Leica 90 macro second version no longer focuses properly on M11

[michaelbrenner]

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I acquired a 90 macro in pristine condition a couple of weeks ago.  Tack sharp focus and beautiful bokeh.  I noticed f4 was a bit soft, but f5.6 and f8 were tack sharp.  I've been shooting it daily with zero issues.  But, today when I pulled it out of the bag (still attached to the camera from yesterday's shoot, which was fine to the very last picture), it will not focus.  The near focus setting (0.8m) seems to almost focus objects at infinity.  If I also set to f22, I can almost get a person in focus at a distance of 1 meter / 3 feet.  The focus has a very small amount of play as I turn it back and forth, but the lens moves in and out as it ought to, and the focus changes, but never actually focuses.  I've tried both rangefinder and the electronic finder.  I'm using it on an M11.  My 35/2 v1 with the goggles works perfectly on the M11 body.  So,... before I send the 90 macro lens to Leica I was hoping for some feedback.  Am I missing something obvious?  Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[michaelbrenner]

Here's the last pic taken with the 90 macro of a cat.  

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[michaelbrenner]

Here are two of today's pics - The first was f/4 with focus set on palm tree using range finder.  The second was at f/22.  Unable to achieve focus at all.

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Edited November 29, 2023 by michaelbrenner

[michaelbrenner]

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated before I send it in.  Hate to send it to Leica if I'm missing something obvious here... 8-)

[drew.saunders]

Since this is a collapsible lens, is it partially collapsed? That would explain why focusing at 0.8m can almost focus at infinity. 

[michaelbrenner]

Simplest answer is best... many, many thanks.  Really appreciate it!  8-)  Worked like a charm.  And the whole reason I got the 2nd version was so that it can be LOCKED in either position.  Thanks again.

[michaelbrenner]

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Note to self - when using a *collapsable* lens, make sure it is fully extended and locked. As you can see - sharp as a tack, even at f4 - when properly *fully extended* and *locked*.  Thanks again.  Saved me much embarrassment and lost time. 

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[michaelbrenner]

f/4

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[michaelbrenner]

As an aside, I had no small amount of consternation as to bokeh, sharpness and macro ability capability of this lens, especially compared to some of the other Leica 90's available.  Of course the others aren't designed for macro.  But, anyway, to anyone considering getting this lens, I can heartily recommend it.  Amazing performance for such a tiny lens.  Also, even thought it is an f/4, I've been able to get some respectable results at night with an M11 and allowing ISO to go to 16k.

f/4 1/180 16k

 

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[michaelbrenner]

bokeh, dof slice

f/4 1/6 16k

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[michaelbrenner]

two-fer, macro + low light

f/4 1/80 16k

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[michaelbrenner]

and f/11 1/25 16k

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[michaelbrenner]

The "macro" shots were shot at 0.8m minimum focusing distance (roughly) without the macro adapter.  Still need to get that for true macro.  My understanding is with the macro adapter, one can use the lens normally without extending it and then extending it on the fly for macro shots, so that there is no fussing with having to add/remove it as with the 60 Macro R and other lenses.

Edited November 29, 2023 by michaelbrenner
add explanation and clarification

[J S H]

13 minutes ago, michaelbrenner said:

The "macro" shots were shot at 0.8m minimum focusing distance (roughly) without the macro adapter.  Still need to get that for true macro.  My understanding is with the macro adapter, one can use the lens normally without extending it and then extending it on the fly for macro shots, so that there is no fussing with having to add/remove it as with the 60 Macro R and other lenses.

Yes, you can leave the macro adapter and lens mounted together and then focus from MFD to infinity. It’s a little heavier and a little more bulky than the bare lens, but the combo is very versatile. 

[drew.saunders]

13 hours ago, michaelbrenner said:

Simplest answer is best... many, many thanks.  Really appreciate it!  8-)  Worked like a charm.  And the whole reason I got the 2nd version was so that it can be LOCKED in either position.  Thanks again.

I have the 50/2.8 "1990's version" that I use on film, so I always really check that it's locked in place!