Leica 35mm Summarit f/2.5 focus ring question.

[JonVdG]

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After reading many good things, I decided to try this lens for my M8 (and Lumix GX8). The first thing I noticed was the lack of dampening of the focus ring compared to both my 50mm Summicron (Version IV) and 135mm Tele-Elmar f/4 (late 80's vintage). Both of those lenses have rings that are slightly too stiff for my taste, so part of me doesn't mind the less dampened ring of this Summarit. However it is *much* less dampened. Having just purchased it, and very much in like new condition, I want to make sure this isn't a potential mechanical problem with my sample. Just to clarify, everything else about the ring is fine - consistent movement throughout its range, no rough spots, and it's not so under dampened that it rotates freely with gravity. Any feedback from current or former owners is appreciated - thanks.

[dpitt]

Focus stiffness seems to vary quite a bit from sample to sample and from CLA to CLA. It is not necessarily linked to the type of the lens in question. I am happy as long as it is not to stiff to turn with one finger, and not so loose that it does not stay focused when you just move the camera around.

[wattsy]

However it is *much* less dampened.

 

 

Sounds normal to me. Both the 35 Summarit I used to own and the 50 Summarit I still own both have a very loose focussing action. A little too loose for my taste but not something that causes a problem in practice.

[TomB_tx]

My 35 and 50 2.5s both have very light focus action compared to my Summicrons and most other lenses. However, there is no "looseness" - meaning free play or wobble of the parts, so the light action is just a characteristic of the model. Once I got used to it, I loved the handling of the 35, so I got the 50 as a companion, which I use now instead of my v5 50 Summicron. (The focus action of the Summicron is superb, but I like the smaller size and finger tab of the 2.5.)

My 35 (bought used) did have a loose optical unit, which also makes the aperture click stops very loose on this model, but it was easily fixed by tightening a loose retainer ring on the back of the lens that holds the optical unit in the focus mount. This retainer can loosen from mounting by twisting the front of the lens instead of the back.

My 90 Summarit 2.5 has a fairly stiff focus action, so the light action is common only to the 35 and 50.

[JonVdG]

Many thanks for everyone's replies. I suspected it was normal and that appears to be the case. I'm really looking forward to shooting with this lens.

[eujin]

Sounds normal to me too. The 35mm Summarit 2.5 was my first modern Leica lens and I got very used to its focusing action — I love how quick it is and how short the throw is. I think it's a highly underrated lens and a real bargain among M offerings.