Problem with Summilux M 1,4/50

[ekku]

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My Summilux M 1,4/50 has too stiff focusing ring. Especially there is too much static friction making exact focusing almost impossible. It was like this when brand new.

I thought it would help to just use it, but there is no improvement. Has anyone had

the same problem? Do I have to send it to the factory for repair?

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[wda]

I would exercise the focusing movement with repeated cycles to see if it improves. Repeat that as often as you can bear in free time. If it does not ease I suggest you return it to your dealer for either a direct exchange or factory checking. The lens carries a greater load than the Summicron but you should not experience friction points.

[lct]

I did this and my lens developed some play so i would not advise the same to others. This lens (the asph version i mean) is well known for having such problems with some copies but not with others. This is not acceptable to me but YMMV.

[k-hawinkler]

I would have it repaired. Good luck.

 

K-H.

[espresso]

hi ekku!

 

send it back to the factory, there is a little room for improvement, they can adjust it there. but the 50/1.4 asph is known for relatively stiff focusing, compared to other lenses, because of the floating element.

 

i had the same problem with mine, it´s better now, but not as perfect as my other leica lenses. have to live with that.

[k-hawinkler]

On mine the close focus was slightly off. I sent it in. Leica NJ fixed it.

Focus is smooth as butter.

 

K-H.

[IkarusJohn]

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Mine is smooth, but tight. The difference from the Summicron 35 ASPH is noticeable.

 

Cheers

John

[k-hawinkler]

Mine is smooth, but tight. The difference from the Summicron 35 ASPH is noticeable.

 

Cheers

John

 

 

Yup, exactly.

 

K-H.

[philipus]

Don't know if it applies, but I have a Summilux pre-asph LTM which was very tight when I got it. Now it is becoming easier to use. I have not "exercised" it but just used it normally.

 

That said, if you don't feel like wearing it out to get it like you want, send it in for repair.

[Shade]

It shouldn't be tight, if it is and playing with it doesn't loosen it up, then you will be better off sending your lens to be repaired before anything worse happens.

[mafoofan]

My 50/1.4 asph is of very recent production and the focus ring turns very smoothly and evenly. There is no variation in resistance throughout its rotation.

 

However, I can see how one might find the action requiring of more effort compared to other Leica lenses.

[Jeff S]

Many threads already on this, as the search box will reveal. Here is but one recent one; there are loads of others.

 

Some samples are fine, some are not. I sent mine to NJ for service, but there wasn't much that could be done. So far time hasn't smoothed out the focus turn. But I love the lens and have learned not to use the focus tab for fine focusing adjustments; the knurled ring allows for much better fine control.

 

Jeff

[akiralx]

Mine is smooth, but tight. The difference from the Summicron 35 ASPH is noticeable.

 

Cheers

John

 

Same with my WATE.

[mongrelnomad]

I have the same problem with my 1.4 ASPH - it has been back to Solms twice for 'repair' as it is sticky around infinity. Not sticky as such, more that there is a sudden and uncomfortable increase in resistance which makes accurate focusing very difficult.

 

Twice it came back, and twice I was told there was no problem with my lense, but rather that it was a consequence of the glass design.

 

Solution? I use other 50s.

[rea1412]

Mine (bought it in May 2011) was very tight too initially making it quite hard to focus.... but slowly it has become smooth.... still tight but smooth.

Cheers!