M8 M-mount stiffness

[delbecco]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

My 35 Summilux ASPH mounting on a new M8 seems quite stiff. The same lens on my R-D1 mounted much more smoothly. Anyone else notice this stiffness? It's not really a problem, I don't suppose any kind of lubricant is a good idea. Do these mounts tend to loosen up with use?

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[scho]

I have the same problem with my 40 Nokton on the M8. Also focusing below about 2m is very tight. Did not experience this on my R-D1.

[SteveP]

Do these mounts tend to loosen up with use?

 

Yes. In my experience all new Leica Ms are "stiff".

[marknorton]

If you read the instruction booklet that comes with any Leica lens, you'll see they recommend smearing the smallest amount of vaseline into the surface of the lens mount. Most people will overdo it, you only need the absolute smallest amount on a lint free cloth.

[delbecco]

If you read the instruction booklet that comes with any Leica lens, you'll see they recommend smearing the smallest amount of vaseline into the surface of the lens mount. Most people will overdo it, you only need the absolute smallest amount on a lint free cloth.

You are right Mark, I never noticed that, thanks. It appears that (for sample =1) the M8 mount has tighter tolerances than the R-D1. I guess this is a good thing.

[wilfredo]

I had the same experience with my 50mm Konica Hexanon KM lens. It took a little extra effort to snap it into place, but it works fine. When using Vaseline to lubricate the amount shouldn't be more than what you can put on the tip of a tooth pick, very very tiny.

 

Cheers,

Wilfredo

Benitez-Rivera Photography

[M D C]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Hi I have experienced the same with my 35mm 1.4.I only got the M8 yesterday, I feel quite happy that this is normal and OK?

[timwalker]

I only have two lenses... a 50mm Summicron ASPH and a 35mm Summicron ASPH... but I have also noticed both to be a stiffer mount on the M8 than on my M6. It doesn't seem like a problem to me. I even wondered if the engineers might have made the tolerances tighter to prevent dust from getting in and on the sensor.

[gravastar]

There's one other place to smear a very small amount of vaseline. I've found in the past it can help quite a lot with a tight lens. On the rear of the lens mount are four lugs, one of which operates the frame selector. Each has a flat "leading" edge. The lug surfaces that face the front of the lens have to ride over tensioning leaf springs in the camera body. A very small amount of vaseline on the surface of the lugs that contact the springs can help. You only need put the vaseline just under the leading edge of each lug.

 

Bob.

[Philippe D.]

My 35 Summilux ASPH mounting on a new M8 seems quite stiff.

Mine too.

It is also quite stiff on a M4-2 and feels like in butter on M6

[frc]

When I tried the M8 in a shop a few months ago and put my lux 35 asph on it, it went on so stiff I at first had the impression the lens was stuck.

The Leica rep told me it was simply because I was used to the ''worn" flange on my MP and that all new M-cameras are that stiff. The latter is not true, the MP felt silky right away when it was brandnew.

I didn't buy the M8 so I can't tell whether the problem is solved after a period of use.

[Shootist]

Actually the mount on my M3 is stiffer then the M8.

I think most of the stiffness on the M3 comes from the spring ring behind the actual mount. That is the part that hold then lens against the mount. On the M8 there are individual small spring behind each locking lug. Not sure how the other M's are made, with full spring ring or individual springs.

[bsmith]

For some reason most 35mm lux lenses when mounted on M8s, get stiff. The same lens unmounted, or mounted on a M6 or M7 are butter smooth. None of my other 7 lenses exhibit this trait. I have been told Leica NJ is aware of this problem.

[carstenw]

My 50 Lux Asph was really stiff when I first got it, but by now it fits fine. I did blow out tiny grey particles from the camera once...

[wlaidlaw]

I am surprised that Leica still recommend Vaseline. This is pretty "old hat" as it oxidises and deteriorates into a nasty yellow-brown waxy substance over time. Surely it would be preferable to use one of the more modern silicone greases, which are non-oxidising and non hardening. I keep a small tube of it for the 'O' rings on my diving camera. It is sold by Canon for photographic use. Apart from its non-deteriorating properties, it also has higher lubricity so works better than Vaseline at its prime purpose of making lenses easier to mount.

 

Wilson