you can find a Thread devoted to it.

He doesn't show an Elmar-M - but the old Elmar 2.8 in M mount. Different design/model - based on the Elmar 50 3.5.

[pedaes]

16 minutes ago, TomB_tx said:

He doesn't show an Elmar-M - but the old Elmar 2.8 in M mount. Different design/model - based on the Elmar 50 3.5.

I know, hence "later one".

 

 

[jaapv]

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This will certainly impact the value-return. 

[dotsr]

Thanks so much for your advice and your expertise. I decided to return the lens and seek a refund. It just didn’t feel right to make my first steps with the M-System with a lens I am already worried about. I will try to find a better sample.

[250swb]

Perhaps the reason somebody tried to open it without having the right tool was to try and clean some fungus (8 o'clock in the last photo) ?

Edited October 29, 2024 by 250swb

[pedaes]

2 hours ago, dotsr said:

I don’t have a camera yet.

As is pointed out by @250swb,above, old lenses tend to suffer from haze and fungus, and some dealers base their grading on 'for its age', and not in absolute terms.

There are many great 50mm lenses by Leica, Zeiss and Voigtlander. Two good value Leica lenses are the Elmar-M and the Summarit, either 2.5 or 2.4., and the Zeiss Planar f2 is an exceptional lens, albeit a little contrasty.

Edited October 29, 2024 by pedaes