Is it safe to Buy an S lens That has not had the AF motor replaced

[Einst_Stein]

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A few months ago, I asked Leica at New Jersey which of the few used lens from MPB have changed to the new AF subsystem. They answered the lenses among them with serial number 4305xxxx (here XXXX is not the wild card, but I don't remember the exact number) were manufactured with the new AF. Some with earlier serial number have been replaced, some have not.

So,  there could be three scenario:

1: The S ens already have the new AF subsystem from the beginning.

2: The S lens was originally old AF, but has been replaced. Just send Leica customer service the serial number, they will tell you.

3: The S lens has original old Af subsystem, If so, it is likely it will need replacement sooner or later.

Personally, I would avoid old Af subsystem. 

 

[Pieter12]

4 minutes ago, Einst_Stein said:

A few months ago, I asked Leica at New Jersey which of the few used lens from MPB have changed to the new AF subsystem. They answered the lenses among them with serial number 4305xxxx (here XXXX is not the wild card, but I don't remember the exact number) were manufactured with the new AF. Some with earlier serial number have been replaced, some have not.

So,  there could be three scenario:

1: The S ens already have the new AF subsystem from the beginning.

2: The S lens was originally old AF, but has been replaced. Just send Leica customer service the serial number, they will tell you.

3: The S lens has original old Af subsystem, If so, it is likely it will need replacement sooner or later.

Personally, I would avoid old Af subsystem. 

 

The cost of repairing/replacing the old AF system is not outrageous, although the wait can be. As long as Leica has the parts and does the work, a lens at a good price with the old AF could be worth considering. When Leica does the AF upgrade, they do an overall service and testing making it a good value.

[Einst_Stein]

30 minutes ago, Pieter12 said:

The cost of repairing/replacing the old AF system is not outrageous, although the wait can be. As long as Leica has the parts and does the work, a lens at a good price with the old AF could be worth considering. When Leica does the AF upgrade, they do an overall service and testing making it a good value.

Maybe this is why the lens with new AF is not much more expensive than the S lens this old AF. Try MPB or KEH.

The worst problem is not the cost of replacement. Having the lens broken in the middle of a photo session or trip is hardy tolerable. 

Edited September 26, 2024 by Einst_Stein

[Pieter12]

1 hour ago, Einst_Stein said:

Maybe this is why the lens with new AF is not much more expensive than the S lens this old AF. Try MPB or KEH.

The worst problem is not the cost of replacement. Having the lens broken in the middle of a photo session or trip is hardy tolerable. 

Not sure what you are referring to about the relative prices. Also, as far as my experience goes, the failure of AF does not render the lens inoperable—MF works just fine. If you are shooting in a situation that requires AF, you’re using the wrong camera.

[Einst_Stein]

13 hours ago, Pieter12 said:

Not sure what you are referring to about the relative prices. Also, as far as my experience goes, the failure of AF does not render the lens inoperable—MF works just fine. If you are shooting in a situation that requires AF, you’re using the wrong camera.

This is b*shit!

If the OP cares about AF, then a failing AF is a problem. Don’t put your own habit on others.

The question is about the risk of AF failure. Are you blaming Leica should not make S AF?

Edited September 26, 2024 by Einst_Stein

[Pieter12]

1 hour ago, Einst_Stein said:

This is b*shit!

If the OP cares about AF, then a failing AF is a problem. Don’t put your own habit on others.

The question is about the risk of AF failure. Are you blaming Leica should not make S AF?

I see AF as a bonus feature on the S and never a big selling point. The system is slow and not always accurate. If one needs AF for a shoot, like action or wildlife, there are many other cameras that do a much better job. As far as the chance of AF failure, the S has a big, bright viewfinder and MF works just fine.

[Jeff S]

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15 hours ago, Pieter12 said:

Also, as far as my experience goes, the failure of AF does not render the lens inoperable—MF works just fine. 

You were among the fortunate; others here reported total inoperability.  Mixed bag. Covered ad nauseam in older discussions.

Jeff

[tom0511]

vor 2 Stunden schrieb Pieter12:

I see AF as a bonus feature on the S and never a big selling point. The system is slow and not always accurate. If one needs AF for a shoot, like action or wildlife, there are many other cameras that do a much better job. As far as the chance of AF failure, the S has a big, bright viewfinder and MF works just fine.

Even with a well calibrated S body it's not really easy to focus such a high resolution camera with an optical viewfinder. At least if you also like to shoot wide ope sometimes.

 

[davidmknoble]

On 9/26/2024 at 3:52 PM, tom0511 said:

Even with a well calibrated S body it's not really easy to focus such a high resolution camera with an optical viewfinder. At least if you also like to shoot wide ope sometimes.

 

Very true!

[ynp]

On 9/26/2024 at 10:52 PM, tom0511 said:

Even with a well calibrated S body it's not really easy to focus such a high resolution camera with an optical viewfinder. At least if you also like to shoot wide ope sometimes.

 

Fortunately, I discovered tethering…😎

[rollsman4]

If the AF motor was replaced in 2017 will it still hold up today or can it break down again?  I am referring to S 45mm Lens

Edited October 6, 2024 by rollsman4

[davidmknoble]

8 hours ago, ynp said:

Fortunately, I discovered tethering…😎

Tethering is not the best option out on a windy, sandy beachfront

[davidmknoble]

7 hours ago, rollsman4 said:

If the AF motor was replaced in 2017 will it still hold up today or can it break down again?  I am referring to S 45mm Lens

The AF motors are different (AFAIK), sort of like the M9 sensor replacement, and I would expect them to hold up for a very long time.  I have some with new AF motors from that era and still use them with no issues.

[John McMaster]

I have had my 70mm for well over a decade, think that is the only autofocus lens (not sure about 24mm) that has not been back to the factory for something.  Mostly the 'motor', but my zoom lost iris control.

john

[rollsman4]

OK Thank you. I feel better now.  

[Pieter12]

On 9/24/2024 at 6:07 AM, BernardC said:

I don't think the motor is different. It's the nylon gear attached to the motor shaft that got brittle and failed.

As others have said, you'll need to contact Leica. There was a press release five or six years ago stating that they were using a new part, but they may have switched to the new part before then.

No matter. When Leica services the lens the motor is replaced, leading me to think the motor is eventually problematic, even if it is only the gear that has failed. Unless of course it is more efficient for them to replace the entire assembly rather than just a part. Here is what they did to my lens. The lens I sent them had a working motor--it made noise but it did not focus the lens.

Service M/R/screw mount lens 1 Disassembly

1 PCS 0.00 0.00 0.00

Exchange AF motor

Software update

Overall adjustment Cleaning

Final inspection Drive, complete AF Modification

 

[rollsman4]

They did more than Replace the motor. Thats great

[davidmknoble]

23 hours ago, rollsman4 said:

They did more than Replace the motor. Thats great

I have actually had them disassemble one of my lenses while replacing a motor and clean the elements to remove internal dust. It came back looking absolutely new out of the box!

[rollsman4]

Thats awesome

Edited October 8, 2024 by rollsman4

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