50mm f/2 Summicron used for films - focus helicoid wear concerns

[Homer Dulu]

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Hi all,

I'm new to the Leica world (have a Typ 240 on the way) and I just purchased a 50mm f/2 Summicron v5 (serial no. check said it's from 2002) for what I believe is a pretty good price and I have a question about wear and tear of the focus helicoid and mechanisms. I was able to get a good price on it because the previous owner had a follow-focus gear attached, which left some markings on the focus ring, which I didn't mind at all as I'm planning on getting a TAAB anyway.

However, my worry is that since it was used with a follow focus motor, would there be any concerns with wear and tear and any possible issues that may happen down the line with the focusing mechanisms? I know that high-torque follow focus motors have caused issues with other less well-built vintage lenses, where they break their helicoids because of the torque applied at the focus end-stops (usually when calibrating).

Right now it has a really light and smooth focusing action, with no stickiness or grittiness anywhere. No play either, even at the focus end stops. Speaking of which, how much resistance is normal for these v5 Summicrons? Just worried that because of the previous film set usage, it might be "worn" or a sign of any issues because the focus resistance much lighter than what I'm used to. There's enough resistance where I can barely turn it with one finger, but it's not so loose that I can accidentally bump the focus. If I want it a bit stiffer, a CLA can also address that right?

There's also a slight squeak when moving the aperture ring (thankfully it wasn't declicked). Is that a concern?

Also the optics are absolutely flawless - barely any dust, no scratches, fog or fungus so there are no concerns there.

From what I've read about these lenses, they're basically bulletproof, but I haven't read much about use with follow focus motors. Fingers crossed that Leica's legendary bulletproof reliability will save the day here!

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Edited May 21, 2021 by Homer Dulu

[mmradman]

In few decades from now all or most of contemporary AF lenses will be long gone, recycled as scrap or sitting forgotten by current users either who moved on or passed away.  Conversely MF lenses and M lenses including yours, excluding those which suffered unrepairable accidents, will keep going.

My M lenses are all recent except one, recent ones are well looked after. The old one is the 1960 Summaron M 35mm which I recently purchased, also several old R lenses all predating year 2000, all show Zero mechanical deterioration in focusing mechanisms.  Outside cosmetical appearance is poor guide on lens mechanical or optical performance. 

[jdlaing]

As far as I know there are no focus motors in an M lens. If you are referring to autofocus adapters like the tech art it doesn’t use the helicoid. It moves the lens in and out to achieve focus.

[Guest]

I have a  silver version 5 from 2002 and the focus is smooth but not loose ,i think some designs have stiffer resistance for better or worse.

[TomB_tx]

The follow-focus adapter may have turned the focus ring back and forth a great deal, but that is no concern. IF anything, it would have polished the helicoid and made it smoother, but would not cause abnormal wear. The v5 I bought several years ago was quite tight initially, with a slight roughness. So while watching TV & such I focused it back and forth (off the camera) to wear it in. It got progressively smoother, and is not as good as any of my classic Leica lenses. I wish I had a motorized adapter to make that process easier!

[pgk]

M lenses are very well engineered. If its working well I wouldn't worry about previous usage at all.

[lct]

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19 hours ago, Homer Dulu said:

However, my worry is that since it was used with a follow focus motor, would there be any concerns with wear and tear and any possible issues that may happen down the line with the focusing mechanisms?

Any idea about that "follow focus motor"? If it is a Techart adapter it doesn't even touch the focus ring or any other part of the lens but the mount itself so there is little chance that it will damage the lens in any way.

[oldwino]

Here's an example of a focusing motor:

https://www.newsshooter.com/2019/11/13/technical-farm-sigma-cine-lens-follow-focus-motor-mount/

[Homer Dulu]

Hi everyone,

Thanks for your replies! I feel super encouraged by all of this, my lens is built like a tank so I should stop worrying and just start shooting!

I'll be picking up my M240 later today... I'm super excited to go take some photos, especially after the whole COVID lockdown knocked me around a bit, creativity-wise.

[Homer Dulu]

3 hours ago, lct said:

Any idea about that "follow focus motor"? If it is a Techart adapter it doesn't even touch the focus ring or any other part of the lens but the mount itself so there is little chance that it will damage the lens in any way.

Hi, here's an example of the follow focus motor - it allows your camera assistant (1st AC) to pull focus, to take the responsibility of focusing away from the camera operator.

Tilta Nucleus-M Wireless Follow Focus

And here are the focus gears that the previous owner most likely used on the lens:

D Gear Follow Focus Ring

 

Most of my concern is whether the torque that the motor exerts on the end stops of the lens (at minimum focus distance and at infinity) would cause any wear.

[Homer Dulu]

And I just looked up the Techart adapter. Holy moly this is amazing if you're a Sony/Nikon shooter! Alas my other body is a Canon haha.