Ugghh...Sticky blades

[Tony-S]

I picked up a 135mm f/3.5 Super Takumar on the 'bay a month ago, and now the blades are starting to stick while reopening after a shot. I can open the aperture to reset them, but I'd rather they just do it on their own. Any suggestions on getting them taken care of without a $60 CLA???

 

[Luseboy]

Might I suggest posting a similar thread in the camera building and repair thread. that should be able to get you answers... But I did just recently get my MF slr cla'd and although I was hesitant about it, when i got it back, I was so happy that I got it done. Really gives you some piece of mind. And $60 is not that much money... I'd think that it's worth it.
-Austin

 

[jime11]

I had a similar situation a while back. I got the lens cla'd & am happy with the results.


(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

 

[Ralph Javins]

Good morning, Tony;

You already have the lens. You know what it can do. You are asking already about how to cure the problem.

Now. How long are you going to keep the lens? If I had not lost it, my original Minolta camera and lens would now be 48 years old. If you are going to keep the lens for 10 years, that cost of $60 for lens work is about $6.00 per year. That is about the cost of a large latte plus tip for the barista out here.

The Super Takumar lenses are worth the maintenance, and, I have never bought anything off e-Bay that did not need at least a CLA. Of those, 60% required repair work in addition to the CLA to get them into good working order and back in specification. Then 20% were found to have so many problems it was more than even I wanted to do, so they became sources for parts to keep other cameras going. Then we have the last 20% that actually did work upon arrival, but they still got the CLA to insure that I knew their condition and developing history, and I could depend on them continuing to work for me over a multiple year long time period.

The cleaning of the lens aperture blades and replacement of the focusing helicoid lubricant is worth the cost of the routine maintenance and the long future use of your lens.

 

[Diapositivo]

I agree with the CLA route in any case. This stuff on eBay costs peanuts if compared with the cost when they were new, the quality, the value. Adding a good CLA does not overturn the convenience balance, ensures maximum quality, adds to the pleasure of using, preserves gear for future generations (and fuels the GAS, because the pleasure of having a perfectly functional old thing is addictive).

 

[jochen]

Hello,
the 3,5/135 Super Takumar is very numerous on the used market and rather cheap. The price for a CLA will be more than a good working example. If you look for another lens, you should take a Super Multi Coated TAKUMAR which has multicoating. I think sometimes I've seen an instruction for the dissassembly and cleaning of this lens.