Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2001/02/02
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Recently when buying a new Leica 90 APO Summicron M lens I noticed that it had a couple of small black specks on one of the inner lens elements. I asked to see another one, as the dealer had two in stock, and this too had the same black specks. As I was offered either lens at a price slightly under $1300, I bought one of them. The lens has on closer inspection in a addition to the above small specks about four other very, very small almost invisible specks as well. Does anyone know where these black specks are likely to have come from, i.e. the aperture blades or black paint from the inner barrel? If it is paint flecks, can I expect to get more of them as more paint comes loose? Is this common with some Leica lenses or is it a problem with this particular model? I have two other Leica lenses, a 35 Summicron Asph and a 50 Summicron and they don't have debris inside of them. I would of thought that Leica quality control should be able to detect these type of things and rectify them before sending them out. Perhaps they don't deem it important because irrespective of these specks (flecks?) my 90 APO is one razor sharp and contrasty lens.