Leica 28 lux - oil

[dkmoore]

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Hey all,

took the plunge and re-purchased the 28 Lux for the 5th time. (A story for another day). 
 

I typically inspect all gear closely, even when purchasing new. 
 

When looking at the rear of the lens, there is excessive librication in the focus mechanism. I turn the focus and more lubricant presents. I wipe, move focus a full cycle, more lubricant. Haven’t seen this and have owned a silly amount of Leica lenses. 
 

Is there anything I should be concerned with Long term?

Somewhat concerned with it dripping on the sensor but will keep cleaning it off unless this is a bad idea  

im going to move the focus a bunch and clean as much off as I can but is there a bigger looming issue?

Somewhat silly question but tapping into the vast L-Forum knowledge!

[LeicaR10]

Dkmoore,   No such thing as a silly question.  Sounds like someone got distracted when either producing the lens or had a bad day and put more lubricant than needed.  If you bought the Lux new, I would return it.  If bought used via store etc, you can still return it.  If bought via a private party, good luck returning it.  There is usually a reason why gear is traded.  I suspect this has been an issue for awhile if privately sold.. You could simply continue wiping the lens, or the better route would be to have it serviced to remove the excess and returned to spec at the same time.  Last, if by some chance the lubricant drips on the sensor or aperture blades, then you have another problem on your hands, read, a possible trip to Leica etc.  The dealer or seller should have informed you too about the excessive lube before buying.  Just my two cents.  r/ Mark

Edited February 10, 2024 by LeicaR10

[dkmoore]

1 hour ago, LeicaR10 said:

Dkmoore,   No such thing as a silly question.  Sounds like someone got distracted when either producing the lens or had a bad day and put more lubricant than needed.  If you bought the Lux new, I would return it.  If bought used via store etc, you can still return it.  If bought via a private party, good luck returning it.  There is usually a reason why gear is traded.  I suspect this has been an issue for awhile if privately sold.. You could simply continue wiping the lens, or the better route would be to have it serviced to remove the excess and returned to spec at the same time.  Last, if by some chance the lubricant drips on the sensor or aperture blades, then you have another problem on your hands, read, a possible trip to Leica etc.  The dealer or seller should have informed you too about the excessive lube before buying.  Just my two cents.  r/ Mark

Thanks for getting back to me. 
 

can the lubricant in the helicoil / focus mechanism get into the blades?

the sensor issue is a true concern for me. 
 

i can return. That is no big deal. 

[LeicaR10]

Dkmoore,   Yes, it can.  It happened to me about 9 years ago.  Some photographers will tell you no big deal with oil on the blades, others say yes.  I don't take chances with my Leica lenses.  If you can return it, I suggest you do so and get another copy.   Its not suppose to have excessive lubricant on the helicoil.  The sensor could get oil film on it.  This usually occurs when the gear is left in a hot car or out in the sun where it can heat up.  Haze can form on the optics of the lens due to excessive heat with the lubricant creating a haze.  That happened to me once in Iraq.  Bottomline:  If you can return it, I would do so and get another copy, but always check the aperture blades for oil film and/or haze if buying used.  If new, check for excessive lubricant as you did and even oil on the blades.  Stuff happens.   r/ Mark

Edited February 10, 2024 by LeicaR10

[dkmoore]

5 minutes ago, LeicaR10 said:

Dkmoore,   Yes, it can.  It happened to me about 9 years ago.  Some photographers will tell you no big deal with oil on the blades, others say yes.  I don't take chances with my Leica lenses.  If you can return it, I suggest you do so and get another copy.   Its not suppose to have excessive lubricant on the helicoil.  The sensor could get oil film on it.  This usually occurs when the gear is left in a hot car or out in the sun where it can heat up.  Haze can form on the optics of the lens due to excessive heat with the lubricant creating a haze.  That happened to me once in Iraq.  Bottomline:  If you can return it, I would do so and get another copy, but always check the aperture blades for oil film and/or haze if buying used.  If new, check for excessive lubricant as you did and even oil on the blades.  Stuff happens.   r/ Mark

Thanks. Really appreciate the detail and examples. Very helpful. 

[LeicaR10]

You are most welcome.   The 28 Lux is an expensive lens to start and stellar performer....no sense having a lens of this calibre compromised with excessive lubricant.  You will only worry about something happening while taking photographs and you won't enjoy capturing that moment in time, due to concern/worry about something that shouldn't be an issue to start.    

Edited February 10, 2024 by LeicaR10

[fotografr]

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Or you could return it for a refund, buy a Voigtlander 28/f1.5 asph, pocket the savings and have a lens that's properly made and a stellar performer. Check the thread in this section where it is discussed. 

Edited February 10, 2024 by fotografr

[dkmoore]

8 hours ago, fotografr said:

Or you could return it for a refund, buy a Voigtlander 28/f1.5 asph, pocket the savings and have a lens that's properly made and a stellar performer. Check the thread in this section where it is discussed. 

I haven’t tried Voigtlander lenses yet. I hate the physical look of the lenses. I know that’s completely stupid but I can’t help it. 
 

I’ll check the lineup out in case they improved the aesthetics. Don’t think I’ve seen the 28 1.5.

 

[TomB_tx]

3 hours ago, dkmoore said:

I haven’t tried Voigtlander lenses yet. I hate the physical look of the lenses. I know that’s completely stupid but I can’t help it.

Valid opinion, but I actually prefer the modern Voigtlander lenses to Leica lenses - especially the Leica with floating elements - un-necessary complexity.

[fotografr]

1 hour ago, TomB_tx said:

Valid opinion, but I actually prefer the modern Voigtlander lenses to Leica lenses - especially the Leica with floating elements - un-necessary complexity.

I agree. 

[fotografr]

5 hours ago, dkmoore said:

I haven’t tried Voigtlander lenses yet. I hate the physical look of the lenses. I know that’s completely stupid but I can’t help it. 
 

I’ll check the lineup out in case they improved the aesthetics. Don’t think I’ve seen the 28 1.5., 

Many of the new lenses are black paint on brass--beautiful and solid. The aesthetic many people don't like, and I agree, is that damn silver ring they put around the front of their lenses. That is mitigated, however, by putting a shade on the lens which covers it up completely.

I'm hard pressed to find anything I really don't like about the new line of Voigtlander lenses. 

Edited February 10, 2024 by fotografr

[fotografr]

17 hours ago, dkmoore said:

I haven’t tried Voigtlander lenses yet. I hate the physical look of the lenses. I know that’s completely stupid but I can’t help it. 
 

I’ll check the lineup out in case they improved the aesthetics. Don’t think I’ve seen the 28 1.5.

 

For instance...a recent post in the People section of the Photo Forum. 

Edited February 11, 2024 by fotografr

[Lelmer]

17 hours ago, TomB_tx said:

Valid opinion, but I actually prefer the modern Voigtlander lenses to Leica lenses - especially the Leica with floating elements - un-necessary complexity.

Voigtlander are actually producing what Leica used to offer in the past...light, compact and high quality lenses (and I am not talking about price).

[Lelmer]

...Although some of the recent ones also have floating elements (APO Lanthar)

[Jeff S]

If a dealer won’t exchange it, I would bet that DAG could fix it inexpensively, and probably quicker than Leica NJ.  I would call him to briefly discuss.
 

Jeff

[dkmoore]

3 hours ago, Jeff S said:

If a dealer won’t exchange it, I would bet that DAG could fix it inexpensively, and probably quicker than Leica NJ.  I would call him to briefly discuss.
 

Jeff

For sure. DAG is great.

I actually wiped the excess lubricant off and focused it a bunch of times over the past couple of days (off camera) and no more excess lube. I may have overreacted. 
 

It may have been caused by shipping and initially having too much lubricant. 
 

It appears ok but I’m going to keep a close eye on it. I bought it from one of my go to dealers and can get a full refund if needed. He also offered to cover DAG or Leicas cost if it ends up being needed. 

[dkmoore]

12 hours ago, fotografr said:

For instance...a recent post in the People section of the Photo Forum. 

I gave the image a like. Photographer and lens succeeded.