Leica IIIf
Jun 6, 2020 21:42:51 #
As I posted under the topic: “Shooting Film,” I’ve started using my Leica IIIf. I thought it might be a good idea to check and clean the rear element on the equally vintage Elmar 50mm, f/3.5 lens. As I’m sure most of you know that Leica has a screw mount. Couldn’t get the lens to budge. As I so often do when faced with a perplexing issue, I resorted to the internet. I found lots of opinions as to how to get the lens off. I was about to give up when I found a post on Photo.net from 1/1/2011, by Theodore Bell, who suggested putting the camera in the freezer for 15 minutes. Said it had worked for him; he opined that the metals in the base of the lens and the lens mount were different enough to have different coefficients of thermal expansion and that this might be enough to free the lens. Tried it—worked like a charm. I swear you could learn how to do neurosurgery on the internet.
Jun 6, 2020 22:01:52 #
Jun 6, 2020 22:02:57 #
quixdraw wrote:
Wonderful - Suggest you clean the threads! Had one in days of yore!
Brilliant. Thanks.
Jun 6, 2020 22:06:36 #
Jun 6, 2020 22:38:13 #
Jun 6, 2020 22:45:31 #
Jun 7, 2020 00:26:46 #
Jun 7, 2020 02:50:41 #
Pablo8
Loc: Nottingham UK.
I updated my 50mm Elmar for an F/2. Summitar 50mm, nice lens. But it will not collapse. No big deal, it is in the working position.
Jun 7, 2020 06:46:27 #
Pablo8 wrote:
I updated my 50mm Elmar for an F/2. Summitar 50mm, nice lens. But it will not collapse. No big deal, it is in the working position.
I too have been thinking about getting another lens, but I remember the Elmar as having given such sharp and color true images. So I’m going to wait a while.
Jun 7, 2020 06:53:07 #
Pablo8
Loc: Nottingham UK.
Lloydc wrote:
I too have been thinking about getting another lens, but I remember the Elmar as having given such sharp and color true images. So I’m going to wait a while.
I have the 135 cm Elmar from the 1930's era. Still giving a reasonable service.
Jun 7, 2020 08:09:42 #
Pablo8 wrote:
I have the 135 cm Elmar from the 1930's era. Still giving a reasonable service.
Cool. Thanks. I’ll see what I can find.
Jun 7, 2020 08:30:09 #
Basic! Thermal expansion/contraction. Contraction of the camera mount alone would be disastrous.
Jun 7, 2020 08:57:57 #
Julian wrote:
Basic! Thermal expansion/contraction. Contraction of the camera mount alone would be disastrous.
Well guess I got lucky. 15 minutes in the freezer and lens came right off. Mount and lens seem fine. Had been struggling for several minutes, twisting with all my might to no avail. Cleaned and lightly lubed the threads, so hope won’t have further trouble.
Jun 7, 2020 09:59:48 #
Jun 7, 2020 10:44:33 #
I praise & use WD-40 for many things, but never cameras! It is a penetrant and goes where it will.
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