Hi All
I've never been in this boat before so not sure what to do.
Just received a very nice Leica 60/2.8 macro elmarit-r, e55 late serial 351....
But while trying it out I've noticed some oil on the aperture blades where they overlap each other. I know that wear on the blades can look like oil, but what i see on the blades seems to be glistening, so i'm sure it's oil. I've tried stopping down then using the aperture cam to see if there is any delay in aperture movement when i snap it from f2.8 to f22 and back but the blades move quickly and evenly, so seem to be working ok.
I've contacted the ebay seller to get some options and find out how much time i can have before returning, or to see if they will part refund towards a service (as the problem was not listed in the ebay auction).
I'm gonna try and get a shot of the aperture to upload here, but just wanted some opinions as to what you would do.
Otherwise the lens is absolutely spotless, but am woried about long term reliability if/when the oil gets sticky.
I'd seriously consider returning it. Over my years of trading glass, I've decided that if something doesn't live up to my expectations, and especially if there's a problem not described by the seller, then it goes back (if possible). That's why I'm very careful to ask precise questions when considering an "as is" sale. If I don't get the right answers (or any answers), then I don't buy it. I've had a few lenses cleaned up by my local camera repair centre (with generally excellent results), but it's virtually always true that I would have saved in the long run by returning the lens in question, and patiently waiting for the next 'right' opportunity. Of course, the big exceptions are when you get a real bargain price, or you find a truly rare lens.
Many lenses from the seventies and older can be expected to have this issue, as the focus helicoid grease starts to break down into lighter and heavier components over time. Your lens S/N shows it's only 10 or 11 years old. That's a bit 'young' for this problem, unless it's had repeated exposures to high temperatures, and that might not be good for many issues regarding longevity.
I have a couple of lenses with traces of oil on them and they all work very well. In fact, some of Russian lenses are almost bound to get oily blades - people consider it "normal". Oil mixed with internal dust - that's when blades get sticky. Very old lenses with mineral oil are more prone to that.
You can try to close the aperture completely and let it sit for few days - most if not all traces should evaporate (but they'll eventually come back as you open and close diaphragm).
This condition should have been disclosed by seller (or you should have asked if nothing about aperture was mentioned), so you can ask for a partial refund or just return it if you don't want the risk.
Thanks for the help guys.
I'm in a real fix now as the seller very quickly asked me to return it.
With the condition of the lens being perfect apart from the oil and being the later model/serial the seller's maybe looking to re-auction to get a better price.
I paid 380GBP and i can't find a late serial equivalent for anything less than 500.
I've just called a Leica repair specialist and been quoted £95 for CLA.
I may take a hit on this one a keep it, but need a few more opinions first.
I'd say either return it or don't CLA it unless it stops working properly. No matter how good the repairman is, factory assembled lens is still better than manually disassembled/reassembled one. So, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it".
I'd keep it and not have it fixed until it stops working, which may be never. I might ask for a small refund from the seller for something not as described.
I had a 105mm f/2.5 serviced for some dust removal from a reputable shop and it was never the same as before. The focus seemed a bit off as was the focus ring, which was a little stiff. I'm with others here: Keep it, don't look down the barrel, and enjoy. If its on- leave it alone.
I had two lenses that had similar problems, a Nikon 35/2 AFD and a Leica-M Summilux ASPH. I had both lenses serviced (cleaned) and they have been working without any problems since then. In both cases, I had repair people whom I know and trust. If I record correctly, neither repair was expensive, around $75 USD.
I had a Nikon 50mm 1.4 AiS serviced for oil on the blades and it was good as new after. If the lens is otherwise in good condition I'd find a reliable service shop and get get it fixed.
If it's in great shape, just have it serviced. It's not a big deal for $100 or so. Any lens you get might develop the same thing 2 weeks after you buy it, so if the lens is a good buy even after the servicing, you come out ahead.
I've managed to aquire a second 60/2.8 Elmarit macro, E55, later serial from a reputable dealer in the UK for less than the ebay lens. It will be arriving tomorrow/saturday and I'll be choosing the best of the 2 and returning one (the dealer sells with 10day return).
More importantly i'm hoping to get out on saturday for some real world shooting
From what i've seen so far this lens is amazing at infinity as well as close up.
oil on the blades is only an issue if you are using the lens on a body that will automatically stop down the aperture. Are you shooting it on a Leica R body? If not there is no issue. The aperture stops down just fine manually, right?
Oh... just saw that you found a second... take the clean one.
