Leica Repair: Sending a Lens for Cleaning (CLA)

By chris, May 10, 2011

Recently, to my dismay, I found out that my hazy Leica 50mm Summicron Dual-Range F/2.0 has already started to spread oil in the inner elements and the aperture blades while temporarily stored. Since I don't have any expertise in taking apart lenses, and putting it back together in good working condition, I decided on sending it to someone instead of making it worse by a DIY repair. After thinking on who to send it to, I tried to contact Sherry Krauter (Golden Touch), a well known Leica repair specialist, to handle the lens cleaning.
Inner element contamination.
She was very quick to respond to my email and after finding that the rates and turn-around time for a clean, lube, and adjust (CLA) is very reasonable, I immediately packed the lens to be sent out for cleaning. 

After a couple of days, Sherry sent an email to inform me that she has already completed the job. Surprisingly, it was way ahead of her three week estimate, and the lens was back in my hands before a month's time was over. After inspecting the lens, the glasses were crystal clear, no traces of oil in the elements and the diaphragm, and turning the focusing ring is smoother than before. And the missing red dot was also replaced!

Cleaned aperture blades.
To sum it up, I was very satisfied with the quality of the work and communication. Now off to test the newly serviced lens out at the next possible opportunity and see how a lens serviced to factory specification performs.

Leica 50mm Summicron Dual-Range F/2.0
Any experiences with your repair person?

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