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Is the Summicron 75 Apo Asph supposed to behave this way?


ymc226

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I bought this new and used it on my M9. I shot a detail of a utility box about 4 meters away (focused on the rivets) at f/11, 5.6, 2.8 and 2 and find that only the smaller apertures show the details to be in focus.

 

I noticed this only slightly with my Summicron 90 Apo Asph.

 

The camera is on a tripod and I used a 1.4 magnifier to get the focus as accurately as possible.

 

My situation is that I've never used the lens on a film M yet to see if it has the same issue. I am new to digital so am using LR3, copying as DNG and viewing the file full page but without zooming in on the picture at all.

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It isn't supposed to - but it often does.

 

The 75 ASMA (APO-Summicron-M ASPH) has a floating group (last two lens elements) to improve resolution all the way down to .7 meters, but from the number of times focusing issues come up with this lens on this forum, apparently Leica is having occasional trouble getting the "float" adjusted quite right.

 

Adjusted correctly, it is a very good lens.

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It isn't supposed to - but it often does.

 

The 75 ASMA (APO-Summicron-M ASPH) has a floating group (last two lens elements) to improve resolution all the way down to .7 meters, but from the number of times focusing issues come up with this lens on this forum, apparently Leica is having occasional trouble getting the "float" adjusted quite right.

 

Adjusted correctly, it is a very good lens.

 

I agree......

 

Mine has been back to Solms as it was out at infinity .... now it's ok for near and infinity but front focusses beyond 2m to the extent that it's a bit iffy for portraits.

 

I am pondering sending it back for another go.... but I have a horrible feeling that that will be fixed and something else will be out ...... and on .... and on..... till one of us gives up.....:rolleyes:

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My own experience with this lens model on M6, M7, M8 and M9 has been uniformly excellent. However it is certainly possible that yours does not focus correctly. The adjustment of your lens or your camera or the combination of the two with each other may possibly need adjusting. The sensors of the M8 and M9 are less forgiving than film too.

 

Another factor can be a change in your eyesight reducing your accuracy. In my own case I noticed a consistent back focus error (with my APO75 too) in a whole series where I was shooting in close and near wide open. Some careful testing with my other eye showed me that the lens had not changed at all. It was perfect.

 

If possible you might find it helpful to try your lens on another M9 and/or have another user try it on your camera. It does sound like you have stated testing carefully for yourself

 

Sounds like your lens is new so the Solms folks can adjust if for you under guarantee if needed. The nature of forums is you tend to hear more about the negative experiences with Customer Service. My own has been perfect. See how you go and good luck with a rapid resolution. It is a superb lens.

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I work within an hour of Leica, New Jersey, USA. Can they make the adjustment?

 

If they can't, they should take care of sending it free of charge to you to Solms.

As the value is more than, I believe 2400 USD, there needs to be additional paper work to get it back through US customs without fees.

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