Got a new summilux 35mm FLE, stiff focusing ring.

[siglo]

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Siglo, I don't know if you have seen the following video of Leica lens manufacturing, but it is excellent and will give you an idea of the meticulous assembly and manufacturing process in Solms.

 

Leica Lenses (English) on Vimeo

 

Thanks for the video, I have seem other similar videos of leica manufacturing. I find them fascinating and enjoyable to watch.

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[bpalme]

My 35 FLE was normal but my noctilux was so stiff I thought something was wrong with it. It loosened up though so give it time.

[hsiyao]

I got my Summilux 35mm FLE a couple of months ago. It was very very stiff focusing. It has since loosened up quite a bit to a degree that it won't bother me anymore. During the first few days of getting it, when I was watching TV, I just held it in my hand and turned the focusing ring back and forth. It needs quite a work out to loosen up.

[matlep]

Siglo, I don't know if you have seen the following video of Leica lens manufacturing, but it is excellent and will give you an idea of the meticulous assembly and manufacturing process in Solms.

 

Leica Lenses (English) on Vimeo

 

This video does not mean that there is no chance that your lens does not have a problem, as anything might have happened from the time the lens left the factory until it arrived in Dubai, however it will show that your lens was assembled and inspected by people who do nothing but assemble and inspect Leica lenses. They are pretty good at what they do.

 

Good luck, and I sincerely hope that you do not have to return your lens. However, if you do find that it needs to go back then you should feel confident that Leica will stand behind their product and do everything within their power to make you happy with your purchase.

 

Well. I had to return my Summilux 35 FLE to the factory because it was oil on the aperture places. Mistakes do happen. And that probably did not happen after the lens had left the factory. Even though Leica has top notch quality control, people do f**k up from time to time. They are not robots

 

Im just saying, IF the o.p. is feeling that something is wrong. There is actually a possibility that it is NOT just in his head. But I would also give it some time. It might loosen up and it might not.

[pig882009]

I too would like to hear how or where you were able to try 4 35/1.4's at the same time. Other than the assembly line I could not imagine seeing that many together.

 

Cut the long story short. I received my first 35 lux FLE in Feb. It has the "rattling" issue which Camera Clinic identified as "manufacturer" defect. As part of the deal, I got to keep using the lens while I am waiting for the new replacement. When the replacement arrived, it still has the magical "rattling" noice. This process repeats for 3 times, until Leica Australia sent me a letter acknowledged that the rattling issue is part of the lens design and it is not a defect.

 

So the conclusion is, yes the focus ring of 35 Lux FLE is much stiffer than 35mm corn, yes 35 Lux FLE rattles, and yes I have tried 4 brand new 35 Lux FLE in last two months.

[Neil J]

Hi,

 

I finally managed to get a new 35mm summilux from Leica's distributor in Dubai. However, the focusing ring seems very stiff that it is very hard for me to focus with it. I just want to make sure that this is not normal before sending it to Solms. On a scale from 1 (moves alone) to 10 (immovable) my 35mm summarit is a 3 and this 35mm summilux is an 8.

 

I'd appreciate if someone has access to both lenses and can confirm that the summilux I got is defective or it's normal and I just need to start a weight lifting program for my index finger.

 

Thanks

 

Yes, my new 35mm is stiffer than the other lenses and I was concerned as well. The stiffness makes it a little slower to focus than my other lenses.

[pig882009]

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In addition to my previsou post, I would like to add a comment to Leica's after sale service.

 

Leica has been very helpful and prompt with their service. I knew some people would disagree with my comment in this forum.

 

But speak from my own experience, I am really impressed with my local dealer and Leica Australia.

[hoppyman]

I'm amazed that Adeal and your dealer were able to offer you FOUR of these to you, one after another!

You must have had about half of the national allocation from that shipment then or the supply chain has changed markedly

 

Mines from the first batch in aus about 19 months back then there were none for a long time as far as I've heard about. It took about 12 months for my dealer to get his second supplied.

By the way mine does not rattle, and focus movement was never a problem. It did just prove to need focus adjustment which I hadn't picked up due to the way I was using it (scenery, not wide open).

 

Cut the long story short. I received my first 35 lux FLE in Feb. It has the "rattling" issue which Camera Clinic identified as "manufacturer" defect. As part of the deal, I got to keep using the lens while I am waiting for the new replacement. When the replacement arrived, it still has the magical "rattling" noice. This process repeats for 3 times, until Leica Australia sent me a letter acknowledged that the rattling issue is part of the lens design and it is not a defect.

 

So the conclusion is, yes the focus ring of 35 Lux FLE is much stiffer than 35mm corn, yes 35 Lux FLE rattles, and yes I have tried 4 brand new 35 Lux FLE in last two months.

[pig882009]

I'm amazed that Adeal and your dealer were able to offer you FOUR of these to you, one after another!

You must have had about half of the national allocation from that shipment then or the supply chain has changed markedly

 

Well, I found that the supply of 35 Lux FLE is not as tight as many ppl expected. I only waited for 6 weeks for the first 35 lux after I placed my deposit. My delaer has it coming in monthly base.

 

With the rattling issue, it has been widely discussed in this forum. Some rattles and some not. Thats why I insisted Adeal to issue a certificate to acknowledge the particular lens that I purchased is in good order even though it has rattling noice.

[LeicaPassion]

Well, I found that the supply of 35 Lux FLE is not as tight as many ppl expected. I only waited for 6 weeks for the first 35 lux after I placed my deposit. My delaer has it coming in monthly base. .

 

I spent an hour calling around to US dealers yesterday and found a new 35fle in stock. It will arrive this week.

[2eleven]

My 35 FLE was very stiff when I got it last year, is less stiff now, but is still the stiffest of my M lenses. As a result, it is slower to focus with the tab - to the point where I often just grab the focus ring with my thumb and forefinger and use it like a knurled ring. That said, it is one of the easiest to focus accurately when I'm not in a hurry. It is extremely smooth through its full range, and is very well damped. My wife prefers this kind of focus feel, so I wouldn't say there's anything wrong with it. I suspect it will be less prone stiction over time too, which is something that slows me down more than stiffness.

 

John

[marknorton]

I agree, stiffness in the focussing action is acceptable proving you can still make the smallest adjustments without it sticking. If you can't, send it back.

[Double Negative]

In my experience all new Leica M lenses tend to be a bit stiff until worn in by a bit of use.

 

Agreed. That's been my experience as well.

 

My 35 FLE was normal but my noctilux was so stiff I thought something was wrong with it. It loosened up though so give it time.

 

Ha, same here. It's quite tight!