Focus ring stiff, clicks and jumps

[Guest NaterallyWicious]

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Hello

 

I just bought a used ('like new') M 240, and a 35mm F2 Summicron lens. They arrive today, and I have a big problem. The focus ring on the lens feels quite stiff, particularly around the mid point. Also, sometimes it focuses sometimes not - the focus rectangle in the centre sometimes shifts back and forth to focus, but sometimes just stays static. This seems to happen when a click is heard during the focus travel. When I take a photo when it is in this state the whole frame - focus rectangle and frame lines - jump, then it starts focusing again.  Is this the lens or the camera?

 

Nightmare!

 

Thanks

[jaapv]

Most likely the lens - and it could be a costly repair. Return it.

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[Guest NaterallyWicious]

Actually, having taken it off the camera, I think the lens is ok, I suspect it may be the camera - the focus engagement mechanism. The focus ring doesn't male that clicking noise when it's off the camera. 

 

But I cannot be sure. My instinct is to return the camera and the lens.

[Ecar]

I'd follow my instinct.

[jaapv]

You have the right instinct - yes, there is a possibility that it is the camera. There are plenty of other M240 cameras around.

[Guest NaterallyWicious]

Thanks, folks. I'll be returning the lens and the camera, to be on the safe side. To be honest, this has soured me on Leica in a major way. I know any camera (or lens) by any manufacturer can have its faults, but having spent years building up to this purchase, I'm minded now to stick with my Nikons. For such expensive gear, the Leicas don't seem that well made or reliable. I need something that I know won't break down on me. The Leica is a lovely object to own and hold, but just doesn't cut it in practical terms. 

[Ecar]

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Where did you buy the M240 and lens? I'm asking because it's not unusual for unscrupulous online sellers to list items "as new" purely based on cosmetics without even checking functionality or, worse, hoping that they may get away with it... This applies to Leica as well as Nikon, Canon, Sony, Fuji, etc., so I wouldn't judge Leica quality based on this experience.

My advice is to buy from reputable dealers (including online sellers with good reputation), even if the price is slightly higher. Peace of mind is priceless.

[schattenundlicht]

Although I feel sympathetic towards your disappointment, I would like to point out that it does seem neither fair nor rational to generalize from the condition of a single used specimen with undeclared history to the performance, quality, reliability and overall rating of any given brand or product.

 

My oldest Leica is 86 years old (so is the lens) and still takes great pictures in as far as a great picture is dependent on technical aspects. My oldest M and M lenses are more than 50 years old and are in perfect working condition, including meticulous rangefinder coupling. Even my digital Ms, some of which have seen quite heavy use, work flawlessly. I am far from being a fanboy and I admit to esteeming my extensive Nikon gear.

 

If you find a rotten apple under a tree, you might deduce that pomaceous fruit, in general, are not worthwile considering - but this hardly would be an informed judgement, and it would bar you from some delicious experiences

Edited April 25, 2018 by schattenundlicht

[Chubkins]

Used and it's the fault of Leica? Interesting take.

[Peter Kilmister]

If you want a perfect experience then buy new or used from a reputable Leica registered dealer. If you are prepared to take a risk then buy from someone that describes it 'as new'. Send the whole lot back and swallow your pride. Leica makes incredibly sophisticated equipment and it is unfair to be soured by buying a piece of broken kit from an unregistered source. Would you buy a car described 'as new' from someone you don't know ... "one lady owner, never raced or rallied, unmarked in every way!"

[Jeff S]

Would you buy a car described 'as new' from someone you don't know ... "one lady owner, never raced or rallied, unmarked in every way!"

I didn’t read anything from the OP about purchase source.

 

But surely the conclusion based on one used gear purchase is not sensible.

 

Jeff

[earleygallery]

 I need something that I know won't break down on me.

 

In that case, make yourself a pinhole camera. There are lots of instructions on line how to do this.

[hoppyman]

Thanks, folks. I'll be returning the lens and the camera, to be on the safe side. To be honest, this has soured me on Leica in a major way. I know any camera (or lens) by any manufacturer can have its faults, but having spent years building up to this purchase, I'm minded now to stick with my Nikons. For such expensive gear, the Leicas don't seem that well made or reliable. I need something that I know won't break down on me. The Leica is a lovely object to own and hold, but just doesn't cut it in practical terms. 

I don't think that's very rational to judge the brand by your experience with a single second hand example with unknown history. At a guess it sounds like the RF coupling may be sticky/damaged. By its nature purchasing used equipment of any brand carries a higher risk, which is best understood and allowed for. It's great for you that you are able to return your apparently defective purchase. I hope that you have good luck and great experiences should you decide to try again with Leica

[Guest NaterallyWicious]

Used and it's the fault of Leica? Interesting take.

 I have bought numerous used cameras - film and digital - in the past and never once had any issue. I spend £4.5k on a Leica and it doesn't work. How do you expect me to react? Do I conclude that all Leicas are garbage? Of course not. Does this experience enhance my view of Leica? Of course not.

Edited April 26, 2018 by jaapv
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[Guest NaterallyWicious]

In that case, make yourself a pinhole camera. There are lots of instructions on line how to do this.

 

You must have a lot of time on your hands if you can spare it to make comments like that. Maybe you should have a look "on line" for suggestions as to how you might more productively spend it?

[Chubkins]

 I have bought numerous used cameras - film and digital - in the past and never once had any issue. I spend £4.5k on a Leica and it doesn't work. How do you expect me to react? Do I conclude that all Leicas are garbage? Of course not. Does this experience enhance my view of Leica? Of course not.

 

Still an unusual take to think Leica is the issue here.

[Guest NaterallyWicious]

Still an unusual take to think Leica is the issue here.

 

Yeah, you're right. Maybe it's Nikon that's the issue?  I really don't get your 'take' on this, to be honest. Why persist? I bought a Leica and a lens. One of them (or both) has an issue. Not a good first impression. Is it surprising the experience has soured me a bit on the brand? I have read a lot of threads on forums now and can see that this is a known issue that does occur. Whether you take that in your stride, with regard to your belief in a brand, is up to the individual. I have had a bad experience, which has caused me anguish and which will result in a loss of money as well - I part-exchanged a camera and a couple of lenses to buy the Lecia gear, and now I cannot get that equipment back - so you wouldn't expect me to be happy about it, would you.

[Ecar]

Everyone understands the frustration and the disappointment. Many here have bought used (not necessarily camera or lenses) before and been burnt at least once.

And yes, Leica products can have issues or defects, just like any other brand - especially if they have been misused or abused by their previous owner(s).

I guess what most people are trying to say is simply that the blame lies squarely with the seller who didn't provide an accurate description of the kit's condition, not with Leica.

Also, I'm not sure I understand the details of your part-exchange transaction, but I hope you can return the body and lens and get your money back.

[Guest NaterallyWicious]

Everyone understands the frustration and the disappointment. Many here have bought used (not necessarily camera or lenses) before and been burnt at least once.

And yes, Leica products can have issues or defects, just like any other brand - especially if they have been misused or abused by their previous owner(s).

I guess what most people are trying to say is simply that the blame lies squarely with the seller who didn't provide an accurate description of the kit's condition, not with Leica.

Also, I'm not sure I understand the details of your part-exchange transaction, but I hope you can return the body and lens and get your money back.

 

Yes, and I agree and I appreciate the people who made that point politely. I am baffled and saddened that some people use it as an opportunity to make childish snarky comments. 

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[albertknappmd]

return the lens and camera... it is that simple..