Nothing to Do with Viagra, but my Tri-Elmar is a bit Stiff..

[oris642]

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I'm wondering if this is "normal" for a 28-35-50 TE. Mine is smooth when changing from 35-50 mm (both ways). However, from 50-28 (both ways) it definitely takes more effort, plus there is more of a rubbing/ almost grinding noise. Is this normal?

 

Also, when I turn the focussing ring, it's butter smooth from 3 to 10 feet, then it takes a bit more effort from 10 feet to infinity.

 

I realize that this is a very complicated lens design, probably among one of the most complicated made, so I'm just wondering if this all normal.

 

Thanks,

 

Eric

[wda]

Eric, have you had it from new: If so, has the deterioration been sudden? Is it still under warranty? If so, the next step is obvious: take it back to the dealer. I have had mine from new and it still operates smoothly throughout the range.

 

The symptoms suggest that the lens has suffered from some form of shock to impart irregular friction when changing settings. It definitely needs attention.

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[oris642]

It is new, but from a dealer who closed down, so, while I have all the boxes, cards, etc , no warranty : (

 

But thanks for letting me know that it should be smooth. Pictures do seem to be fine.

 

Eric

[stunsworth]

The focussing ring on mine is definitely not as smooth as my other Leica lenses and binds sightly at one extreme of the range - can't remember which, and I don't have the lens with me at the moment.

 

Changing focal lengths on the other hand is smooth.

[SJP]

Primarily it is not a lens - it is a mechanical computer.

 

Maybe worth noting that apparently there are differences between versions #1 and #2, I have #2 and cannot say anything specific on the 'older' type #1.

 

Some comments which may or may not help:

- The focussing is a bit weird compared to most lenses as it appears to be 'spring loaded', focussing in & out does not feel the same. When you focus out from 10 feet (3m) - infinity this is what you feel.

- Changing to a different focal length is a bit like changing gears on a not too well synchronised ('stick shift' for US citizens) gearbox. Do not force the thing but feel how it engages. If it feels 'comfortably locked in' then everything is fine. If it is 'off' then all sorts of weird things can & will happen (apparantly without doing any permanent harm to the mechanism). So it works but you need to use some common sense and judgement.

 

On my version changing focal length from 35-50 it is a bit smoother than 50-28 (vice versa), when you get close to the 28mm position is a bit stiffer but there are no mechanical grating sounds. If you have that it may need a CLA.

 

Some of the above only became apparent when you drew my attention to it, so it is not something that is noticed immdiately.

 

In conclusion: it is not perfect but nevertheless is one of my favorite lenses for walking around. I especially like it at the 50 mm setting.

[oris642]

Thanks SJP, I do have the E49 (Version 2). Maybe that's just the way it is. I don't have to "force" it, and it does "click in" at 28mm. And there are no grating sounds.

 

Yes, it has become a great walk-around lens. I'd thought that I would just keep it for a while and then sell it, but that's not going to be happening anytime soon....

 

Eric

[marknorton]

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I have just tried both of mine (Versions 1 and 2) and they are both fine, smooth focussing rings (though tighter than a typical Leica prime) and the focal length rings give the correct impression of complexity within, with more clearly defined detents in Version 2.

 

It's a mechanical wonder - changing the focal length even adjusts the aperture opening becuase f4 at 50mm requires a different opening than f4 at 28mm. It's a lens to treat with care though as any image of the internals or machined lens barrels will suggest.

[stevelap]

My Version 2 behaves as described by Stephen and Mark. A smooth but tight feel to the focusing ring action and a definite 'mechanical engagement' feel when changing focal length. The latter is more noticeable when engaging 50 from 35 and it also seems slightly easier to over-rotate beyond 50 from that direction.

[wookchang]

I have had a E55 and experienced the very same problem. Changing focal length from 35 to 50 is very smooth and however, from 50 to 28, I can sense a definite mechnical, a sort of, friction. I haven't done anything to resolve the symptom since I don't use the lens that much often, except travelling.

[Kasimir]

It is new, but from a dealer who closed down, so, while I have all the boxes, cards, etc , no warranty : (

 

But thanks for letting me know that it should be smooth. Pictures do seem to be fine.

 

Eric

 

Why don't You send it directly to Laica in Solms. I always do this from Norway and it works. Just make shure You keep all the papers necessary for customs.

[SJP]

Useless factoid: I use the 50 mm most (226 tags), then 28 (89), and 35 least (30). Ratio 8:3:1 roughly.

 

Is this the normal trend or is it user specific I wonder?

[wizard]

Mine is smooth when changing from 35-50 mm (both ways). However, from 50-28 (both ways) it definitely takes more effort, plus there is more of a rubbing/ almost grinding noise. Is this normal?

 

I would say it is. My copy is the same. The turning angle for changing from 50 to 35 is the same as for changing from 50 to 28, however, the distances the lens groups must travel internally are bigger in the latter case. This is accomodated for by appropriately shaped, steeper cams which inevitably require a little more effort when turning the focal length selection ring.

 

Also, when I turn the focussing ring, it's butter smooth from 3 to 10 feet, then it takes a bit more effort from 10 feet to infinity.

 

Mine is the same here, too. I kind of like that, as I am less prone to leave the infinity setting unintended. Enjoy your new lens!

 

Andy

[cbretteville]

When I bought mine last year (it was old new stock of the E55 v1) there was a note in the box saying that if the lens had not been used for a while focusing would be stiff at first and would loosen with use. This was true, the lens had been sitting in it's box on a shelf for +/- seven years and was really hard to focus. With a little patience it had become nice and smooth. Still which I had the v2's focal length change and the focusing tab, but as its one of the chromes I'll live with that.

 

- Carl