Close focus problem with 35'Lux FLE

[Hosermage]

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Hi,

 

Just received the lens and noticed a problem focusing at close distance on my M9. Between 0.7 and 0.8 meter, the focus patch stops moving as I turn the focus ring on the lens. it focuses spot on at all other distance, and my M9 works fine with my other lenses.

 

It seems the focus arm gets caught and wouldn't extend out any further even as the helicoid lowers as it focus closer. Comparing to my 50'Lux, it seems the 35'Lux has an extra thick layer between the rotating helicoid and the mounting flange, so I wonder if that's the problem.

 

Could someone post a picture of your 35'Lux FLE's helicoid? Anyone in SoCal who wouldn't mind to meet up to test the lens so I can be sure it's a problem with the lens and not my M9?

 

35:

 

50:

[hoppyman]

When you say " the focus patch stops moving" are you referring to the parallax correction movement of the complete mask (with frame-lines) or the rangefinder image within the patch?

 

I just carefully checked in that 0.7m to 0.8m range with this lens on the M9 and M (Typ 240) for you. My lens is recently calibrated and focus at the closest distances appears perfectly accurate on both cameras. My 35 actually proved to be significantly out of calibration as delivered. That was most apparent at the closest range of course.

 

With both cameras there is a continuous range of movement of both the mask and the rangefinder split image down to the end of travel.

 

Owing to the nature of the design you may feel a just detectable "step" in the movement of both (mask and RF image) at that changeover point. That is normal and inherent in the design. With my individual lenses that is marginally more apparent with the Summilux 50 ASPH than (with) the 35.

 

 

 

The easiest way to see exactly what happens is to have the camera position fixed (on a good tripod is best).

[Hosermage]

Hi, thanks for responding.

 

I meant the little patch stops moving. As I focus from far to close, the image in the patch moves from left to right. Start at 0.8 meters, the image stops even as I continue to turn the focus ring. I tested pushing focus arm in and out without any lens mounted, and it feels like the image stops because the focus arm is blocked from extending out, that's why I'm suspecting it's because the extra thickness in the 35's mounting assembly.

[lct]

... I tested pushing focus arm in and out without any lens mounted, and it feels like the image stops because the focus arm is blocked from extending out...

Do you mean that the focus patch does not move normally when you push the roll cam with your finger? If so, your camera is the culprit i'm afraid. Otherwise it is probably the lens but both can be faulty eventually. A good Leica workshop should tell you easily what happens IMHO. For what it's worth, my sample of the 35/1.4 FLE works normally on both my M8.2 and M240 bodies. Focussing is just a bit stiff but this is not unusual on Leica FLE lenses as you know.

[hoppyman]

Hosermage, for clarity, I was trying to describe two different functions.

 

The entire image of frame-lines, exposure display and RF patch moves together to compensate for parallax error . That function is for framing only.

 

The second image visible within the RF patch moves into and out of coincidence for focussing as you know.

 

The Summilux 35 ASPH (FLE) and the 50 are different designs to some other lenses.

With both there is a changeover point in the operation of the helicoid mechanism which you can (barely) detect as you focus down to the closest point.

 

With my lenses and two cameras the range of movement of both the framing image and RF image is continuous down to 0.7m.

 

It does sound as though your camera may be out of adjustment. That is my guess of course. That error may not be visible with lenses that do not focus as closely or perhaps with different focus mechanisms (than those of that 35 and 50 at least).

[Hosermage]

Without the lens attached, the focus patch moves normally, just like it does with 4 other lenses. This problem only occurs for the 35'Lux. I think I'll take it to the Leica store in LA to try it on some of their cameras.

[algrove]

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David

There is no better reason to visit that new store.

[Hosermage]

Hi,

 

Just to report back to close this thread... The lens worked fine on both demo bodies in the store, a ME and the new M. So, it appears to be a problem with my M9 body. The manager explained that perhaps my body is just slightly out of tolerance and I should get a CLA.

 

Not being able to focus between 0.7 and 0.8 meter isn't that big a deal to me... so I'll get that CLA when time permits.

 

Thanks for all who have tried to help!