Problems Elmarit zoom

[JJJS]

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Having owned a number of (analogue and digital) M's, I decided to add a SL2-S. I initially used this camera with my M lenses, but recently decided to add a 24-90 zoomlens to it. And I love it, in particular for travelling!

I bought this lens used, cosmetically and optically in a near mint condition for a good price. I noted however soon a very slight play on the barrel, most notably at 75-90. I do not have zoom creep, but simply a very slight play.

I did some research on this and noted that this is a more common issue with the 24-90, in particular the early models. It can relatively easy be remediated by Leica Germany, in most cases free of charge. So I contacted them, but was then surprised by the estimated repair time 5-6 months......!

So I am in doubt what to do. The supplier, Photo Place in Neustadt, is willing to take the lens back or offer me 100 euros for the inconvenience. According to Leica, I can simply continue taking pictures with it, the functionality is not affected. So I am in doubt what to do.

Does anybody what is exactly causing this problem? Are there guiders and/or a seal between the inner and outer barrel which have come "too loose"? 

Anybody else with a similar experience and did this also take 6 months? (NB I live in The Netherlands, next to Germany). 

Love to hear in order to get a better feel what to do.

 

 

 

 

[hansvons]

If it bothers you return it. If it was cheap enough to get over it, keep it.

My new 24-90 showed zoom creep early on. I found that annoying but it didn't make me returning the lens because I needed it for shootings, so I got over it and captured tons of images instead of fretting about it.

This lens is heavy and extends disturbingly long when zooming or let it dangling around on a strap. But it's no dust sucker, well sealed against rain and moisture and above all a standard zoom without competition in IQ. I sold it because my line of work changed. If I were in the market for a standard zoom, I’d buy it back without a second thought. 

[FlashGordonPhotography]

Well, I never even thought about it until you brought it up. Had my 24-90 since release day with the SL601 and it's the same as yours. I just checked. But it works perfectly, is pin sharp and since it never bothered me before (I hadn't even thought about it) it won't now. It only moves if I try and make it do so. So I'll leave it alone.

My advice. If you're happy with the optics and performance, just use the lens and don't worry about it.

Gordon

[padam]

https://intents-adventures.com/blog/2017/10/1/the-day-the-leica-sl-failed-me

It might eventually break down. Mine had 0 play anywhere, so I'd look for another one.

[LocalHero1953]

I bought mine new when the SL launched. It has zoom creep and, after someone else here mentioned it, I see it has bit of play. I have never worried about it or noticed any effect on my images. If someone worked out a DIY solution, I might try it, but I'm not going to let it sit in Wetzlar for 6 months because of Leica's primitive service department management.*

 

*To those who respond with excuses about the difficulty of finding service techs in Germany, I suggest they introduce Leica to modern service booking and scheduling software, so Leica can call for an item for service when they are ready - meanwhile we have the use of the item. When my car needs serviced, I don't have to leave it at the workshop for six months beforehand.

Edited February 28, 2024 by LocalHero1953

[jaapv]

That is exactly what I did last year. Worked well. 

[JJJS]

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Hi Jaap, 

 

What did you do?

 

I contacted Leica and expressed my discontent with the long waiting time and suggested software. The answer I got was that they were aware and were discussing solutions. I said (jokingly) that they should not be discussing solutions, but implementing those. As half year waiting times were bad service and thus unacceptable for a quality brand as Leica.

 

I also asked what the exact cause of the barrel play was, as knowing this would probably put my mind to peace. Customer Support would forward this question to a technician