Focus ring on Summilux 35mm ASPH FLE 11663

[Starnzy]

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I recently bought a used (approx 2 years old) 35mm Summilux FLE (11663) which is in mint condition.

The focus ring on it is particularly stiff even compared to my 50mm Summilux, but strangely it is noticeably stiffer at the long end of focusing. When I focus on closer subjects, the ring because noticeably easier to turn. It’s a very smooth action throughout - no sticking, and I’m aware that these ASPH lenses are generally stiffer, it’s just that this particular lens is stiffer at one end of the range compared to the other if that makes sense.

Is this something that sometimes presents itself in these lenses? I’m wondering whether to send it in to Leica to have them adjust it so it’s consistent throughout the range and also ideally a little easier to turn.

Other than that the lens is tack sharp wide open at 1.4. 

[jaeger]

8 minutes ago, Starnzy said:

these ASPH lenses are generally stiffer

👆 It is unheard of.

Focusing mechanic is spiral gears, your case is mostly grease issue, no big deal.  Usually it can be lube without taking down too many parts, if you don't have experience DIY then send out for service. 

 

 

 

[cp995]

"Grease" problem after only 2 years

I don't believe it ...

[lct]

Floating elements may play a role. Too complicated for DIY i fear. If you know a good repairer you may wish to ask him/her.

[Starnzy]

If I were to send it to Leica Germany for them to service/adjust, do you know what this sort of thing usually costs, and how long it typically takes? I’m assuming they would be the best people to do it (I don’t know what other options I’d realistically have - I’m in the UK). 

[lct]

Would be long i fear, cost depending on the repair. This lens can be serviced in the UK certainly but i don't live there sorry.

[JonPB]

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The floating lens mechanism is what might cause a lens to have a different focusing feel, not the aspherical design, although the two technologies came about with the same generation of design. But I’ve only read about this; none of my three FLE-type lenses shows any behavior that struck me as odd. The theory: since the focus lever is driving the floating mechanism in addition to the helicoid, the force required can be non-linear compared to just moving a single helicoid.

I think a lubrication issue is possible, not from normal wear but from abusive exposure to sunlight. Storage in a car parked in direct sunlight might be enough. If the dropping temperature is around 200C, I suspect the grease might begin running as low as 120C, and I suspect cars can approach 90C. Close enough to be plausible in a worst-case scenario (temperature and time) even with an unopened, new-in-box lens. Of, if the lens was left uncovered, well, focus to infinity and you can start fires with it in a matter of seconds.

If the issue is minor, I’d just exercise the mechanism a bit, give it a week or so, and see if you still care. If more than that, I’d look for signs of wear — remove and replace the hood thread protector to check for roundness, closely examine the screws for signs of use — to see if the item was misrepresented when you purchased it.

I hope this issue resolves itself forgettably and the lens goes on to serve you well for decades.

[Jeff S]

5 hours ago, cp995 said:

"Grease" problem after only 2 years

I don't believe it ...

My 50 Summilux ASPH (also with FLE) had ‘sticky’ focus action from purchase date, and was unchanged even after a break-in period. I sent it to Leica NJ and they tried, including new lubricant, but could not improve the tight focusing. I spoke with the technician directly, who advised that I leave it as is for fear of doing more harm than good.  

Upon its return, I sent the lens to Don Goldberg (DAG), and he had it back to me in a week, exhibiting perfectly smooth focus action, for a mere 90 bucks. His solution?  He replaced the modern lubricant with his supply of the older grease used by Leitz. Don’t ask what he said when I questioned why Leica didn’t do the same.

Jeff

[jaeger]

Probably Leica applies grease that has less chance to get haze but sticky. 

[Photon42]

wrong thread

 

Edited August 23, 2021 by Photon42

[Photon42]

wrong thread