Correct Focus Ring stiffness?

[mikeyknob]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Thanks to everyone for this thread.  Super helpful.

I did just acquire a seemingly MINT 35mm Summicron 8-element v1...  glass, blades, condition is just excellent.  My only real concern, as some have discussed here, is how stiff the focusing is.  As someone wrote above, it almost requires me to use both my thumb and finger on either side of the focusing tab to move the focusing ring vs. just one finger... emphasis on "almost."  So, it's clearly on the stiffer side -- but debatable whether that means it's "too" stiff.  That said, it seems to be consistent and smooth...  just at the very stiff end of the spectrum (compared to all my modern M lenses).

It's a 1966 lens, so all things considered -- it's an incredible find.  I just tend to err on the side of only fixing things when they're clearly broken...  so, I don't want to rush into a potentially unnecessary CLA.

It's obviously a judgement call, but if anyone has any further insight -- particularly on a 1966 8-element 35mm Sumicron, I would really appreciate it.

[lct]

3 minutes ago, mikeyknob said:

 it almost requires me to use both my thumb and finger on either side of the focusing tab to move the focusing ring vs. just one finger [...] I don't want to rush into a potentially unnecessary CLA

You should. It is an easy fix. Your lens simply needs a necessary CLA.

[jdlaing]

With a little use it may loosen.

[Danner]

Helicoid grease comes in various 'weights', so you can choose how loose or stiff the focus action will be.  Talk to your service center about this.

[Rob L]

I had a mint 35 Summarit, which is the same lens except for optics, that was very stiff. I tried "working it" and I tried lubricating it closed, without disassembly ( pretty risky ). Nothing helped. If there was ever a lens that is worthy of a CLA ($160 from DAG ) your 8 element is it. Those lenses are very prone to corrosive haze that should be removed as it can damage the coating permanently.