Do focus rings need to be "broken in"? Super stiff focus ring on brand new 35mm summilux FLE v2

[chester6]

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First time getting a new Leica lens, 35mm summilux FLE v2 and noticed that it is significantly stiffer focus ring compared to the 50mm summmilux and other voigtlander lenses I have. The focus throw especially from 2m going down to 0.7m focus distance requires enough force that I go past the 0.7m "bump" barely feeling it. The stiffness is also not consistent, it is significantly worse when moving focus closer compared to moving focus further, and the 0.7-2m range is the worst.

Is this an issue with my copy? Does the ring get loose as you use it? Any DIY solutions?

I have a few trips coming up that I bought this lens for so I really hope I don't need to send it in for a long repair, it is usable for now but makes my focusing take twice as long

[dpitt]

Make sure the lens is at room temperature. Then work it back and forth, without mounting it. It should get smoother after a while.

If not, I am afraid there is no good solution other than a CLA. You say it is a new lens, so if under warranty I suppose there is no other option than sending it to Leica.

[evikne]

Sometimes the CLA is the problem. I loved the very easy focus throw on my 50mm Summilux pre-asph. But after a CLA, it became much tighter. I guess it has something to do with the modern lubrication. It may have gotten a little looser over time, but not like before.

[hdmesa]

6 hours ago, chester6 said:

First time getting a new Leica lens, 35mm summilux FLE v2 and noticed that it is significantly stiffer focus ring compared to the 50mm summmilux and other voigtlander lenses I have. The focus throw especially from 2m going down to 0.7m focus distance requires enough force that I go past the 0.7m "bump" barely feeling it. The stiffness is also not consistent, it is significantly worse when moving focus closer compared to moving focus further, and the 0.7-2m range is the worst.

Is this an issue with my copy? Does the ring get loose as you use it? Any DIY solutions?

I have a few trips coming up that I bought this lens for so I really hope I don't need to send it in for a long repair, it is usable for now but makes my focusing take twice as long

Not normal. My 35 FLE II focus resistance is perfectly smooth throughout the range and has just the right amount of resistance. Exchange it or return it.

[colint544]

It should be silky smooth. I bought the 50mm Summilux ASPH black chrome, back in April 2015. The focus, out of the box, had some slight rough spots. I told myself it would get smoother with use. It hasn't, and I've used the lens a lot. 

[TomB_tx]

Can't say about your lens - I've never had a lens with a floating group that make the mechanism more complex.  But the last new Summicron I bought was somewhat tight and a bit rough when new. I just exercised it a lot, and it's become delightfully smooth and light.

[pgk]

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As far as I am aware the helicoids which enable focusing are built to a tolerance and then greased using a suitable grease to enable smooth focus. As actual focusing is unlikely to wear the helicoids, the resitance to focus is most likely due to the grease used to pack the helicoids. If the grease is not spread evenly enough it might, I suppose, cause variable resistance whilst focusing, or if overpacked it may result in heavy, stiff focus. Eventually over many years as lenses are used extensively the grease can dry out or spread thinner resulting in sloppy or loose focus action - many old lenses from good sellers on ebay and from dealers who check their stock carefully, may describe old lenses as having 'loose' focus.

So to answer the OP, working the focus a good few times may help to spread or even out the grease. If it does not then the helicoid needs to be checked, and perhaps repacked with suitable grease. I suspect that there will be some variability in focus resitance of hand assembled lenses.

[Infantasy]

The grease may have settled too long from the factory and it should become smoother after usage. I suggest returning back to Leica after your trips if the focus ring is still stiff.

[Lumenlabs]

I had a 35mm summilux FLE v2 that had a bit non-linear smoothness exactly how you described. I assumed it was because it was new and didn't work it in enough yet. It appears there's some sample variation here. I ended up selling it before I broke it in but only because I found the lens a bit too large and heavy for a daily.

Edited November 14, 2023 by Lumenlabs

[darylgo]

Hi chester6,

When encountering this issue I would always send it in to Leica after allowing enough time for self smoothing.  If I could exchange it that would be my first preference.  If the lens is a good sample, provides excellent images and focus' well with my rangefinder it would be a lens I would send to Leica for repair.   The last episode was a 28mm Summilux I purchased used with a stiff focus ring, under warranty, toward the end of the warranty period I sent it to New Jersey and it was returned with a note saying it had been adjusted as well as possible, yet it remained stiff.  A trip to Wetzlar, (if you are in the U.S. you can request repairs be sent to Wetzlar) fixed the lens, it was returned with beautifully smooth focus movement.  The advantage of sending it at the end of the warranty is Leica will return it in like new condition.   The lens was sent through Leica Store LA, the repair guy knew to send the lens to Wetzlar subsequent to New Jersey, so it may help to have a Leica store send it in.  It can be frustrating to work through these lengthy repairs but once done I find my lenses perform well for years and normally never need further trips to New Jersey or Wetzlar.  

[darylgo]

14 minutes ago, Al Brown said:

We have another MAJOR problem. The lead time for lens repairs and adjustments in Wetzlar is minimum 5-7 months.

That's sad.  I don't remember the time my lens was vacationing there.  When I wave goodbye and send it on the far reaching journey to Wetzlar I expect a lengthy period without it, and when it's returned happy to see it again like an old friend, almost as delightful as buying a new lens.  

[Jeff S]

Hopefully you bought from a reliable dealer that will provide exchange or refund.  That’s what I’d do.
 

If you decide to have it serviced instead, consider sending it to DAG rather than Leica NJ or Wetzlar, despite warranty eligibility. He’s busy, too, but provides better results and less turnaround time than NJ, and the cost will be very modest and worth every penny. As mentioned, Wetzlar would likely have your lens for months.
 

Ten years ago I posted here about sticky focus action on my 50 Summilux ASPH (also with floating element). Short story, NJ tried but couldn’t fix it (I personally spoke with the technician), so I sent it to DAG, who fixed it for $90, including shipping, and had it back to me in two weeks. He replaced the grease with his own supply, apparently not used anymore in NJ. Regardless, it’s still focusing smoothly 10 years later. (Hint….call DAG first to very briefly discuss issue and determine best time to send in for good turnaround. I suspect he’s swamped now that others have discovered him, but he’ll advise.)

Jeff

[BjarniM]

Well. Then I'm not alone with a new Summilux-M 35 mm (2022) with the same problem.

Strange that quality check/production quality is still an issue for Leica camera equipment.
 

 

[KFo]

I'm starting to wonder if all the machinations over various issues: stiff rings, no infinity focus, loose rings, etc, with new lenses could be easily avoided by just purchasing at a physical store?  

I know that not everyone has a Leica Los Angeles nearby, but I wonder...

[hdmesa]

6 hours ago, KFo said:

I'm starting to wonder if all the machinations over various issues: stiff rings, no infinity focus, loose rings, etc, with new lenses could be easily avoided by just purchasing at a physical store?...

Most Leica stores won't let you unseal a new box just to try the lens you want to buy. Most would require you buy it in order to test it in store. But at least then you could return or exchange on the spot if needed.

6 hours ago, KFo said:

...I know that not everyone has a Leica Los Angeles nearby, but I wonder...

That's an understatement. Most of the world is far from a physical store that sells new high-end Leica gear.

This is one reason why I prefer not to buy something that is not readily in stock so that I could get an immediate exchange. Examples would be just released lenses that are hard to find and lenses that are always hard to find in stock like the 35 APO-M.