Simmicron 50 f2 APO Stiff Focusing Ring with uneven transitions

[ColdShower]

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Hello folks. I picked up on eBay a Summicron 50mm f2 APO in mint condition for around $5400 for it. Not a single scratch and optics like new. 
I've been having some issues with the focussing ring. It seems stiffer than any of my Leica and Voigtlander glass I own. Not only that the focusing transition get's stiffer and uneven

as I near infinity.
My question is if this is how the Summicron 50 F2 Apo should be or if anyone knows a remedy for this issue without sending it to Leica.

I've had similar brand new performance that solves after using the lens for a few weeks. But I've been using it daily and I think it's getting stiffer than softer. Lens doesn't show any sign of abuse.

Thanks 

 

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[adan]

The extra focusing helical in M lenses that have floating elements (as does the 50 APO-Summicron) has been known to produce stiffness, stickiness or binding in the focusing feel on occasion. An extra "complication" of finely-tuned precision parts inside a very cramped space.

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Not especially common, but not unheard of - the usual culprit is the 50 Summilux ASPH (also FLE).

Realistically, requires factory adjustment to solve, since it will require a full check of focusing perfomance/accuracy throughout the range afterwards. Although a really top-end independent technician (e.g. Dan Goldberg DAG) might be able to handle it.

Of course, it could be simply aging lubricants, but in a relatively new lens like the 50 APO (only introduced 10 years ago), that is less likely. And would still require precision handling.

Edited August 23, 2023 by adan

[lct]

On 8/22/2023 at 6:57 PM, ColdShower said:

I've had similar brand new performance that solves after using the lens for a few weeks. But I've been using it daily and I think it's getting stiffer than softer.

My 50/2 apo is butter smooth but my 50/1.4 asph was stiff when i bought it and using it did not change anything to that so the lens had to be fixed by Leica. I would show the lens to a good technician to be sure but a trip to Wetzlar is to be expected if the lens cannot be repaired locally as it is usual with the 50/2 apo.

[Jeff S]

5 hours ago, adan said:

(e.g. Dan Goldberg DAG) might be able to handle it.

 

DON Goldberg fixed the sticky focus action with my 50 Summilux ASPH v1 after Leica NJ tried but could not. He put in his supply of Leitz grease and it’s still working well 10 years later.  Cost was 90 bucks, including shipping.

Jeff

[ColdShower]

On 8/23/2023 at 1:58 PM, adan said:

The extra focusing helical in M lenses that have floating elements (as does the 50 APO-Summicron) has been known to produce stiffness, stickiness or binding in the focusing feel on occasion. An extra "complication" of finely-tuned precision parts inside a very cramped space.

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

Not especially common, but not unheard of - the usual culprit is the 50 Summilux ASPH (also FLE).

Realistically, requires factory adjustment to solve, since it will require a full check of focusing perfomance/accuracy throughout the range afterwards. Although a really top-end independent technician (e.g. Dan Goldberg DAG) might be able to handle it.

Of course, it could be simply aging lubricants, but in a relatively new lens like the 50 APO (only introduced 10 years ago), that is less likely. And would still require precision handling.

Thank you so much for the answer. I'll give it a few more months otherwise I'll send it in. Thank you 

[ColdShower]

22 hours ago, lct said:

My 50/2 apo is butter smooth but my 50/1.4 asph was stiff when i bought it and using it did not change anything to that so the lens had to be fixed by Leica. I would show the lens to a good technician to be sure but a trip to Wetzlar is to be expected if the lens cannot be repaired locally as it is usual with the 50/2 apo.

Thank you. 

[ColdShower]

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20 hours ago, Jeff S said:

DON Goldberg fixed the sticky focus action with my 50 Summilux ASPH v1 after Leica NJ tried but could not. He put in his supply of Leitz grease and it’s still working well 10 years later.  Cost was 90 bucks, including shipping.

Jeff

Found him...I think https://www.dagcamera.com/contact.html

Edited August 24, 2023 by ColdShower

[Jeff S]

34 minutes ago, ColdShower said:

Found him...I think https://www.dagcamera.com/contact.html

Yup.  He’s very busy these days, but I typically give him a very quick call to discuss issue and determine best time to send it.

Jeff

[ColdShower]

On 8/24/2023 at 4:08 PM, Jeff S said:

Yup.  He’s very busy these days, but I typically give him a very quick call to discuss issue and determine best time to send it.

Jeff

Yep Spoke to him, Nice guy. He mentioned that Leica is using very cheap grease these days and that is causing all kinds of issues. Around $200 buck and 2-3 weeks to receive it back. cheaper and faster than sending gear to Germany.

[Jeff S]

1 minute ago, ColdShower said:

Yep Spoke to him, Nice guy. He mentioned that Leica is using very cheap grease these days and that is causing all kinds of issues. Around $200 buck and 2-3 weeks to receive it back. cheaper and faster than sending gear to Germany.

Same comment he made to me…cost 90 bucks, including shipping, back in just over a week… but that was 2013.  A bargain by Leica standards.. and NJ couldn’t fix it no matter the cost.  Hope it works on your lens.

Jeff

[jakontil]

3 hours ago, ColdShower said:

Yep Spoke to him, Nice guy. He mentioned that Leica is using very cheap grease these days and that is causing all kinds of issues. Around $200 buck and 2-3 weeks to receive it back. cheaper and faster than sending gear to Germany.

I think i came across this problem with the aperture ring on my apo summicron 50, in black chrome version, sent to local repair and re-grease, all great, and now seems to happen to not so old 35 lux FLE II, where the aperture ring kind of stuck and need a force a little to break in after sitting for a while

[ColdShower]

On 8/25/2023 at 9:41 PM, jakontil said:

I think i came across this problem with the aperture ring on my apo summicron 50, in black chrome version, sent to local repair and re-grease, all great, and now seems to happen to not so old 35 lux FLE II, where the aperture ring kind of stuck and need a force a little to break in after sitting for a while

I don't understand how these things happen to lenses that cost this much. I've never had a single issue with my Sony Glass and I own about 40 of them.
I just had again issues with a #5 f1.4 Steel Rim re issue where the aperture ring is all lose and rattling. 

[jakontil]

10 hours ago, ColdShower said:

I don't understand how these things happen to lenses that cost this much. I've never had a single issue with my Sony Glass and I own about 40 of them.
I just had again issues with a #5 f1.4 Steel Rim re issue where the aperture ring is all lose and rattling. 

Yeah i get that, as someone said, the grease leica use lately probably of different quality, it dries up quickly in a way