35mm Summilux FLE Aperture Ring CRAP

[ChicagoMatthew]

So... I upgraded from the 35mm summicron ASPH to the 35mm Summilux FLE and I was surprised at how easily the aperture ring turns through the clicks. Compared to the summicron, it is nearly resistance free! I have tested some other FLEs when I see them in the wild or at a Leica store... I am sad to say mine seems to be the norm. But its so annoying... if I am carrying it and bump it, the aperture will change... ugh.

I met a guy at a museum that said he had the same issue and that they have different resistance springs and you can change your spring out at a Leica service shop... anyone ever heard of this?

 

[jonmanjiro]

I have an Elmar-M 50/2.8 that had a very loose aperture ring when I got it. Not 100% sure what they did, but Leica in Tokyo fixed it for me in less than 15 minutes. Rather than swap out parts, my guess is they bent the spring that acts on the aperture indent ball bearing to increase the tension. Would be a simple job if you have the right tools and know what you're doing.

 

[jaapv]

Leica can adjust this for you.

 

[bayernfan]

this should provide some insight:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yUnGzboiU8

 

[ChicagoMatthew]

this should provide some insight:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yUnGzboiU8

Thanks, but this video doesn't have sound... also it looks like he is fixing the aperture ring because it moves up and down, which does happen sometimes... but my ring is just too loose when turning through the apertures.

 

[bayernfan]

Thanks, but this video doesn't have sound... also it looks like he is fixing the aperture ring because it moves up and down, which does happen sometimes... but my ring is just too loose when turning through the apertures.

If the f/1.4 is construction is similar to the f/2, I suspect the issue you're experiencing is due to:

1. Insufficient friction between the aperture ring and the "clicking" ball bearing. Leica would probably replace the spring or mechanism that keeps these two in contact. Or maybe they have different ball bearing sizes.

2. A loose circular clip (as shown in the video). Leica might tweak it (as was done in the video) or replace it.

My 35/2 ASPH isn't loose or wobbly, but the detents feel a little too soft for me. I think Leica decided to make aperture adjustment a single finger affair... which makes for easy adjustment and frustratingly, easy accidental adjustment.

 

[Fjäll]

I had the same problem with my Summicron V4. In fact it was sold as defective. I tried tightening the screws on the side of the aperture ring and it's been stiffer ever since. I don't know if this will work on your lens.