Need recommendation for good repair technician for Praktica lens

Does anybody have a recommendation for good repair technician for East German / Praktica / Pentacon gear?

 

Must be somebody who is SPECIFICALLY expert in this area, please...

 

I have a M42 Pentacon 29mm f/2.8 (the late successor to the Meyer) lens that has a loose focusing ring and also the pin that engages the A/M aperture and the sliding tab for that are both loose and inoperative.

 

Thank you so much!

 

Alan Chin

I have a M42 Pentacon 29mm f/2.8 (the late successor to the Meyer) lens that has a loose focusing ring and also the pin that engages the A/M aperture and the sliding tab for that are both loose and inoperative.

Those Meyer Lydith lenses were cheap to begin with, and at one time you probably couldn't give one away.

 

So, seriously, you're willing to pay more than the lens is worth to get it repaired?

 

That lens falls into the 'repair it yourself or bin it' category. Just buy another 28mm lens, like an f/3.5 Takumar or similar.

The Pentacon 29/2.8 is an updated Meyer Orestegon, not a Lydith, which is a preset lens. These lenses are not highly valuable, but not "throwaways" either (still selling for US $50-$75) so certainly worth repairing.

 

The issues you are describing shouldn't be that difficult to fix yourself with basic tools; nothing you need a specialized technician for. The link below is for removing the aperture mechanism, but it shows some of the disassembly steps. There are also videos for mechanically similar Pentacon lenses if you look online.

 

How to Strip and Clean a 29mm Pentacon M42 Lens (with Pictures)

 

Hope this helps.

Edited July 9, 2020 by m42dave

Here's a video showing disassembly of the Pentacon Auto 50/1.8, which should be similar to the 29/2.8. It addresses the loose focusing ring and shows how the stop-down mechanism works.

 

Edited July 9, 2020 by m42dave

(still selling for US $50-$75) so certainly worth repairing.

But what decent repair technician is going to 'get out of bed' for less than $50? Plus I think that pricing is a little high. Current listings seem to average about $40 for an Orestegon. May as well just buy another as pay to have it repaired, which is what I meant by 'repair it yourself or bin it'.

 

Just watched the video. What fool takes apart a focussing helicoid without marking the mating positions?

Edited July 9, 2020 by rodeo_joe|1

Worth repairing by the owner, if possible, which is why I posted the DIY links. There's nothing unusual about the design of the lens that should make it particularly difficult to work on. The prices I quoted for the Pentacon 29/2.8 are average actual selling prices (with shipping) from recent eBay sales in the US, with M42 Meyer Orestegons sometimes selling for more. Edited July 9, 2020 by m42dave

Worth repairing by the owner, if possible, which is why I posted the DIY links. There's nothing unusual about the design of the lens that should make it particularly difficult to work on. The prices I quoted for the Pentacon 29/2.8 are average actual selling prices (with shipping) from recent eBay sales in the US, with M42 Meyer Orestegons sometimes selling for more.

 

M42Dave -- do you work on these lenses? Would happily send to you and pay a fair rate. I have done some DIY repairs but don't want to tackle this one. Thank you!

M42Dave -- do you work on these lenses? Would happily send to you and pay a fair rate. I have done some DIY repairs but don't want to tackle this one. Thank you!

 

As a hobbyist, I have worked on one of these lenses before, though it's been a while. If you'd like to further discuss repairs please send me a PM.

Hi Alan,

You would be better off buying a Meyer Lydith 30mm. It is an excellent lens and made sturdily. Your cost of Postage back and forth to India will be around $40 plus. For that amount you could get two Lydiths. I have not repaired Orestegons 29mm. I know Mr Yazdhani of "Kamera Wertke" in Calcutta repairs all these lenses and Cameras. But the expense is not worth it. Best, SP