What should I check on a used Lens (summicron 35 PRE-ASPH)

[francesco_bertelli2]

<p>I just bought from ebay a summicron 35 pre-ash serial 34xxxx etc<br /> i never own a lens Leica, and I bought a body thet is coming next days... I can return the lens in case in few days so i'd like to know what i should be aware of, beside the aethetic condition..<br /> the lens looks good, the numbers are little dirty of a heavy use (and this means is good lens i guess because otherwise the previous owener woudl have never used it ;))<br /> there ar emechanical aspect i shoudl check? the focus ring sounds smooth, the apertire ring is very easy to change, maybe too muc thoug with avery subtle play<br /> the lenses front and rear have no scratch no marks, they look perfect<br /> the front retaining ring has seme marks on the little gap that fits the ring tool, it looks like the lens has been serviced...maybe... i cant say<br /> thanks</p>

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[SCL]

<p>In addition to smooth focus and aperture changes, shine a flashlight thru the lens with the aperture wide open to ascertain the interior condition of the lenses such as haze, fog, oil droplets, and dust. Do this from both sides. Look at the diaphragm blades as well - make sure they aren't tainted by oil, or rubbed shiny from improper lubrication. Put the lens on the body and shoot a test roll focusing on both near and distant subjects. The body or lens may need focus adjustment, particularly if either suffered bumps or falls (not very usual, but you certainly want everything to be aligned properly). Good luck & enjoy your new outfit.</p>

[ray .]

Keep in mind any used lens is going to show dust, especially when lit up by a flashlight. Best thing is to

shoot with it as soon as possible and take a look at the results. Maybe you could let the seller know you

have a day or two to wait for the camera, so he might extend your return time a bit.

[wayne_lee5]

<p>Check if there is any glass separation. Check if there is any faults on the rear element. Front element is not as important as the rear element but you should check if there is any scratch on the coating or large cleaning marks. Stephen also mentioned to check the oil on blades. You can check this by moving the aperture fast and see if there is any delay in response. Usually oil on blades can be cleaned easily. Focus should be smooth all the way.<br>

Ray has a good point. Even the lens looks great, you still need to check the results if possible. Talk to your dealer about the concern.</p>

[jerry_lehrer1]

<p>Francesco</p>

<p>Your lens looks just like mine, a 4th generation pre-Asph. One of the best lenses that Leica has made.<br>

BTW, the "lttle gap" that you mention is an index for the proper lens hood. It MUST be right on top when the lens is installed. Otherwise the rectangular lens hood would be askew.</p>

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[francesco_bertelli2]

<p>hey Jerry, what would be a good price to buy it? or actually, if you would have to sell it, how much would you get?<br>

i'm just wndering if i did pay to much for it or not... the lenses seems perfect, is only a little discolored on th enumbers...because of the previous owener, but the focus is very smooth, the aperture ring very easy to change (may too much? I shoudl try it on camera but i dont to touch the ring anc change the aperture by mistake... )<br>

i will inspect witha flashlight, as previously stated</p>

[francesco_bertelli2]

<p>actually from a close inspection with a flashlight, a very tiny but strong flashlight, i noticed two particles of dust inside, and some supermicro dust in the middle of the lens inside... i cant say if is dust or else...maybe is a starting haze?<br>

<img src="http://oi53.tinypic.com/65s57d.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="768" /></p>

[steve_barrett]

<p>also, you might want to be sure the front of the lens doesn't turn. This lens is notorious for the adhesive that holds it together coming loose allowing the front part to turn. When attached, the hood will be at an odd angle.<br>

Here's a link about this issue:<br>

<a href="http://www.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=005uh5">http://www.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=005uh5</a></p>