This Serenar 50/1.8 came as a body cap on a Canon IVSB2 acquired at a camera show in late '97. It had dust specs, haze, front element cleaning marks and fine scratches. The result from a trial roll was discouraging. I could not find the proper 50mm lens in the ensuing camera shows, instead I ended up with a minty Serenar 35/2.8 with matching view finder in its original leather case.
After shooting a few more rolls, a cousin became really interested in this Canon RF system. Since I was contemplating the purchase of a used Leica M6, I sold the lot with a right of first refusal clause if he decides to unload at a later date. He enjoyed it for several years using an Elmar E39 50/2.8 LTM and the Serenar 35/2.8.
Fast forward to last December, he was trimming down his RF collection and I got the outfit back. Meanwhile I've read many good things about this Planar design at Rangefinder forum and Dante Stella considers it at par with the original Leitz rigid Summicron.
My curiosity was piqued and searched for information on how I can get rid of the dust specks and haze. I found a post at Rangefinder forum (can't find the exact link) describing disassembly which starts at the rear retaining ring...
The whole optical module comes off the focusing helical
Be careful not to scratch the glass...
Fortunately the middle lens element was within the torque ability of my heavy duty tweezers ;)
The aperture blades were dry and the click stops turning smoothly, just cleaned out dirt and sparingly relubed with lithium grease.
I discovered edge separation in the cemented pair middle lens element, not very encouraging...
Everything cleaned and lubed.
Ready for a test drive...
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| Bessa R Acros 100/Diafine |
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| Bessa R Acros 100/Diafine |
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| Leica M3 + M adapter PX125/Diafine |
More Serenar 50/1.8 pics
