Should I Return Used LN- 50mm f/1.4 Asph.ll M [11728]?

[AperturePreferred]

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Have recently returned to the Leica M system with purchase of a previously owned M10-R and Voitländer 35mm f/2 Ultron in the past year. About 20 years ago, I sold my M6, 35, 50 and 90mm Summicrons as I just wasn't shooting film any more. Just today I received the above noted (previously owned) LN- condition Summilux  50 mm Asph. ll. After shooting in and around the house over the last hour, there are 2 things that give me pause leading me to consider returning the lens. My prior experience with Leica M lenses represents a very small sample size (n = 3). Although there are authorized Leica "Dealers" in Metro Detroit, none I've visited or called have much, if any, merchandise on hand to compare ('We can order it"). I am hoping the collective experience of the forum members might be useful in my decision.

The first item of concern is the relative stiffness of the focusing mechanism. Interestingly, it is noticeably stiffer rotating to closer focus position than toward infinity. It is not quite as stiff as my previously owned 90mm 'cron. That lens never significantly loosened up in the 5-6 years in which I owned it.

Second off, the detent at 0.7M indicating the extent of rangefinder close focus, while defenitely present, is very difficult, nigh impossible, for me to perceive with my eye to the viewfinder while close focusing as compared to watching the focus scale on the barrel of the lens. I realize that this likely may be a function of the stiffness noted above.

For the premium Leica receives for its optics, Am I expecting too much? Even pre-owned, this was no bargain. I would really like to know what those of you with more experience using and handling Leica M lenses think. Thank you in advance.

 

[LeicaR10]

AperturePreferred,  First, welcome to the forum where you will find a wealth of knowledge and photographers who offer their sage advice, myself included.  Second, the Leica lens you described should have smooth focus throughout.  It should not bind nor be stiff.  I cannot comment on the local "dealers" in Detroit as I only bought from either Leica Stores, Boutiques or authroized Leica dealers like B&H Photo.  I learned early in my 50+ years with buying Leica gear, its always best to use Leica authorized dealers or the company stores.  I don't do online auction sites either.  Others may tell you otherwise.  Third, there may be a very good reason why the 50 Summilux was returned and in like new condition (LN-) that you have discovered.  The previous owner could have traded in the lens for the same reasons you discovered and perhaps other issues like its slightly decentered.  Last, I most highly recommend you return the lens to the dealer for a full refund. It could well be the dealer decided to not service the lens in hopes someone would not notice or mind the binding/stiffness issue(s).  My last advice if possible, buy in store, try out the lens or camera first before leaving the premises and be sure to ask the store its return or exchange policy (in writing) if you get the lens or camera home and discover issues.  In this day and age, my advice is "Trust but verify" as best you can before parting with your cash or credit card.  r/ Mark  

Edited 6 hours ago by LeicaR10

[Eoin]

There is a slight difference in resistance felt between the close focus range and the normal range, I guessed it must be down to the amount of movement in the optical groups. The detent at close focus differs between the APO 35 with the Summilux a bit lighter. Focus tension is light, single finger focus with the tab without issue in normal range.

Close focus would require a contortion of my fingers to use the tab, I generally take the camera from my eye, move the scale to the desired range, focus with my fingers around the barrel.
 

[AperturePreferred]

3 hours ago, LeicaR10 said:

AperturePreferred,  First, welcome to the forum where you will find a wealth of knowledge and photographers who offer their sage advice, myself included.  Second, the Leica lens you described should have smooth focus throughout.  It should not bind nor be stiff.  I cannot comment on the local "dealers" in Detroit as I only bought from either Leica Stores, Boutiques or authroized Leica dealers like B&H Photo.  I learned early in my 50+ years with buying Leica gear, its always best to use Leica authorized dealers or the company stores.  I don't do online auction sites either.  Others may tell you otherwise.  Third, there may be a very good reason why the 50 Summilux was returned and in like new condition (LN-) that you have discovered.  The previous owner could have traded in the lens for the same reasons you discovered and perhaps other issues like its slightly decentered.  Last, I most highly recommend you return the lens to the dealer for a full refund. It could well be the dealer decided to not service the lens in hopes someone would not notice or mind the binding/stiffness issue(s).  My last advice if possible, buy in store, try out the lens or camera first before leaving the premises and be sure to ask the store its return or exchange policy (in writing) if you get the lens or camera home and discover issues.  In this day and age, my advice is "Trust but verify" as best you can before parting with your cash or credit card.  r/ Mark  

Thank you Leica R10. I truly appreciate your sage advice. I believe that KEH, where purchased, is also an authorized Leica dealer. I've 21 days to evaluate and return. Your advice is consistent with the consensus of those responding at FM.com forum where I posted the same. I have no problem buying from brick & mortar dealers. Unfortunately, as alluded to in my post, the Metro Detroit Leica authorized dealers do not stock much at all. For instance, one of the largest camera stores in SE Michigan had a single 35mm Summicron on hand. I think I'd be hard pressed to find much in the way of an M lens selection unless I want to travel. Even Tamarkin in Chicago told me they do not typically have a lot of new M lenses on hand. Otherwise, that leaves D.C. or Miami. These are 1st world problems for sure. Have a great holiday and thanks again.

[Jeff S]

I have the 50 Summilux ASPH v.1 and, as an RF-only shooter, find the newer close focusing M lenses needlessly complex.  That aside, when I bought the lens many years ago, it exhibited sticky fine focusing. Others on the forum reported a similar problem. Instead of exchanging it with the dealer, as I should have, I sent it to Leica NJ for service.  They said it couldn’t be improved.  Not accepting that conclusion, I sent it to Don Goldberg (DAG).  He had it back to me in less than 2 weeks, focusing smoothly, for $90, including shipping.  It still works perfectly over 10 years later.

In your case, I recommend returning it.