Bargain or waste of money?

[Wolfs head]

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I’m toying with the idea of buying a Leica lens being sold very cheaply as “spares or repair”.  The description of the lens includes “The lens back-focuses and has light internal moisture.”. Would I be right in thinking that, since moisture found its way in, if I store it in a warm place in a sealed box with silica gel, it will slowly find its way out again?  Also, since it would always be used with a Visoflex, does the back focusing matter?

best wishes 

A

[250swb]

I suspect the 'moisture' would be oil, in which case the lens needs taking apart to clean although if it's a rangefinder lens oil on the aperture blades isn't as serious as with an SLR lens. Unless the seller has just drop the lens into the bath condensation will evaporate out in a couple of days at most.

Edited May 30 by 250swb

[spydrxx]

I'd be concerned about the moisture. Storing it in a warm place, if there are fungus spores, that would be an ideal environment for their proliferation. The silica gel might reduce moisture somewhat over time, but I'd be quite wary of this lens. If you are using it with any type of live view, back focusing is irrelevant.

[mottykytu]

1 hour ago, Wolfs head said:

I’m toying with the idea of buying a Leica lens being sold very cheaply as “spares or repair”.  The description of the lens includes “The lens back-focuses and has light internal moisture.”. Would I be right in thinking that, since moisture found its way in, if I store it in a warm place in a sealed box with silica gel, it will slowly find its way out again?  Also, since it would always be used with a Visoflex, does the back focusing matter?

best wishes 

A

inquire your local lens-maker for CLA price and of the lens in that condition !

[pgk]

6 hours ago, Wolfs head said:

I’m toying with the idea of buying a Leica lens being sold very cheaply as “spares or repair”.  The description of the lens includes “The lens back-focuses and has light internal moisture.”.

You need to ask yourself why it backfocuses and why it has moisture (oil, whatever) inside. If it is a simple matter of getting it cleaned and adjusted then it might be a bargain. But if it has sustained damage which has resulted in it being knocked out of alingment, and allowed moisture to get in or oil to get splattered insideit, then it may require substatial repair and parts. This may prove costly and it might not be such a bargain. Without knowing exactly what has caused the problems you need to be wary.