Summilux 50 ASPH (11892) focus ring stiff

[darkinners]

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I just got a brand new 50Lux ASPH Silver (11892) few days ago, it's NOS (SN started with 41 and made in 2010).

The lens focus accurately with rangefinder coupling without any adjustment, build is great and optics is flawless.

 

But the focus ring is quite stiff, especially when focusing from closest towards infinity(clockwise). if I use my index finger on the focus tab, requires quite a bit of force to move the focus ring.

 

From infinity to close(anti clockwise), doesn't have that "stuck" feel to it or from 1m to either 0.7m or infinity doesn't stuck as well.

Also I notice if I move the focus ring continuously, it's quite smooth.

however once I stop moving the focus ring(stops at any distance) after few seconds or longer. try to move it again.

It will have a "stuck" feel at the initial force and then the focus ring will start moving.

 

If I do not use focus tab, instead use to 2 fingers to focus directly from the focus ring, it's much smoother. 

If I face the lens up to the sky(vertical) the focusing is the most smooth (almost as smooth as my 35lux FLE)

 

I searched quite a bit on this forum and over the internet, seems some people also complaint this issue.

 

Some say it's normal, since it's FLE design, rear elements are heavy (My 35lux FLE is extremely smooth though, however you want to focus it, the smooth feel is very consistent)

Some say it's not normal and require CLA.

Some say it's normal for brand new 50asph and will loosen over time.

Some say it's only appears in Silver version, since it's brass and heavier.

 

This issue is driving me nuts, because it's very hard making fine focus adjustment, when I shoot on the street, it took me 2-3 times longer to focus with 50lux than 35FLE..

Anyone have any thought on this?If this is how it is of the 50lux asph then I am considering selling it to get either cron50 or apo50. despite I love the 50lux handling and image quality.

Edited April 14, 2018 by darkinners

[Fgcm]

Welcome to the forum.

I had exactly the same issue.

A cla will fix it.

Ciao

Franco

[darkinners]

Welcome to the forum.

I had exactly the same issue.

A cla will fix it.

Ciao

Franco

 

Thank you Franco, so after CLA the focus ring has consistent focus feel to it?

[Fgcm]

A perfectly consistent feel.

Ciao

Franco

[Runkel]

Don Goldberg (DAG) told me the issue is that Leica chose a synthetic grease that leads to “pinching” (his term) when fine focus is needed. Don felt this choice of grease was a mistake. He relubed mine with a different grease Leica used formerly and this totally corrected the problem. I’d recommend calling DAG to discuss, then sending your lens to him.

[B-A-C]

Like others have said DAG will fix it with the Midas touch.

[darkinners]

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thank you Runkel and B-A-C !

I will try to DAG see how it goes.

[evikne]

I have had two 50mm Summilux ASPH. The first one had a bit too loose aperture ring, so I could unintentionally change the value if the lens bumped into something. My newest lens is much tighter, but at the same time very smooth. Just perfekt!

 

I also got a 75mm Summilux with a too tight focus ring. When I submitted it for service because of back focusing, I asked them to loosen the focus ring a bit at the same time. I think it is normal that such things may vary from lens to lens.

[darkinners]

I have had two 50mm Summilux ASPH. The first one had a bit too loose aperture ring, so I could unintentionally change the value if the lens bumped into something. My newest lens is much tighter, but at the same time very smooth. Just perfekt!

 

I also got a 75mm Summilux with a too tight focus ring. When I submitted it for service because of back focusing, I asked them to loosen the focus ring a bit at the same time. I think it is normal that such things may vary from lens to lens.

 

Speaking of the aperture ring, my 50lux has very firm aperture click. 

While my 35FLE has very loose aperture ring.you can accidently change the aperture by a light touch..this doesn't really bothers me though.

However the focus ring issue I have with 50lux is deal breaking for me..

[lct]

My 50/1.4 asph's focus ring was too stiff as well but i had to send in the lens twice to have it fixed by Leica and it took several months for that... Hope you will be luckier but don't believe people stating that stiffness is normal and don't believe either those pretending that suffice it to use the lens to fix the issue. This is not true. There is apparently a problem related to floating elements as i got the same issue with a Summicron 75/2. Poor Leica QC anyway.

[lct]

thank you Runkel and B-A-C !

I will try to DAG see how it goes.

 

Your lens being new you may wish to make sure that DAG's repairs won't void the Leica warranty.