Leica 35mm APO-Summicron-M - Normal sound from floating element? (Video included)

[Daniel_Sun]

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I've noticed that when the lens is off the camera, a gentle shake produces a slight, low-pitched "clunk" or "rattle" sound from within the barrel. I've attached a short video clip demonstrating the sound.Could other 35mm APO owners confirm if their lens makes a similar sound?

[pedaes]

5 hours ago, Daniel_Sun said:

Could other 35mm APO owners confirm if their lens makes a similar sound?

Welcome to the Forum and sorry your first post is for an issue. If you search you will find many posts about 'Rattling' lenses.

Your best option is to send the lens back if you are not happy. You will never be sure other 'sounds' are exactly as yours, and you will likely continue to have concerns, so best to get sorted soonest. IMHO.

Edited August 28 by pedaes

[FDS]

Mine is three years old and makes the same/very similar sound.  (Aperture and focus rings set as per yours as shown above for this exercise.)

I use the lens almost daily and am completely happy with it.  

 

 

[MaticB]

I bought mine immediately after release. It is the prime lens on my M10R BP. No rattling or any sounds at all.

[maxinmanhattan]

I bet a lot of owners of this lens shook theirs today.  😅  I did.  and no such sounds.  you should send it to Leica to have a physical checkup.

[Daniel_Sun]

On 8/28/2025 at 5:02 PM, FDS said:

Mine is three years old and makes the same/very similar sound.  (Aperture and focus rings set as per yours as shown above for this exercise.)

I use the lens almost daily and am completely happy with it.  

 

 

I really appreciate you sharing your experience. I actually followed up with a senior repair technician at Leica, and they said it's a normal characteristic of the lens. They explained it's just a bit of a flexible tolerance in the aperture mechanics. They even suggested that if I turn it to F16 and hold it, the sound practically goes away. I love this lens too, and I wish you the best in your photography!

[Daniel_Sun]

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18 hours ago, MaticB said:

I bought mine immediately after release. It is the prime lens on my M10R BP. No rattling or any sounds at all.

Thanks,I now understand it's the sound of the lens's aperture mechanism. The assembly of different lenses can vary, just like the tactile feel of the aperture ring.

[Daniel_Sun]

15 hours ago, maxinmanhattan said:

I bet a lot of owners of this lens shook theirs today.  😅  I did.  and no such sounds.  you should send it to Leica to have a physical checkup.

I actually got some feedback from local photographers who confirmed that some copies of the lens have this sound while others don't.  it has nothing to do with the floating lens element and is primarily due to variations in the assembly of the aperture mechanism. I really appreciate your help!

[Daniel_Sun]

On 8/28/2025 at 4:53 PM, pedaes said:

Welcome to the Forum and sorry your first post is for an issue. If you search you will find many posts about 'Rattling' lenses.

Your best option is to send the lens back if you are not happy. You will never be sure other 'sounds' are exactly as yours, and you will likely continue to have concerns, so best to get sorted soonest. IMHO.

I totally get your point. Actually, I've been using this lens for a long time and just wanted to double-check to avoid the lengthy repair process down the line. You know how 'German efficiency' can be.