Summilux FLE 35 Aperture locking

[freitz]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Here is a quick question for the group. How does you 35 FLE feel when changing between fstops? I find it loose, often I find I set it to 1.4 and it ends up at f2 or f1.7 all the time. Is this normal?

[indergaard]

Here is a quick question for the group. How does you 35 FLE feel when changing between fstops? I find it loose, often I find I set it to 1.4 and it ends up at f2 or f1.7 all the time. Is this normal?

 

This is normal on almost every recent/modern Leica lens. It's something that most people complain about, and for some reason Leica doesn't want to listen. I had to send the Noctilux I previously had to Leica explicitly to get them to stiffen up the aperture ring so you don't easily accidentaly change the values (in winter time with gloves on it's far to easy to change it without intending to do so).

[freitz]

Well thats good to know. Because when I took my Leica in today for a cleaning on the sensor the Pro Shop owner mentioned the the lens feels loose. (the aperture ring) it slides from one aperture to the next. IT still clicks but it is not like the older summicron.

 

Wonder if I should take his word for it and just swap it out with my dealer.

[mirekti]

I find the aperture ring on my 35FLE quite good, maybe just a tad looser than on 75Cron. 24 Elmar is fine too, but 135APO not so. It clicks and everything seems fine, just a bit to easy to move IMO.

 

I guess I got used to it, but agree that aperture rings should be a bit tighter in general.

[lct]

the aperture ring) it slides from one aperture to the next

It should not do this.

[indergaard]

Well thats good to know. Because when I took my Leica in today for a cleaning on the sensor the Pro Shop owner mentioned the the lens feels loose. (the aperture ring) it slides from one aperture to the next. IT still clicks but it is not like the older summicron.

 

Wonder if I should take his word for it and just swap it out with my dealer.

 

It shouldn't slide.. No. There should be a noticeable "nudge" when you move it.

I've had two 35 FLE's, and the aperture ring on my first one was very loose. My 2nd one is more firm, but not as firm as my 50/1.4 ASPH. I would have liked it to be firmer.

 

Does your dealer have more FLE's in stock? If so ask if you can compare it to others. I know it sucks, but my experience is that Quality Control at Leica is poor, and that items that are brand new in many cases needs to be sent back to Leica for proper adjustments and calibration. It shouldn't be like that, but it often is.

[freitz]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

It shouldn't slide.. No. There should be a noticeable "nudge" when you move it.

I've had two 35 FLE's, and the aperture ring on my first one was very loose. My 2nd one is more firm, but not as firm as my 50/1.4 ASPH. I would have liked it to be firmer.

 

Does your dealer have more FLE's in stock? If so ask if you can compare it to others. I know it sucks, but my experience is that Quality Control at Leica is poor, and that items that are brand new in many cases needs to be sent back to Leica for proper adjustments and calibration. It shouldn't be like that, but it often is.

 

The first one I bought was used or Demo unit I don't remember. I have the ability to exchange it. My dealer is online dealer so unfortunately I can't just walk into his store he is kind of far away. I will probably just exchange and buy a new one that way if there is a issue I can send it off to Leica. There is a noticeable nudge but I would say I remember countless times where I set it to f1.4 and was out shooting and it was at 1.7 or 2. I could have easily bumped it but I did find it to be extremely smooth in transitions. I can feel it click but I don't feel like it locks, not sure how else to explain.

[Jeff S]

Call DAG for an estimate.

 

Jeff

[freitz]

Call DAG for an estimate.

 

Jeff

 

What is DAG?

[Jeff S]

Featured Products - DAG Camera Parts

 

His name is Don Goldberg….goes by DAG.

 

Tons of discussion on the forum (search box). He's listed here, along with Sherry Krauter and others, as reliable Leica repair specialists (digital cameras may be excepted).

 

He's often faster, cheaper and more dependable than NJ service, even though they can do some decent work. I described in this thread a lens repair issue that Leica couldn't solve, but Don did…easily.

 

Best to call first to discuss any issue, not email. He picks up the phone himself.

 

Jeff

[indergaard]

Featured Products - DAG Camera Parts

 

His name is Don Goldberg….goes by DAG.

 

Tons of discussion on the forum (search box). He's listed here, along with Sherry Krauter and others, as reliable Leica repair specialists (digital cameras may be excepted).

 

He's often faster, cheaper and more dependable than NJ service, even though they can do some decent work. I described in this thread a lens repair issue that Leica couldn't solve, but Don did…easily.

 

Best to call first to discuss any issue, not email. He picks up the phone himself.

 

Jeff

 

But he just bought the lens from a dealer. He shouldn't have to send it in for service and pay for service/repair. I would contact the dealer that you purchased it from and have them sort it out for you.

[freitz]

But he just bought the lens from a dealer. He shouldn't have to send it in for service and pay for service/repair. I would contact the dealer that you purchased it from and have them sort it out for you.

 

Yes I am. Already in talks with the dealer who has been extremely helpful. I was trying to find a good video of the 35 FLE that shows how it locks between apertures. Each lens is different but this one definitely felt looser then the other I played with.

[Jeff S]

But he just bought the lens from a dealer. He shouldn't have to send it in for service and pay for service/repair. I would contact the dealer that you purchased it from and have them sort it out for you.

 

Thanks, I can read. But he also said that an option was to exchange it from the dealer for a newer one (he got a used or demo one), which might involve some expense. He could, alternatively, perhaps save some money and get the lens he has restored as good, or better, than new. And not risk getting another lens with the same issue.

 

Jeff

[freitz]

Thanks, I can read. But he also said that an option was to exchange it from the dealer for a newer one (he got a used or demo one), which might involve some expense. He could, alternatively, perhaps save some money and get the lens he has restored as good, or better, than new. And not risk getting another lens with the same issue.

 

Jeff

 

Both are great advice. Thank you both. Right now getting the sensor cleaned and they have my lens to when I get it back I will try to make a good choice.