50 Summilux stiff focus

M

mdozier

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Not sure if this should go into the lens forum but I would like some advice.
Just got a "new" 50mm Summilux ASPH used (newly purchased in Feb '08).

It seems that in the close region the focus ring is "stiff". I wouldn't say sticky. When rotating from one extreme to the other it rotates smoothly but when making fine adjustments at close range it seem to be stiff and not quite smooth. It is clearly different than my 35 or 50 'cron when making small adjustments at close range. I assume it's more glass and moving more so is this just a trait of the 'luxes?

I know the seller let it go because he wasn't using it, so I wondered if I just work it back and forth a lot and use it a while will it perhaps loosen up? I also wondered if there is some trick to use (maybe a safe simple lubricant application) but I am no expert so if it just needs a "cla" so be it.

Any advice or other similar experiences?

thanks in advance - matt
 
Due to the floating element this lens has very tight production specifications. If it is a bit too sticky send it to Leica and they will adjust it.
Do not apply lubricants yourself!
 
Matt,

I have the same problem with my 50 Summilux pre-asph. It is a little bit sticky in the close region. I eventually will send it to DAG for a CLA. My 35 Summilux ASPH had the same problem. After a CLA it is smooth again. The only thing which I find odd is that your lens is not even a year old. Anyways, I would send it in for a CLA.

Rudy
 
Thanks both;
I assumed lubrication or anything of the sort was best left to experts but thought it wouldn't hurt to ask.

I suspected the complexity of the lens had something to do with this since it seems localized to the close focus region and as I mentioned I would describe it more as stiff than sticky. It doesn't seem to be rubbing or anything and there's no since of an obstruction.

It's just quite a bit different than the silky operation of the 'crons.

Thanks again for assistance.
 
ultron 35 1.7

ultron 35 1.7

i have the same problem with
my newly purchased ultron 35mm-1.7.
difficult to focus.
i guess they make them that way.
 
This is not an uncommon problem with the 50 ASPH Summilux and if you search this forum or photo.net you'll others have voiced similar complaints. I use to have one and it had a slightly stiff focus problem so I sent it to DAG but he could do little to improve it. Due to the complexity of it's design, special tools are needed that Don didn't have so this will probably have to go back to Germany. You not being the original owner, it might cost some money and about 2-3 months of waiting, so make sure you really want to fix it before shipping it out. Some owners have mentioned that with a fair bit of use the problem goes away.
 
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Many 50 ASPH users say it takes 50-60 rolls before it loosens up. I would try a few dozen rolls before I sent it for CLA and have them take it apart.
 
Thanks so much for the help. I'm going to keep and use it a while hoping it'll loosen up a bit.

As I mentioned, it's really more of a stiff feeling rather than a sticky problem so based on your similar experiences and comments I'm hopeful it's only a typical experience.

Thanks again for all the help.

matt
 
I have a 50 'lux that felt like that after I'd dropped it. As yoyo says, it's the interior barrel that was the problem. It's a very minor fix for a good technician.

Cheers, Paul.
 
Mine is a little stiff, too, but I have learned to live with it. My 35mm Summilux, otoh, is perfect. The photos they both take are divine and since the stiffness doesn't really effect its usability, I've decided not to bother. I've learned to live with slight imperfections, even in things that shouldn't have them.

/T
 
I have a pre-asph lux that is a little stiff, I was hoping it would loosen up after a few hundred rolls but its still pretty stiff. Eventually I'll send it off to DAG, wish I didnt rely on the thing everyday...
 
Don Goldberg has told me that the newer teflon-based grease used by Leica is the culprit in some of these cases. He replaced said grease with what he calls "real" grease in my 50 Elmar-M and it has been absolutely smooth both at quick focusing movements and those slow, minute adjustments that seem to be so sticky for some lenses.
 
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