RE: [Leica] unscrew front element

["Causey, Troy" <CauseyT@GenRad.com>]

John,

Thanks for the input.  It will line up perfectly, but if I tighten it a bit
more (snug) it goes less than a centimeter out of alignment.  As you
suggested in your common sense approach, I loaded a roll of velvia and
snapped a roll (aligned and misaligned) and all looks very well (I'm not
scrutinizing it technically like some might, although I will when I develop
and print black and white as this is what I shoot 95% of the time).  When I
can do without it for a little time, I'll have a trusted Leica tech in town
take a look at it.  I had my CL CLAd and while it's not my M6, it performs
splendidly.  I agree with a good CLA in most cases.  thanks again.

troy

- -----Original Message-----
From: owner-leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us
[mailto:owner-leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us]On Behalf Of John
Collier
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2000 2:38 PM
To: leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us; Causey, Troy
Subject: Re: [Leica] unscrew front element


I have not seen any replies to this post so I will offer up some thoughts.
My attempts at answers are frequently so inaccurate that they result in
general wild hilarity and, fortunately, often with a knowledgeable person
stepping up to the plate. So here goes. First I assume you mean millimetres
not centimetres as that would be some misalignment! If it is such a small
amount as a few millimetres, then try a roll or two wide open and focused
carefully. Evaluate the results  and away you go. That was practical common
sense speaking, here is what I would do. Send it in for a CLA. When I buy
used I always budget for a CLA by a excellent Leica tech. You never know
what this stuff goes through before we end up with it. My used 50/2 had to
have its cam readjusted as it did not couple to the rangefinder properly
(infinity off compared to my other lenses), my 21/3.4's optical unit
loosened in the focusing mount and my 135/4.5 with proper matched focusing
mount had to be collimated.

John Collier

> From: "Causey, Troy" <CauseyT@GenRad.com>
> 
> I have a 35mm Summicron in wonderful condition, but I noticed that if I
> twist the aperture ring to f/2 and put any pressure on it, the entire
> assembly begins to
> unscrew.  Well I can tighten it just a little with my fingers, but there
are
> guide markers 
> (two white dashes on the top of the lens) that don't quite line up
perfectly
> (about a 
> cm or less off - it made the lens hood a bit crooked - that's how I
noticed
> it).  I've 
> not made any images with the lens yet, but I'm concerned that the lens
> elements are 
> out of alignment and that might affect the quality of the images.  It does
> seem like it would make much difference.  I searched the archives and
found
> a couple of emails related to this, but none regarding misalignment.  Any
> thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
>