mjferron Posted January 13, 2010 Share Posted January 13, 2010 <p>Bought a Leica M3 DS a short time ago along with the old Elmar 50mm 2.8. Camera works great but using this combo I couldn't get a sharp shot to save my life. I purchased a VC 40mm 1.4 and 40mm finder and things are tack sharp. Put the Elmar to a bright light and it's quite dirty inside. Wondering if the Elmar is worth servicing considering it's age and it's price point. The front element looks decent on the outside.</p> <p>(BTW I love that 40mm finder. Seems almost brighter than real life.)</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john_shriver Posted January 13, 2010 Share Posted January 13, 2010 <p>If the glass isn't scratched up, yes it is indeed worth the investment of around $75 to have it properly cleaned. Also, anyone who can clean it well be responsible enough to decline the job if there's other damage (scratches, etc.) that make it not worth the cost of cleaning.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dhbebb Posted January 13, 2010 Share Posted January 13, 2010 <p>This lens has its iris diaphragm placed between the first and second elements and is notorious for depositing oil vapor on the back of the front element. This very soon causes pitting of the glass, ruining the lens beyond economic repair. I have thrown away 2 examples of this lens for this reason (after examination by an expert repairman).</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjferron Posted January 13, 2010 Author Share Posted January 13, 2010 <p>Appreciate the input gentlemen. Actually the lens was purchased with a 14 day return policy. Think I'll take advantage of that and cash in. it was described as excellent.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Uhooru Posted January 13, 2010 Share Posted January 13, 2010 <p>Don't give up on it until you have it checked. It could be the problem David describes, but you won't know until it is perused by someone who knows what they're doing.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john_boyle3 Posted January 14, 2010 Share Posted January 14, 2010 <p>The 2.8 50mm Elmar is a fine lens and if the outside elements are not scratched a cleaning is well worth the effort. Gerry Smith at Kindermann Canada cleaned 3 of my 50s and they are now pristine.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charles_trentelman1 Posted January 15, 2010 Share Posted January 15, 2010 <p>I had one of these that looked hazy, so sent it to Sherry Krauter to clean, she said it had a pitted element from the oil haze, replaced the front element, charged me $175 for the whole thing. Considering these lenses sell in the $400 range, not a bad deal for what I ended up with.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjferron Posted January 16, 2010 Author Share Posted January 16, 2010 <p>Well I brought the lens back to Precision Camera in Austin and they were kind enough to offer a free service on the lens with a return option if I'm still not happy.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dhbebb Posted January 17, 2010 Share Posted January 17, 2010 <p>The free service is obviously a good offer - just be sure to check the lens afterwards by shining a flashlight through it.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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