Noctilux 50/1.2 reissue rough aperture ring

[PhotoEd]

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Hello All. I recently received a beautiful Noctilux 50/1.2 reissue. The lens is like new, and has perfectly smooth focusing. However, the aperture ring feels quite rough when turning. The clicks are solid, the ring is adjustable without problems, but between the clicks it feels a bit like metal-on-metal scratching. This is best felt when slowly moving the aperture ring back and forth between 1.2 and 1.4. I have many Leica lenses and all have a very nice and smooth feeling on the aperture ring, very different than this one. I have informed the shop about this and asked them to have a look and feel on the other copy they have on sale. They say it feels the same and this seems to be typical for this model. I used another copy 2 years ago and can't remember this behaviour. Does any other Noctilux 50/1.2 user have this experience? It is a production run of Januari 2022. Thanks! 

[Fred B]

I just “listened” to mine. Aperture ring runs smoothly and makes barely perceptible noises - apart from the clicks. But I have no comparison to a similar lens. If yours works properly, I would just ignore it. Mine is 2021/12.

[jakontil]

I had the reissue in 2022, everything was smooth.. however, got the BP, while aperture is smooth, not so much with focusing… sometimes i could feel the friction like metal to metal, but other times its gone…not too bothering though, hope wont get worsened

[JoshuaR]

I have the 50/1.2 reissue, and my aperture ring is a little grind-y, too. I've never thought to do anything about it. 

[PhotoEd]

Gents, thank you for your replies. I think it is quite poor manufacturing performance for a special lens like this to show these variations. I know, I know... probably because of the high amount of handwork, but still. I handled the Light Lens Lab version and it felt more smooth and refined than the original. It must be possible for a company reporting record profits to get these variations withing acceptable levels. When you spend this amount of money on a lens you may expect it to have passed a higher level of quality control. I've been using Leicas now for 40 years and with the more recent equipment I'm experiencing more quality related issues than before. Funny that it is a matter of luck to get a perfect copy. Anyway... I will probably have the lens smoothened out by my repair man (to prevent irregular excessive wear during longterm use) and enjoy the unique rendering. 

[T25UFO]

Just checked my copy and both aperture and focusing rings are fine.  I bought mine very soon after release so it is probably from the initial production.

I take your point about variations, but without wishing to be pedantic Leica reported record revenues (sales) and there was no mention of income (profits).

[PhotoEd]

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On 12/28/2024 at 3:17 PM, T25UFO said:

Just checked my copy and both aperture and focusing rings are fine.  I bought mine very soon after release so it is probably from the initial production.

I take your point about variations, but without wishing to be pedantic Leica reported record revenues (sales) and there was no mention of income (profits).

Ah okay, I stand corrected. Thank you. Now I can only hope they made enough profit to solve any quality related issues and bring back more classic stuff. 😃

[Steadimann]

people just have NO IDEA how much does it cost to have lens manufacturing in Europe with German salaries, taxes etc. It's a miracle those lenses do not cost 2x more. Chinese are selling cheaper alternatives at 4-5x smaller price but that is why they do not have money to spend on R&D and only copy, which is way easier - buy 1 lens, take it apart, copy and make it your 'own'. China has been working this way for years on all fronts - cameras, cars etc.

I do not try to justify Leica or any other brand, but there is a reason all manufacturing went to China, becaue wages are uncomparably low, there are no rules to intellectual property as government accepts this as a norm thus western countries basically can do nothing. In the end Leica or any other company has to earn something and keep hundreds of workers etc. It's not that Leica earns hundreds of millions, never did, never will. 

I am buying Leica glass having in mind that the lens i purchase will serve me to the end of my life with some service if I do not break it, loose, etc. And even if some technical issues arrive, this is completely normal. You think if you paid 800 000 Eur for Rolls Royce you would not experience issues?  You will more than with any cheap Volkswagen, but reparing that will be way more expensive and if you could pay for Rolls Royce, it would not create any problems to take Porsche out of your garage and drive it while RR is in service. Look ar Range Rover  it's one of the most comfortable and luxurious SUVs, guess if it's ANY reliable :DDDD 

So I'd say just get real with expectations, all lenses have 3 year wararnty, Leica would fix any issues. Try servicing 30 year Canon lens at Canon