jammed lens barrel

<p>I recently bought a Leica 111f from an antique dealer. The camera is in very good condition (lens, shutter, etc.) for its age, but somehow the telescoping lens barrel was stuck in the in position and will not pull out no matter how hard I try. I know the barrel was working the first time I saw the camera because it was extended. Maybe in the interim some customer messed with it. Has anyone encountered this problem, and if so, was it resolved without resorting to a repairman? I would like to use the camera, and everything works, but with the barrel stuck, I can't. I'd appreciate any advice. Thank you.<br>

<br />David</p>

<p>You don't say which lens you are talking about. Many, which retract, can be extended after slightly twisting the front piece and pulling it forward, again twisting it, once extended, to lock it in position. If this doesn't work for you, try unscrewing the entire lens from the camera and then try to extend it.</p>

<p>From an antiques dealer, it clearly needs a clean/lube/adjust, and possibly new shutter curtains. So let the technician who does that un-stick the lens.<br>

The felt in the lens mount may have folded over, causing a jam. </p>

<p>Or, there may have been a sticker on the lens barrel, and someone collapsed it jamming the sticker into the felt ring.</p>

<p>My lens is a 5cm f2 -- it extends, then looking at it from the front of the camera, turns clockwise to lock. There is a tiny bit of left to right play if you wiggle the front of the lens when collapsed. You might try VERY GENTLY wiggling it back and forth while pulling toward extension with the same caveat. It might come out and lock so you could use it. You would still need a CLA, but if you did get it out, and left it extended that could come at a time of your choice.</p>

<p>As (probably not only) German mechanics say, "a little oil can do wonders". You may try to apply VERY LITTLE of gun oil with the tip of a needle to points where there is probably too much friction. Trying to move metal parts with even gentle force might easily cause "seizing", i.e. the jammed parts may stick together even more than before. </p>

<p>Oil may damage the light trap!</p>

<p>Apply gentle heat with a hair drier. Start with just a little, and increase slowly. At some point the lens will most likely move.</p>

<p>Oil? While your mechanic might try some on a sticking caliper on your Porsche, I'm not sure I've ever heard anybody recommend adding oil to a lens. The most radical procedure is to add a little lighter fluid that will help break down the antique oil already coagulated in the lens. But THAT is NOT considered good advice either. Get it to a veteran repair person who can properly fix it. Sounds like a wonderful camera + lens. Good luck with your photography.</p>