D vario elmar 14-150 wobbling

[tala65]

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Dear all,

I own a DIGILUX 3. Just when I decided that my D VARIO ELMAR 14-150 bought in Japan last september was excellent, I noticed that when zoomed out, the extension tubes wobble a little -- that is, when I grab the lens gently from the filter-holder-ring I can move the extension tubes sideways some fractions of a millimetre, so that at least the outer front lens moves a little against the lens axis. As far as I can observe the inner lens groups stay firm.

I have not noticed any effect to focusing, but this has begun to bother and I really hate having to worry about my lenses.

What do you think, if I decide to take it to LEICA/Panasonic representative for repair, I have firstly to send it to Japan. Sceondly, can I claim the repair to be included in the warranty? Must I tolerate any wobbling from this lens?

Any help before deciding to send it to Japan is highly appreciated

Alex

[stuny]

check with Panasonic first. Then send it in knowing whetehr you have to pay or not, and if you do have to pay, what wouldthey estimate the cost to be.

 

My Vario Elmar 80-200 developed the same problem. Twice.

[nigelb]

This is a very long range zoom that extends a fair bit when zoomed to extreme. There must be some inherent 'slackness' or taper built in so that it cannot bind during zooming, particularly with plastic barrel lenses, the two surfaces must slide without any lubrication. Some wobble is inevitable with these wide range zooms but of course it should be kept to a minimum. I have just tried my Zuiko 40-150 plastic barrel lens and there is a small amount of wobble when fully extended. I think the Elmar is a combination of metal and plastic so I would expect a little too. Wide range zooms are a compromise in precision and optical quality, which is why I have never fancied buying one.

 

Nigel

[tala65]

many thanks stuart !

Actually the warranty is still valid. The problem is that I have to ship it from Italy to Japan. I have japanese friends who might help me but if this wobbling is not really a problem I would prefer to avoid to send it.

 

thanks again

 

alessandro

[tala65]

thanks Nigel,

I will bring it to a Leica representative here in Italy and check his opinion

 

regards

 

alessandro