35mm summicron asph sticky focus

[davidzapr]

Hi to all. I just got back my 35mm Summicron asph that I sent to Leica NJ because it gets a bit sticky when focussing: it's like it wants to partially 'seize' when you make small slow changes to your focus. It has always been underdamped in my opinion, but it makes small changes in focus a pita. Well, I got it back from Leica USA and while better, it still does it. They obviously disasembled it and put in new grease, but it still does it's little studdering number. This lens is only 2 years old(and the MP it was on is in NJ for a sticky shutter button...)and for the price I paid this not fun. BTW my CV lenses all operate smoother than this. Has anyone here has similar problems with their 35 sum asph? And any suggestions? The lens is perfectly smooth when not on a camera(but still underdamped, IMHO), but does this when it pushes against the RF lever in the camera. Any comments/suggestions are most welcome!

 

[payasam]

You might ask for the cam follower to be checked.

 

[davidzapr]

I thought of that, but I have 6m's and it does that on all of them, while none of my other lenses(16) do it on any body. You do meant the follower in the camera, right? And thanks for replying Payasam, I have read many of your posts and you are always very informative and helpful!

 

[J J Kapsberger]

I have a 50mm Elmar (latest version) which has sticky focus as well. Another RFF member with the same lens has the same issue. He pointed it out to me that the lubricant Leica uses for this lens is super smooth and light at first but degrades quickly. He and I plan to send our lenses in to have another type of lubricant put on, one which, while not as slick, is nevertheless more long-lasting. The other RFF member consulted with Don Goldberg, and in replying to the other RFF member's inquiry (the RFF member forwarded the quote to me in a separate email) Don had this to say:

'Yes, these lenses sometime "pinch" if you turn the focus ring only slightly one way & then the other. Leica is now using a very slippery Teflon grease in their focus system that works only for a short while, this grease needs to be removed & "real" grease needs to be added...'

Don's estimate was $50 plus shipping; I don't know whether the same price would apply to the 35 Summicron ASPH.

Perhaps Leica NJ uses the Teflon lubricant unless one requests another type of lubricant. Perhaps they don't even offer an alternative.

 

[Nachkebia]

My 50 lux asph also has sticky focus....

 

[davidzapr]

Well it's nice to be in such good company with these 'sticky' lenses! But at this price point you would think that they would have a better answer. BTW, my 'old' Leica lenses don't do this...either do my 'cheap' VC lenses.

 

[Magus]

Post deleted by posters request

 

[JNewell]

I had a 90mm AA that suffered from "stickion" (rhymes with "friction"). It would not free up from exercise and it went to DAG for relubrication, which solved the problem. My 35mm Summicron ASPH has been fine from day one, though. The inconsistency is kinda puzzling.

 

[Magus]

Post deleted by posters request

 

[Bill Blackwell]

I recently acquired a 35mm Asph Summicron that does the same thing. I spoke with DAG about it and he knew precisely what I was talking about. It's a $50 repair (clean and re-lube) with a turnaround in about a week.

 

[x-ray]

My 90 AA did the same thing and DAG relubed it. Now no problems. My 50 summicron had a serious sticky spot in the focus at 3f and wound up sellign it with the discosure about the problem. My 35 v4 summicron had a wobble in the focusing helix and allowed the whole lens group to slop around the focusing helix. Now I have my 50 asph summilux at DAG. The focus is rough and the lens will not allow the RF to align at infinity on any of 6 bodies. I understand this happens to them.

I must say I'm a little more than ticked at the lack of QC from leica. I just sent of my 17 month old a la carte MP because the shutter isn't cappin when I rewind film.

Funny thing, in total I've never had this much trouble out of my canons and nikons and I've used them many times more than my M's. Sometning wrong here!

I'll also say I have a number of CV lenses and three Zeiss and have never had a single issue with them. If I were starting over I would probably not buy Leica lenses and only buy CV and Zeiss. Anyway I think the CV glass is superb at any price and the Zeiss tops Leicas in image quality, price and build.

 

[Magus]

Post deleted by posters request

 

[JNewell]

Now I have my 50 asph summilux at DAG. The focus is rough and the lens will not allow the RF to align at infinity on any of 6 bodies. I understand this happens to them.

If I owned one of those, and this happened, I'd leave the lens on the kitchen table, pick up the phone and call the ambulance before my chest pains got any more intense... 🙁

 

[payasam]

Thanks, David. Yes, I meant the little wheel you see at the top behind the lens mount.

It would appear that Leica opted for the new grease without adequate testing. Unusual for a company ordinarily so careful (and expensive). The solution is simple and not so expensive, but the problem should not occur in the first place.

 

[zidar]

Leica has their reasons....

Leica has their reasons....

I've had sticky lenses in the past, but none of my current 8 lenses stick....I did have a 35 Summicron cleaned and relubed once by a good Leica guy in the San Francisco area. That solved the problem. I think the problem is that the tolerances on Leica lenses are so close that it's tough to get the grease just right. An analogy is the AK47 vs. the M16, or any other precision-made rifle. The AK will take a lickin and keep on tickin, whereas the higher grade weapon jams. That's why I've got a Russian AK leaning against the wall here to defend my Leicas with!

 

[Sparrow]

I've had sticky lenses in the past, but none of my current 8 lenses stick....I did have a 35 Summicron cleaned and relubed once by a good Leica guy in the San Francisco area. That solved the problem. I think the problem is that the tolerances on Leica lenses are so close that it's tough to get the grease just right. An analogy is the AK47 vs. the M16, or any other precision-made rifle. The AK will take a lickin and keep on tickin, whereas the higher grade weapon jams. That's why I've got a Russian AK leaning against the wall here to defend my Leicas with!

Let’s hope there’s no Lomo wielding Thompson owners out there
😀