paul_sharratt Posted December 17, 2002 Share Posted December 17, 2002 Hi - Thanks again for everyone's response to my question about compatibility of 35mm with goggles with M4-7, Bessa R2 and Hexar. My question today concerns the same lens - it appears to have a slight oily discharge (please do not make fun of using this word)from the rear of lens from the part that moves on focusing (helicoid?). The lens itself is very clear, sharp and has no other problems - it is an incredible lens with subtle renditions of tone, both in color and b&w film. Is the oil drip (more like moisture condensation but it is black and greasy)indicative of a more serious problem. I have been carefully removing it from time to time with a cotton swab. Is there more that I should do. Thanks for any "expert" advice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karl_yik1 Posted December 17, 2002 Share Posted December 17, 2002 Paul, this effect is quite common in leica lenses. If there is too much grease in the lens helicoils, the excess will come out of the ends. After the grease has been well distributed this should stop. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stephen_w. Posted December 17, 2002 Share Posted December 17, 2002 Sounds like a DIY oil (not grease) job. It's not worth sending in for "repair", just keep diligent wrt maintaining it clean. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul_sharratt Posted December 17, 2002 Author Share Posted December 17, 2002 Thanks gentlemen for the answers so far. Do you think the fact that the lens was probably not used very much from 1961-2001 had anything to do with this problem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karl_yik1 Posted December 17, 2002 Share Posted December 17, 2002 depends on if it was regreased b4 you bought it. Alternatively the grease could have seized up a bit and subsequent reuse of the lens started shifting the hardened grease towards the ends. I would seriosuly not worry about it as long teh focussing action is very smooth and even through the range! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_barnett2 Posted December 17, 2002 Share Posted December 17, 2002 The grease could have broken down into solids and liquid oils if it hasn't been used for a while, simply through age. But if it looks like condensation, the oil/lens may have been subject to moisture that has emulsified the grease. If it hasn't gotten onto the lens elements, just wipe off the excess, as obviously it is still working its way around the lens and doing some sort of lube job. Don't bother sending it for cleaning or repair unless you have a specific problem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul_sharratt Posted December 18, 2002 Author Share Posted December 18, 2002 Thanks for everyone's advice! I appreciate it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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