Leica 50 Summilux ASPH Focusing Issues?

[Runkel]

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You didn’t buy this lens with the expectation it would need immediate repair.  Why not return it to the seller for the promised refund and find a better example?  It’s not a rare lens.

As noted, DAG can improve the not-uncommon focus-feel issue—what he calls “pinching”—by re-lubing with an older Leica grease. 

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[ChicagoMatthew]

I agree that you should go back to the seller with the new info from Leica. That's proof positive that you were sold a lens with issues. I would do that before just going for the APO. Even if you bite the bullet and pay the $400 you would be basically getting a new Summilux and still spending less than going for the APO. 

[Stealth3kpl]

Yes, return the lens for refund. I had a non 6 bit 50 Summicron which wasn't correctly calibrated. I replaced it with the same but 6 bit coded version and it seems spot on. I think when digital came along, Leica started tightening up their tolerances and consequently the 6 bit version lenses are usually better calibrated. 

Pete

[danieldouloslee]

@Runkel unfortunately the item was not described with issues-most if not all of it will be remedied with a good CLA. However the price on the lens, esp for a silver brass one, was hard to pass up on. Should've known, something may have been up. But even with a proper CLA, I still believe I am getting it $300-500 less than the going rate. That is the only reason why I'm reconsidering the return.

@ChicagoMatthew - given the low cost of the lens, he is not willing to offer any other discounts/contributions to the lens. he is gladly willing to take the lens back however. 

At this point, I believe I am going the 50 APO route–but still perplexed about spending more than double the cost for it. I rarely shoot wide open, unless indoors. Another discussion for another time I suppose

Edited June 21, 2019 by danieldouloslee

[budjames]

I had a brand new Summilux 50 that I purchased from the Leica store in Washington, DC in November 2017. I also purchased a new Summicron 35 from B&H Photo. I had focusing problem with both, but I originally thought that it was operator error as I learned how to manually focus again. The random focus problems persisted so I made an appointment at the Leica repair center in NJ as it about an hour away from one of my offices. 

When I visited the repair center, they checked out my two lenses and new M10 body. The diagnosis was that both lenses were way out of calibration. They kept my lenses, I left with my body only. I didn't receive the lenses back until late January. So, I had spend $13k on a new system and couldn't take a picture until I got the lenses back. So much for legendary Leica quality.

My Summicron 50 lens barrel end worked itself loose about 4 months ago, so I had to send the lens back for repairs. The turnaround was only a day. When I got my lens back and all has been good since. The repair order listed washers a the spare parts used to repair the lens.

I have new purchased a second M10 body and several more Leica primes without any issues, thankfully.

Regards,
Bud James

Please check out my fine art and travel photography at www.budjames.photography or on Instagram at www.instagram.com/budjamesphoto.

[ChicagoMatthew]

9 hours ago, danieldouloslee said:

@Runkel unfortunately the item was not described with issues-most if not all of it will be remedied with a good CLA. However the price on the lens, esp for a silver brass one, was hard to pass up on. Should've known, something may have been up. But even with a proper CLA, I still believe I am getting it $300-500 less than the going rate. That is the only reason why I'm reconsidering the return.

 @ChicagoMatthew - given the low cost of the lens, he is not willing to offer any other discounts/contributions to the lens. he is gladly willing to take the lens back however. 

At this point, I believe I am going the 50 APO route–but still perplexed about spending more than double the cost for it. I rarely shoot wide open, unless indoors. Another discussion for another time I suppose

There is a good post about the differences between the Summilux and the APO. It helped me make my decision, maybe look at that before you drop an additional 3k... If you do get the Summilux CLAed and you're still under the regular selling price, you can always sell it if you want to move into a APO. Win/Win

https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/263918-leica-50mm-summicron-apo-vs-50mm-summilux-unmarked-but-also-apo-is-there-a-drastic-difference-at-f2/?do=findComment&comment=3102782

 

[ChicagoMatthew]

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8 hours ago, budjames said:

So much for legendary Leica quality.

You're not kidding, I bought a BRAND NEW 50mm Summilux and right out of the box the aperture ring has a rattle... not when you turn it, but if you move the ring side to side. ugh