CV Nokton 50/1.5 VM Stiff Focus?

[raphael]

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I just received the Nokton 50/1.5 VM and am irritated about the focus ring.

On the one hand the focus ring has a really odd shape and is far from pleasant between the fingers.

On the other hand it is quite stiff. I struggle to spin it with one finger.
Is this getting any better over time?

Does the Ultron 35/1.7 VM have the same issue?

Edited August 13, 2019 by raphael

[TomB_tx]

I wouldn't call my Nokton 1.5 "stiff" - but rather "well damped."  It's about like the other new VC lenses I have. Such lenses typically do get "less damped" with use, which may suit you better. However, I agree that the thin and sharp-edged focus ring on that lens is not comfortable. You can get used to it, but I preferred the earlier v1 (ltm) that was styled like the original Summilux 50.

The last 50 Summcron V5 I bought new felt quite stiff and uneven when I first got it, so I spent spare time exercising it. As it wore-in it became perfect.

I agree it isn't "1-finger focus" - but the only lenses I focus that way have finger tabs for single finger use. My new 35 Nokton 1.4 II feels abut the same, but with the finger tab it feels just right. I find if a lens is so loose that you can focus just dragging a finger on the side of the barrel it is too likely to move focus when I don't want it to.

Focus feel is a user-preference, and on many lenses can be changed by changing the weight of the grease used in the helical. Of course that means disassembling the mount. DAG has improved lenses for some of us from his stock of obsolete Leica grease.

[jdlaing]

It will get looser over time.

You will get used to the focus ring.

[spydrxx]

My earlier v1 is smooth as can be. You may want to return yours for another copy.

[raphael]

I will return it to the seller for a replacement. This is not fun.

[Sam]

i liked the lens except for the shape and awkward feel of the focusing ring, and sold it because of that. Lovely lens, but I just couldn't get used to it.

[250swb]

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Often the focus ring on fast lenses is well damped to stop inadvertent movement which could throw the focus off, but it is also evident when there is a lot of glass to move backwards and forwards. When I had a f/1.1 Nokton the focus ring was also very damped but not stiff, it made focusing very positive when the lens was wide open but I agree it wasn't pleasant the rest of the time. I guess it depends whether you intend to use the lens wide open most of the time, in which case it may be a compromise you have to make.

Edited August 14, 2019 by 250swb

[raphael]

I got the lens replaced, but unfortunately this sample has the same problem.

So I went to a local store and we checked another exemplar. They all have this stiff focus ring, even the used ones, so I did not just get a bad copy.

Also the edges on the focus ring are quite sharp.

Seriously, this lens was released only a few years ago and it is an ergonomic disaster.
How can this happen?

[spydrxx]

If car makers can produce caes with problems, lensmakers can inadvertantly miss items, like ergonomics,  which they think are less important to photographers than optical performance.

[Ecar]

I normally use two fingers (index and thumb) to focus, so the knurled focus ring doesn't bother me. Nor a firmer focus action for that matter. I have lenses with worse ergonomics, although mostly vintage ones.

[TomB_tx]

The body and focus ring design were copied from the Voigtlander 50 1.5 from the 1950s, which was an exceptional lens for its time. So this was a retro design to honor the legacy. I have gotten use to mine, and find the construction quality excellent. Yet I would rather they took the deign of the 1st gen Summilux.

[Rob L]

I had the 35 1.7 and the 50 1.5 at the same time. The 35 was "well damped" the 50 was downright painful to use and never loosened up, despite lots of exercise.