Leica 35mm f1.4 ASPH (non-FLE) Focus Shift

[colonel]

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Sorry for bringing up this oft discussed topic, but I have done some reading on this topic and I just wanted to check a few things with you far more experienced folk.

 

No focus shift at f1.4.

Progressive focus shift on closing down until it becomes lost in depth of field (f5.6 ??)

 

What I also read is that some of these lenses are optimised for f2 (i.e. a shift issue at f1.4 and >=f2.8). And also the odd one is optimised for f4.

 

I wondered whether they all leave the factory optimised for f1.4 and the others are user requests to Leica, or whether Leica went through a period optimising them for f2.

This is a key issue for me as I intend to use it either at f1.4 and >=f8 mostly but not much in between. So if there are variations I will need to test the things at the dealers (and probably can't buy off ebay unless there is robust return policy).

 

Many thanks for thoughts in advance

[Ecar]

A lot has been written on the subject indeed...

Some (including myself) have also reported no noticeable focus shift with their copies. And I looked hard for some...

 

My understanding is that most of the users who reported focus shift seem to be in the first case you mentioned (OK at f/1.4, then shift until it's hidden by the DOF at f/5.6).

 

I would go with that assumption and, if that turns out not to be the case, I'd return the lens or send it in for adjustment so that it meets your requirements.

Of course, being able to test the lens beforehand at a dealer's would be best - but I appreciate that local availability is often an issue, particularly with old/discontinued gear.

[epand56]

Harold,

 

I have this lens. Is a wonderful object and gave me huge satisfactions.

However, if on the M8 it was sharp as a knife, with no focus shift at any aperture, on the M 240 I noticed some very slight front focus at 1.4 and a little less at 2 and then none.

I think I should send the M and my Leica lenses at Wetzlar for a camera-lenses registration, since more or less all the lenses I used on the M8 give me some little trouble on the M 240.

[colonel]

Harold,

 

I have this lens. Is a wonderful object and gave me huge satisfactions.

However, if on the M8 it was sharp as a knife, with no focus shift at any aperture, on the M 240 I noticed some very slight front focus at 1.4 and a little less at 2 and then none.

I think I should send the M and my Leica lenses at Wetzlar for a camera-lenses registration, since more or less all the lenses I used on the M8 give me some little trouble on the M 240.

 

thanks Enrico

 

Yes I had a focus shift issue on an 35mm Summicron, and it turned out to be the lens.

My understanding is that the RF mechanism on the 240 is a bit more robust then previously and its less likely (although still possible) to be the culprit - if the camera has suffered no trauma since new that is!

 

So if I found a lens not tack on at f1.4 I would tend to want to send that off to Leica first to be modified if the Leica shop in London confirmed the issue (they did for the summicron).

 

Point taken. I will use dealers in the UK with at least a 2 week return policy. I guess if I get two of these lenses in a row not focusing at f1.4 then its probably endemic with the 240 and would send the lens off without returning it to the dealer.

[xalo]

Harold,

As mentioned, the key seems to be the lens & body combination. It is also not quite clear whether you intend to use the lens on a film or a digital body. I don't use digital Ms, but on my RD-1 this truly wonderful lens is basically unusable because, somewhat paradoxically, only the closest focus distance seems accurate from ƒ1,4 to 5,6. I could have gone through either adjusting the lens or learning to compensate for its behavior, but rather use it as my probably most appreciated glass on film Ms. I never encountered any issue there (not really a surprise).

Trying the lens in a shop seems commendable, or at least ordering from a reputable store. It can even be less costly to start with, the prices in the bay seem higher than in storefronts.

Cheers,

Alexander

 

P.S.: Was typing while you posted. Just ignore the redundancies.

[Carduelis]

I really like the combination of sharpness and bokeh with this lens. I think it is worth always using the EVF on the M240 with this lens to avoid any concerns about focus shift. This Lao lady was photographed at f2.4 with the EVF angled upwards and me looking downwards into the camera trying to be inconspicuous.

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[epand56]

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Harold,

all my lenses come from a long duty on my M8. At the time i had them adjusted at Leica on my camera rangefinder. So I'm not surprised of the little problems I have now on the M 240. The major issues are on the long lenses, so I will probably decide to send them all at Solms along with the camera in a near future. Probably after the summer. Then will see what happens

[IWC Doppel]

My copy had some shift at f2.8-f4 or so, but never enough to be concerned, a lovely lens. The 50mm Summilux pre asph shifts much more between f1.4 and f2.8, but rarely causes any significant issues in the real world. Especially if your photography is reportage in style

[FlashGordonPhotography]

I had never heard that some samples were deliberately optimised for f2. That explains why mine (bought used) is dead on at F2 (minimum-infinity) and ever so slightly in front, wide open (close up). I'm fine with it that way and in real world use it's not a huge issue with DOF quickly covering things up as you get a bit of subject distance.

 

It sure draws nicely.

 

Gordon