Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/02/20
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Dave Stratton wrote: > > Stephen wrote > <<<<<I wouldn't say it's horribly soft wide open. But it certainly has a > soft > look. This is more due to low contrast (it has a lot of flair) than lack > of resolution. > >>>>>> > > Stephen > > I obtained a Summarit, really liked the "glow" of the images, however I did > find that the softness at 1.5 made the lens a little disappointing. The > lens had a very lit 'haze'(rear element fogged)...a local camera smith said > it would likely not impact the image...and that he thought it could not be > cleaned. > > I sent the lens (lense) to Sherry Krauter for a CLA. I have had only a > brief time to test the change but it is SIGNIFICANT. Sherry got the glass > to look like new glass, AND, thus the contrast has improved and most > noticeable...at 1.4. > > If you have one of these lens...a CLA before determining the worth of the > lens may prevent you from rejecting a lens that would have really performed > quite acceptably for you. At 1.4 the lens still has a soft look...not > unpleasant, but seems to be that tad sharper. > > Stephen...great shots. > Thanks Dave. It seems that fogging can be problem in 1950s lenses but your experience does indicate that they can be cleaned ok. I always use a torch when buying lenses and the Summarit I got looked very clear (I think it had already been cleaned) apart from some minor front element scratches. Roughly how much does cleaning cost? It'll be useful to know for haggling purposes. - -- Stephen Holloway http://www.deepturtle.ch/steve/photos