Zeiss Contax/Yashica
Leica-R
Olympus OM
Minolta MC/MD
Nikon AI/AI-S
Canon FD
Pentax Takumar
Carl Zeiss Jena
Konica Hexanon AR
Rollei QBM
and most other manual lenses
MANUAL STILLS LENSES SERVICING & MODDING FOR FILMMAKING
We service all kinds of manual lenses, specializing in resolving most of the common issues that come with them, such as stiff focus, unclean optics, fungus removal and sterilization, oily blades, shaky lens body, impact damage, damaged threads, separation and decentering. We pay special attention into making sure your vintage lenses operate the best they can and are properly calibrated and sturdy, especially for the increased needs of filmmaking.
Give a new life to your lens
Located in Greece (EU), we inspect, modify and service your vintage lenses with the outmost care and a mindset for bringing these beautiful lenses to their best condition possible for film making purposes as well as photography.
Not sure about your lens? “Top Mint” feels a bit iffy? You feel something is off in the image? No need to stress about it. Except a throughout inspection that reveals any imperfections in the optics or mechanics, the lens is tested at high resolution, for sharpness, flaring and bokeh at all apertures. Then it’s compared against other copies of the same lens in our extensive database, so you can know if your lens performs as it’s supposed to, regardless of its appearance.
A full CLA (Cleaning, Lubrication, Adjustment) also known as an “overhaul”, refers to the full disassembly of your lens down to the last screw, cleaning the mechanics using an ultrasonic bath, cleaning the optics as required, and assembling the lens making any adjustments required for the correct operation of the lens. Special attention is given to a strong build of the lens, while maintaining smooth and light focusing, so it can perform the best for the increased needs of filmmaking.
Your lens might operate mostly well but maybe it needs attention in a specific matter, like a dot of mold developing on one of its elements, a doublet has separation, an element is decentered, a floating group badly calibrated or the iris blades being stuck. Even if a full CLA is not required, we can address specific problems and find the best approach for them.
We are a SIMMOD’s official preferred installer in Europe and modify your lenses for video. We do mount installations, iris de-clicking and dampening as well as focus gear installation (items provided by the lens owner).
We Are Here For You
A lens is a complex precision instrument and there are many reasons why its operation or performance might be compromised. Especially with vintage lenses that have never been serviced before, the lens might required an in-depth service in order to become useful again.
There are many ways the optics in a lens can become unclean, often resulting in a compromised image. Fungus or mold, can develop through time when a lens is left in a humid and hot environment. If left untreated fungus can feed off the elements’ coating creating permanent damage, resulting in a heavily compromised image. Cleaning a lens with fungus is a very delicate job and requires sterilization of the environment and all the equipment used. There are also many types of haze. The most common is coating deterioration when grease from the lenses mechanics have evaporated through time and made their way onto the elements. This initially crates a sticky and oily residue that can be cleaned, but eventually, and depending on the coating formula, it can interact with it and create a permanent haze. That kind of haze can have from no impact, up to a compromised image with a glow on highlights and excessive flaring. We approach those kinds of haze by attempting to clean them, and if the element does not clean on the first go it means the haze is permanent due to coating damage. The solution to this problem is the expensive procedure of removing and re-applying the coating, a service that we don’t currently offer. Another type of haze is separation which is when the glue between two elements has deteriorated, a condition that we can treat with the outmost care. Dust can be accumulated onto unsealed elements of the lenses, usually on the elements in front and behind of the iris mechanism. This is because these lenses are not weather proof and they are very easy to absorb any dust from the environment. While that kind of dust rarely has any important effect, we make sure to clean it as it can help prevent the development of fungus. Often, some larger specs also find their way onto the elements and those can lead into visible dots on the bokeh. Other times, upon inspection, we find lenses with smudges, fingerprints, hair or dust patterns. Those are the result of careless or amateur servicing and it’s important to clean them as well in order to prevent the development of fungus.
Requires Full CLA
This is one of the most common problems with vintage lenses. Most of the copies have never been serviced in the past and the grease that was used on the helicoid has deteriorated through the years. In some cases, lenses were serviced using the incorrect grease resulting in an unpleasant focusing feel. Every part of the lens is disassembled with care down to the last screw, it’s cleaned meticulously using special chemicals and ultrasonic cleaning, and then it’s put back together using high quality helical grease. We make sure to use the correct grease for each lens and put extra effort to make sure the focusing is smooth, pleasant and light for the needs of film making, but at the same time making sure the lens is built with no body shake and in a sturdy way, using the strong threadlock that was used at factory.
Lenses are precision instruments, designed with a very low tolerance. If any of the lens’ elements is not in its correct position or orientation, the result is a compromised image. Such problems usually arise when the lens was serviced incorrectly or tampered by a non-professional. There could be a single retaining ring that was not tightened correctly, a missing shim between elements, or a floating element group aligned incorrectly. The effect could be reduced sharpness, increased aberrations, abnormal texture, blurry highlights and excessive vignette amongst others. Such problems might not be perceivable to the average user who just purchased a lens and doesn’t have a reference point. Our technical comparative testing methods ensure the discovery of such issues, and warrants a deep dive into the lens till the problem is found and corrected.
Separation refers to the deterioration of the glue between two cemented elements. This deterioration can cause a form of haze, or rainbow like pattern between the elements which can result into excessive flaring, blurry highlights, increase of aberrations and loss of sharpness. There are many myths and stories about separation perpetrated online, from it being an unfixable condition, to the condition being resolvable by dipping the doublet into oil, to people cracking the doublets as they attempt to separate them using anecdotal advice, to others claiming to have re-cemented a doublet successfully, only to find out the lens actually performs very poorly. This is because re-cementing is an optical precision job that unlike some other vintage lenses problems can’t be solved with a “rough it out” or “quick fix” mentality. Incorrect methods of separating the doublet can easily result into a permanent damage or cracking of the elements, and re-cementing the elements in the correct alignment requires precise techniques and it’s not something that can happen by chance. We use the correct and 100% safe technique to separate doublets, and then we re-cement those doublets with precision making sure your lens performs as it should.
Requires Full CLA
While vintage lenses were initially designed for photography and the expected use was a gentle adjustment of the focus, modern use of these lenses, especially for the needs of filmmaking, are a strong test for the lens mechanics. From the lens being used with very stiff focus or heavy loading the front of the lens, to careless servicing in the past and operating the lens using a strong focusing motor, the internal mechanics of the lens can slowly start giving up, resulting into a shaky lens. Except the annoying body shake or “clicky” feeling of the focus, one of the biggest problems comes when the image “jumps” when changing focusing direction, which can become a huge issue in video. During our full CLA we make sure that the lens is patiently put together correctly, adjusting the mechanics in the process, using strong threadlock where required, result in a sturdy lens ready to use in the most demanding environments.
An iris mechanism is supposed to be completely dry in order to operate correctly. Often grease that has migrated from the focusing mechanism can make its way to the iris mechanism and the blades. This leads to the blades slowing down in their operation or getting completely stuck. That oil may also make its way to the elements if it evaporates and create a permanent haze. The only correct way for cleaning the iris mechanism is to disassemble it completely, remove and carefully clean each iris blade. It’s highly recommended to also perform a full CLA on such lenses in order to make sure the lens is cleaned in depth, and there won’t be oil on the blades again in the near future.
While vintage lenses are built with relatively stronger materials than most modern lenses, they still can’t survive a sizable drop. While there is not much we can do if the optical elements were damaged, we can certainly tackle any problems related to the lens’ body and mechanics. From a distorted filter thread, to the focusing helicoids or frame of the lens becoming distorted resulting into a stuck or comprised focusing, we have the experience and tools and patience to bring back the lens to life.
A dirty lens with yellowed markings can feel discouraging to use and might also be proven hard to sell. While repairing dents and missing paint from the body of a lens is a very complex procedure that we don’t offer as service, what we do instead is making sure the lens is cleaned in depth and then the markings are repainted. The result is a shiny almost like new looking lens, minus any dents.
Requires Full CLA + Extra charge
Maybe you just tried to install a very tight focus gear and next thing you know the lens has split in two. Or you felt over-confident and decided to service the lens yourself but it all ended up horribly wrong. Put everything in a bag and sent it to us. We will put it back together!
We often receive lenses that have unorthodox problems that can’t be simply put in a category. From bad EF mount installation that resulted into the focusing becoming heavier or the iris ring getting stuck, to lenses that perform horribly from no apparent reason, if anything is wrong with your lens, feel free to send it in and we will do our best to find solutions for the problem!
if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it
One of the most common misconceptions is to think that lenses need to look perfect in order to perform correctly. This is either due to a misunderstanding about optics or misplaced perfectionism. The truth is that unless there is a significant disturbance in the light path, the optics will perform perfectly. Our philosophy is to avoid trying to make a lens look perfect for the purposes of eye-candy and instead focus on real issues that have an impact on performance or use of the lens. For example, we avoid opening optical assemblies which still have a factory seal unless there is a significant problem to address and that’s so we don’t contaminate what is a factory level clean surface. In the same way, we will never recommend an action that is unnecessary, and we always point out the different options.
SLOW AND STEADY WINS THE RACE
Lens servicing is not the kind of work where you just follow a few steps and the work is completed. Every servicing session is different and unexpected issues may occur. The lenses have to be approached with a well rested and stress-free spirit, and some problems require more thought than others. Servicing lenses in a “bulk” fashion to meet deadlines, leads to compromises in the quality of the work as well as risk of damage. Our approach is driven by putting the priority on delivering a well serviced lens to endure the next many years.
COST EFFECTIVE
Many filmmakers who hope to use vintage lenses in their productions often find themselves into a common problem: the lenses they bought seem to have some issues, perhaps a stiff focus, some haze, or some dusts in the optics. They often don’t even know how to evaluate those problems and end up spending a lot of energy and money, buying multiple copies or even worse attempt to service their own lenses, often ending up with a damaged lens and regrets. We have a deep experience and understanding of this, and that’s when we have decided to start offering our services at reasonable prices, first to friends and the community and then to filmmakers across the world. We understand how lens owners would love to have the options of getting their lenses serviced at a top level and at a reasonable cost and we offer that option. We love these vintage lenses, and we get a satisfaction from bringing them back to their best condition.
HONESTY
One of the biggest problems with sending your lens for servicing is the worry of whether your lens will get treated well and how much it will cost. Since your enquiry we will maintain an active communication, where we will be giving you frequent updates on your lenses, and communicate the exact options and any costs ahead. This is a friendly operation. No sudden hidden charges, honest presentation of any findings, and an open line of communication and updates.
We Make Our Customers Happy
Inspection
Your lens is inspected, both optically and technically, comparing it with other copies in our extended database. A report is given along with the suggested course of action and the cost, and you decide how to proceed.
Repair
We proceed with the repairs, updating you on the process as required. The lens is inspected again at the end.
Payment
After agreeing on the shipping method, an invoice is issued and a payment is requested. We issue a servicing certificate after payment.
Shipping
The lens is packed carefully and it’s shipped!
My name is Georgios Tryfonas. I have been a filmmaker and artist producer for the past 15 years. I have developed an interest in lens servicing many years ago, after I’ve sent my precious set of Contax vintage lenses for servicing to a technician paying a hefty fee, only to receive back my lenses massacred and with no responsibility to be claimed. That shocking experience motivated me to begin my journey into lens servicing. It took me many years to develop the necessary experience and skillset so I can fix my own lenses without risk, and eventually I started servicing lenses for friends and the community. Being a Software Development major, I developed a process that is based on technical truths and step-by-step approach, rather than looking to “rough it out” for a “quick fix” result. Being a filmmaker myself, I also have a deep understanding of the usage and needs of these lenses in the context of the demanding filmmaking environment. Eventually I’ve started offering my services to the public officially, and since I have serviced hundreds of lenses successfully, often correcting badly serviced lenses and saving many of what previously seemed to be unrepairable lenses. I feel a strong obligation and sense of responsibility when I’m handling never to be made again precious items of a limited stock, maintaining a flowless record of satisfied customers.
Some Recent Projects
Contax Zeiss Distagon 28mm f2 “Hollywood” Facts & Servicing (CLA)
The Carl Zeiss Distagon 28mm f2 C/Y mount lens, also know as the “Hollywood”, is one of the top lenses from the Contax Zeiss line up. With its value steadily rising, and less good copies being available, servicing these decades old lenses to survive modern use has been increasingly important.
Contax Zeiss Distagon 35mm f1.4 Facts & Servicing (CLA)
The Carl Zeiss Distagon 35mm f1.4 C/Y mount lens, with one aspherical element and floating group design, is one of the top lenses from the Contax Zeiss line up. With its value already high and steadily rising, and less good copies being available, servicing these decades old lenses to survive modern use has been increasingly important.
Contax Zeiss Distagon 21mm f2.8 Facts & Servicing (CLA)
The Carl Zeiss Distagon 21mm f2.8 C/Y mount lens, is a legendary lens, perhaps the most sought after Contax lens. With its value already very high and steadily rising, and less good copies being available, servicing these decades old lenses to survive modern use has been increasingly important.
LENS SERVICING
FULL CLA (I) €175
Small lenses with simple mechanics
e.g. Contax 50/1.4, Leica-R 50/2
FULL CLA (II) €200
Larger lenses with more complex mechanics
e.g. Contax 85/1.4, Leica-R 35/2
FULL CLA (III) €230
Lenses with floating element groups
e.g. Contax 28/2, Canon FD 28/2
FULL CLA (IV) €280
Lenses with very complex mechanics or a large number of elements
e.g. Contax 15/3.5, Leica-R 19/2.8
┉┈◈◉◈┈┉
INSPECTION & TESTING €10
Free when any servicing or modding is performed on the lens
IRIS CLEANING €100
70% discount when the lens is CLAed
COMPLEX FUNGUS REMOVAL €120
70% discount when the lens is CLAed
INFINITY ADJUSTMENT €25~€50
Free when the lens is CLAed
OPTICAL CORRECTION (FLOATING GROUP) €100
Free when the lens is CLAed
OPTICAL CORRECTION (DECENTERING) €100~€150
Depends on complexity; 50% discount when the lens is CLAed
ELEMENT CLEANING €60
When an element that needs cleaning can be accessed without complex disassembly
REPAINTING OF MARKINGS €20
Can only be performed when the lens is CLAed
SEPARATION & RE-CEMENTING €250-€350
Price per doublet, depending on access and whether the elements are of the same diameter
LENS RE-ASSEMBLY €50
This is charged on top of a full CLA in case a lens is sent disassembled or improperly assembled, in a way that makes servicing it more time consuming
CINEMA MOD
All items are to be provided by the customer!
All services below, except the focus gear, have a 50% discount when the lens is CLAed.
Some lenses might require the “infinity adjustment” service above when a new mount is installed.
EF MOUNT INSTALLATION €20
EF MOUNT INSTALLATION (FD) €30
EF MOUNT INSTALLATION (FD asph) €50
DE-CLICK & IRIS RING DAMPENING €20
DE-CLICK & IRIS RING DAMPENING (LEICA-R) €30
