ZM lens with stiff focusing ring?

[ERV]

I have a ZM 28mm lens that I use with my M film bodies and now an M8 and I think the focus ring is a little stiff. I took it to a reliable local camera repair shop and they said it wasn't bad and suggested not to do anything. Compared to my Leica lenses, it feels like it has a heavier (or thicker) lubricant when I focus it.
I really like the images it makes and 28mm works perfectly for me. I am wondering if I should send it to someone like DAG- Don Goldberg to take a look at.
Naturally, this is subjective, however has anyone had a similar experience with a ZM lens? Can it be adjusted, or does it have to be re-lubed?
It is a relatively large and heavy lens, so maybe this is how it should be.
Any advice is welcome- thanks!

 

[kshapero]

My C Sonnar was like that for a weel or two then loosened over time. Now it is just right.

 

[kipkeston]

Yep. They loosen and move very nicely. After about 50-75 rolls it got really nice so it was pretty quick.

 

[Avotius]

My 50 planar remains pretty stiff, I too wondered if it was right because the 50 summicrons I have played with all seemed silky smooth and mine felt like moving a spoon through molasses.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Dear Eugene,

There is a lot of inherent variation, and there is also the point that Leica and German-made Zeiss lenses are normally smoothest because the mounts are hand-lapped, though when I was at the factory eight months ago they did have a prototype machine to try to replicate hand-lapping. Hand-lapping is one of the reason these lenses cost so much.

If you can, seek some more opinions on it. I'm not trying to be funny, but it is easy to persuade yourself that there is something wrong, when there isn't.

Cheers,

Roger

 

[pizzahut88]

My new c-sonnar is still pretty stiff.
Whereas my 6 months Biogon 28/2.8 is now silky smooth.

Perhaps it will get worn smoother over time?

 

[ERV]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone.
I've had the lens for almost a year and have shot about 100 rolls with it.
Yesterday I was out shooting Chinese New Year celebrations with it and I thought that maybe the cold weather has an effect on it.
I'll give it more time..

 

[kipkeston]

Ah I think the cold weather has something to do with it. If I don't focus for some time, it's tighter but I usually move it a few times and it's back to normal.

I have noticed my 35 getting smoother and smoother over the last few months since I got it. My new planar will hopefully do the same.

 

[capito]

Don't know if this is the right thread to bump.
I just got a used Planar and the focus is so stiff that I sometimes have to hold the camera in the other hand and unscrew.
What is weird is that far to near is relatively smooth, but just stiff, but near to far can get really sticky.

 

[user237428934]

I have the Biogon 35 and when I didn't use it for a day it's pretty stiff. Turning the focussing knob a few times back and forth solves the problem for that day.

 

[Luna]

My 21 C-Biogon & 50 Planar are smooth on my Ikon, but on my M2, they are bit stiffer.

 

[marcr1230]

I have the Biogon 35 and when I didn't use it for a day it's pretty stiff. Turning the focussing knob a few times back and forth solves the problem for that day.

I have the same experience with my Biogon.
The first turns are stiff, then it loosens

 

[jsrockit]

I would send it to Zeiss if you are going to send it anywhere... they are in your state: