Schneider 180mm F/5.6 Symmar-S MC Oily Aperture Blades

**AllNoAll** · 7-Jan-2023, 13:52

Hey All,

My first time here, as after 25 years away from large format I am back at it! Given the last time I shot large format it was 1995, I decided to start small with a 4x5 Field camera (Shen-Hao HZX 4X5-IIA). As it's been a while, I am trying out different focal lengths to see where I like to be in this format, and because of this I am purchasing "cheap" lenses until I settle on my needs. I purchased a used Schneider 180mm F/5.6 Symmar-S MC ($200), but the aperture blades had oil on them. I thought I would simply clean them myself, and the lens works perfectly. I used Ronson lighter fluid first, and did try 70% isopropyl for a bit. It seems to have cleaned the oil off the blades, but the blades seem to now be stained in some way. After cleaning the blades I read that some aperture blades are made out of fiber, and that using these liquids on fiber blades is not recommended. I looked back at the blades on this lens and they could be fiber; I'm unsure how to fine out. Your thoughts?

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**ridax** · 7-Jan-2023, 14:16

I don't think that matters at all. You could also just leave the oil there.

**AllNoAll** · 7-Jan-2023, 15:22

Originally Posted by ridax

I don't think that matters at all. You could also just leave the oil there.

That's what I was thinking, and the worst case scenario I am out my $200. Being in the world of Leica this is very cheap for a lens! The lens seems to work perfectly and the iris functions as it should as far as I can tell.