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Is this the usual for the 50 2.8?


Jodad

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On this page, the author reviews the Elmar 50 2.8 saying that the way it is made and the way it locks into place means that no matter how much lube is used, the focus mechanism/tab will always be stiff:

 

http://www.photographyreview.com/cat/lenses/35mm-primes/leica/50mm-elmar-m-f-2-8/prd_98595_3111crx.aspx

 

 

Is this the case? Does everyone else have the same issue with theirs because mine certainly seems to be like this? Just want to know if i have to live with it or get it worked on.

 

Its not stiff like sticky or like theres something grinding but at certain parts of the focusing circle, mainly where the tab is between 6 o'clock and 3 o'clock or on distance scale (read against the center line on the aperture marker) of about 5.5 feet and 10 feet it slows down. Soon as you pass 10 feet/6 o'clock, it slips along quickly by and same the other way.

 

Any ideas guys?

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I can't access the link (alert from browser...), but given that you quote the focus tab, I think we aren't speaking of the last Elmar-M 50 2,8 (which has no focus tab) but to the previous Elmar 50 2,8 which existed both in M and LTM versions, and has the oldstyle focus tab with locking knob : I have it in the LTM version , which I suppose mechanically identical to the M version, apart mounting flange , and during the focusing action the friction is costant : I have also an M version of the Elmar 3,5 (also mechanically similar to the 2,8) and it too has a costant friction along the focus circle : to be precise, the 3,5 is a bit smoother than the 2,8 .. but this has surely to do with the age of both (never restored)  and respective lubricant' status.

I don't understand how the lens' locking mechanism, when lens is retracted, can influence the stiffnes of the focus helicoid... can you provide another link to the article, or attach a pdf copy of ?

Edited by luigi bertolotti
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...

If a lens goes too stiff, let it make a CLA (= Cleaning Lubrication Adjustment).
Gathered dirt might brake.
A clear sign is when, for example, the shutter stops no longer click on lenses where they should do so.
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Hi Doug.

I have the LTM.

Apologies all, I thought i had written it in the original post and cant edit it now.

I realise the webpage refers to the M but I believe the design is the same.

Its difficult to take seriously a web site that gets the spec of the lens so wrong (it says it has an extendable lens hood and is for a 'dslr'!!!!)

Or to set much store by the 'reviews'.

I had an M mount version for over 30 years, and swopped it for an ltm version nearly 20 years ago, neither has exhibited such a problem, if it did I would expect the focussing helicoid needed attention.

 

Gerry

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I can't access the link (alert from browser...), but given that you quote the focus tab, I think we aren't speaking of the last Elmar-M 50 2,8 (which has no focus tab) but to the previous Elmar 50 2,8 which existed both in M and LTM versions, and has the oldstyle focus tab with locking knob : I have it in the LTM version , which I suppose mechanically identical to the M version, apart mounting flange , and during the focusing action the friction is costant : I have also an M version of the Elmar 3,5 (also mechanically similar to the 2,8) and it too has a costant friction along the focus circle : to be precise, the 3,5 is a bit smoother than the 2,8 .. but this has surely to do with the age of both (never restored)  and respective lubricant' status.

I don't understand how the lens' locking mechanism, when lens is retracted, can influence the stiffnes of the focus helicoid... can you provide another link to the article, or attach a pdf copy of ?

 

 

To clarigy Gents and Ladies, i have the 50 2.8 screwmount/LTM with the locking knob.

 

@Luigi, he doesnt explain how or why but rather just suggests that such is the case. I wanted to ask if it was indeed the case that it is a design issue :)

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Edited by Jodad
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Its difficult to take seriously a web site that gets the spec of the lens so wrong (it says it has an extendable lens hood and is for a 'dslr'!!!!)

Or to set much store by the 'reviews'.

I had an M mount version for over 30 years, and swopped it for an ltm version nearly 20 years ago, neither has exhibited such a problem, if it did I would expect the focussing helicoid needed attention.

 

Gerry

 

 

I guess its not the design :) Thanks Gerry.

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You should search for the documentation "Leica Lens Compendium" of Erwin Puts.

Also Leica wiki (eng) is interesting.

 

I have the LTM 50mm f/3.5. But in both cases the mechanisms for collapsing and focussing are independent.

I don´t see the problem in your quotation.

 

The collapsing is a nice feature, you can carry the camera in your pocket.

But be careful collapsing the lens in case of using a modern camera.

 

In case of using the lens on a Leica M you should take the adapter accepting the locking knob. 

The one with the cut-out section is correct (M2 50 --- M3 28-50).

Jan

Edited by jankap
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The description quoted in #7 doesn‘t make much sense.

 

 

I agree... 

Anyway, thanks for the reproduction, Jodad : it's clear that it refers to the last Elmar M... which I haven't. The author's consideration that a collapsible lens  can be not so quick in usage  is VERY DEEP...  :p

Edited by luigi bertolotti
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I agree... 

Anyway, thanks for the reproduction, Jodad : it's clear that it refers to the last Elmar M... which I haven't. The author's consideration that a collapsible lens  can be not so quick in usage  is VERY DEEP...  :p

 

 

The lens is faulty, probably just old lubricant and needs a CLA.

 

Ha

 

Yes i do feel a little silly giving tha webpage too much thought

Ha. 

I do feel a little silly giving the web link too much thought i guess ;)

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