1234 Posted July 17, 2014 Share #1 Posted July 17, 2014 Advertisement (gone after registration) I mean with a finger tip as is possible on all other lenses with a focusing tab. My first new lens was returned immediately upon purchase years ago due to very stiff focus action. The replacement was a bit better but has not improved over the years. I'd really like to use it more in applications in which the 50 Elmar M does permit photography of moving subjects. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted July 17, 2014 Posted July 17, 2014 Hi 1234, Take a look here Has anyone actually been able to use tab on 50 Summilux ASPH?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
DigitalHeMan Posted July 17, 2014 Share #2 Posted July 17, 2014 My tab works fine for me. Is very easy to focus. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted July 17, 2014 Share #3 Posted July 17, 2014 The focusing works just fine for me. Thinking about it, better than it would without tab. There seems to be some sample variation, but mine is very smooth. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff S Posted July 17, 2014 Share #4 Posted July 17, 2014 I couldn't use it for precise focus until DAG fixed it. Jeff 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter H Posted July 17, 2014 Share #5 Posted July 17, 2014 Works perfectly for me. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erik Gunst Lund Posted July 17, 2014 Share #6 Posted July 17, 2014 There are many different types of grease/oils for helicoils. They come in a variety of types according to the application. Old Leica lenses have a helicoil consisting of many single threads about double as many as the lenses currently in production. The thread profile is also much smaller about half the size compared to the current types. The 50mm Summilux APSH furthermore has a floating lens element so it has an additional helicoil. The length of the threads or the area of the contact surface plays a role also on performance, the drag and feel when turning the focus ring. In repair manuals the appropriate grease is stated for the helicoil, as well as other areas of the lens that needs different lubricants etc Other issues causing drag is the little pins/taps that prevent the lens optics from rotating as you focus, they are in most instances adjustable, if set too tight they can actually create a lot of drag when focusing as a kind of stiffness feel. If these pins are too loose in their slots you will be able to twist the lens central assembly (grab the filtering and the mount and carefully jiggle back and forth) also you will feel a slight dead area wen focusing in and out, again jiggle back and forth. FLE lenses has two sets of such pins so the risk of excessive drag/slag is more likely. again you can check if they are too loose by holding on to the filter thread and the rear element assembly and twist carefully back and forth. So if you have a brand new lens with an tightness issue ask Leica to check pins and if needed deviate from the repair manual regarding specified grease or use a skilled repair facility and ask them the same. I can see Leica refusing to put another type of grease than specified... BTW when visiting the Leica M lens production line last year we saw the grinding (fine tuning) of these helicoils, it was done by hand/feel by simply twisting back and forth with abrasive oil until the feel was right, then clean and lube and testing... So could be your lens was just fine polished a little too tight... 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter H Posted July 17, 2014 Share #7 Posted July 17, 2014 Advertisement (gone after registration) The only one of my Leica lenses that doesn't focus smoothly enough for 100% ease of tab focussing is my 28mm Summicron. I have no idea why it is less smooth than some of the more "difficult" lenses, but it is. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pfhrased Posted July 17, 2014 Share #8 Posted July 17, 2014 The only one of my Leica lenses that doesn't focus smoothly enough for 100% ease of tab focussing is my 28mm Summicron. I have no idea why it is less smooth than some of the more "difficult" lenses, but it is. My 50 1.4 focuses super smoothly with the tab - but my 35 1.4 FLE is quite a bit harder to drive. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcraf Posted July 17, 2014 Share #9 Posted July 17, 2014 Smooth as butter on mine - which incidentally is my favourite lens of my half dozen Leica 50s, and in fact my favourite of all my Leica lenses. I am a big tab fan - and I miss it on lenses that weren't so fitted. 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wda Posted July 17, 2014 Share #10 Posted July 17, 2014 A few owners have reported stiff focusing from new and had the issue fixed by Leica under warranty. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keith (M) Posted July 17, 2014 Share #11 Posted July 17, 2014 A few owners have reported stiff focusing from new and had the issue fixed by Leica under warranty. Thankfully the focussing action on mine (new in Apr from Leica Mayfair) is very smooth and perfectly weighted. A joy to use. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
algrove Posted July 17, 2014 Share #12 Posted July 17, 2014 Mine is very smooth and buttery. Suggest send it in if too stiff. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
KM-25 Posted July 23, 2014 Share #13 Posted July 23, 2014 My first one was too stiff, sold it when I found a steal on a MP3 black paint kit that had the LHSA version Asph which was actually pretty good, sold that in 2011. Then a few months ago I picked up a silver one from Popflash which had just come back from Leica, it's perfect, I am not selling that one. I have no issues using the tab but still use the metal ring the most part. It seems a lot of 50 Lux Asph's are stiff, it's worth it to have it adjusted. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
colonel Posted July 23, 2014 Share #14 Posted July 23, 2014 I have used three. I preferred the stiff one. After a year or two it gets better Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
IkarusJohn Posted July 23, 2014 Share #15 Posted July 23, 2014 My 28 Summicron is light and smooth. The 50 Summilux is not as light, but smooth as butter. Both easily used with one finger tip. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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