50 Noctilux uncrews!?

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usccharles

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Is this normal?

i had a ND filter on my Noctilux and when i tried to unscrew the filter off, the front half of the lens started unscrewing instead of the filter! is this normal? i just screwed it back tightly (wasn't so curious to unscrew a $3,500 lens all the way to see what would happen).

i've taken it out a couple time and the pictures come out fine, but i'm alittle worried that somethings is not right.

is it normal for the lens to screw off like that?

thanks
 
I have the first version (E58 size filter) and I'm a brave lad so I tried and the barrel didn't budge. I have to say I've not read of this happening before...
 
is it normal for the lens to screw off like that?
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Is it new? Still under Passport?

I would call DAG or Sherry, not Leica, to get the scoop from them if this is normal or a concern (which it has to be) and then use that Passport.

I spoke to Sherry about the current Leica 35mm lenses, she expressed a bit of displeasure over the fact that Leica is using glue to hold them together. Maybe this type of construction is being used in the Nocts too.
 
GLUE! To hold lenses TOGETHER! Cheese-Wiz!

The older lenses are certainly made better than that.
 
Brian Sweeney said:
GLUE! To hold lenses TOGETHER! Cheese-Wiz!

The older lenses are certainly made better than that.
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Absolutely!!!

That was Sherry's comment about the current & penultimate pre asph 35 Summicron and asph 35 lux.

Leica's current quality reputation was made in the 1950s and 60s and well earned, but you have to wonder.

I think what sets Leica quality apart today is that they do build their bodies to that same high level that they have for years. I don't know if that is better, I suspect not necessarily, but they have a successful formula which they have just stuck to with their bodies.

They are at the lead in modern optical design and construction though, and I think that any comment that can be made negatively about any other manufactures modern wonders can also be made about theirs. Absolutely fabulous glass, but perhaps construction just like everyone else.

I now have no modern Leica lenses. I don't know how I feel about that, other than the thought that all these old timers I have around are damn nice.
 
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usc,
i hope you're ok with the joking around...as to the lens, if i were you i would be unhappy with my gear coming apart.
 
And I was serious about calling an independent trusted repair person. Get the skinny on what is going on and then let Leica stand behind their product as they always have.
 
rover said:
I spoke to Sherry about the current Leica 35mm lenses, she expressed a bit of displeasure over the fact that Leica is using glue to hold them together. Maybe this type of construction is being used in the Nocts too.
Click to expand...

With the astronomical price tags, you'd expect Solms would emulate someone other than their old contractor Sigma! :bang:

But even my cheapo Sigma zoom doesn't unscrew like that. :rolleyes:
 
well i guess they didn't use enough glue on my nocti.

i'm not unhappy with my gear because it makes great pictures, but i am concerned that it is screwing apart on me. but could you imagine how much my heart dropped when my lens started coming apart? my most expensive lens!?

i'm traveling right now and my nocti is taking good pictures so far, but i plan on taking it into the shop to see what the deal is when i get back

:)
 
Mazurka said:
With the astronomical price tags, you'd expect Solms would emulate someone other than their old contractor Sigma! :bang:

But even my cheapo Sigma zoom doesn't unscrew like that. :rolleyes:
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I have had two sigma lenses completly crap out on me right after warentee. On one, the af gears became jamed, and the other one came appart into two pieces right in the middle. I never abused them and treated them well. Needless to say, I am never buying another sigma lens.
 
On some older Pentax lenses, the front "sheet metal" from the focus ring forward and including the filter ring and nameplate etc just unscrews in the process of disassembly. I can recall one or two lenses where these parts had not been secured with locktite or screwed on tight enough, and had the same happen as described above for the Noktilux. I just screwed the part back in, then gripped the outer diameter of the "sheet metal" part to keep it from turning as I removed the filter. Afterward made sure not to screw the filter on so tight... :)
 
the e58 noct can be unscrewed, you can even unscrew the lens head from the mount, the leica lens are still the best built in the industry, solid brass etc.
 
The lens head of the 50/1.2 Noctilux can normally be unscrewed much like the Wetzlar versions of the 50 mm Summicrons but this does not apply to the 50/1.
 
Don't know if it's "normal," but I had a similar experience a few months ago w/my Noct (2nd f/1 version w/removable clip-on hood, c.1988). I just screwed it back together & since it hasn't behaved any differently optically, not worried about it since. I'll have Leica check it out when I get it coded for my M8.

usccharles said:
Is this normal?

i had a ND filter on my Noctilux and when i tried to unscrew the filter off, the front half of the lens started unscrewing instead of the filter! is this normal? i just screwed it back tightly (wasn't so curious to unscrew a $3,500 lens all the way to see what would happen).

i've taken it out a couple time and the pictures come out fine, but i'm alittle worried that somethings is not right.

is it normal for the lens to screw off like that?

thanks
Click to expand...
 
summilux said:
the e58 noct can be unscrewed, you can even unscrew the lens head from the mount, the leica lens are still the best built in the industry, solid brass etc.
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Yikes! :eek: Maybe mine is tight because I had it CLA'd by DAG after I got it. :angel:
 
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