Apperture ring wiggle - how normal?

[SteveM]

I've just received a Summicron 90/2 pre-asph, in overall excellent condition. However, the aperture ring has a slight wiggle, enough to make a metallic "clinking" sound when rocked back and forth. Aperture detents are distinct, but click loudly into place compared to other lenses I have used, again with a metallic sound. This is my first Leica lens, and I had expected (for the price) a much smoother operation.

Previously, I had also purchased a Zeiss 28/2.8 with a slight wiggle in the focus ring, which is apparently quite common with Zeiss lenses (the infamous "wobble").

So, is the wiggle in this Leica like a wobble in Zeiss? How normal is this, and should I be concerned? I have an option to send it back to the vendor, should I? Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Steve

 

[maddoc]

Is your 90mm Summicron-M the last pre-ASPH version ? (with the integrated hood and E55 filtersize ?) I have the same lens and it has the same "wiggle" and metallic sound in the aperture ring, totally different from my other Leica lenses. When I received the lens I had the same concerns but the lens works very well and I won't part with it.

Cheers,

Gabor

 

[SteveM]

Yet, it is the E55 with integrated hood, serial number 3366... indicates a 1985 sample. Lens is in excellent shape otherwise, so wear is hard to believe as the cause. Looking inside, the aperture ring looks like it is roller bearing mounted, so this *could* be related to the movement and sound. Maybe construction is different from other lenses; don't have any other Leica's to compare though (yet).

Steve

 

[maddoc]

Yet, it is the E55 with integrated hood, serial number 3366... indicates a 1985 sample. Lens is in excellent shape otherwise, so wear is hard to believe as the cause. Looking inside, the aperture ring looks like it is roller bearing mounted, so this *could* be related to the movement and sound. Maybe construction is different from other lenses; don't have any other Leica's to compare though (yet).

Steve

Your description is exactly what mine looks like. From memory, it is the only lens where I have seen this aperture mechanics ("roller bearings"). My copy has SN 3595xxx, indicating 1992 year of production.

 

[Beemermark]

I have a 3rd version 35 Summicron with the same problem. It has been like that for at least 25 years and thru two cleanings. I've had other owners of this lens say it's a common problem. Annoying but no real consequence.

 

[SteveM]

It sounds like this may be a design issue as opposed to a usage-related "problem". Based on your replies, maybe I should keep this lens; at least until I shoot a roll and see what the results are like. Perhaps not reassuring to hear that this is not uncommon, but at least as Beemermark says, no real consequence.

That sinking feeling of finding a problem with a new purchase is never pleasant.

Steve

 

[maddoc]

As long as the exposure is correct when stopped down and focus also works well, I wouldn't be to concerned.

BTW, my Super-Angulon-M 21/3.4 has very stiff aperture ring from f/3.4 to ~ f/4.0, no effect at all on the photos and I learned to live with it. 🙂

 

[hiromu]

I just received Pre-ASPH Summilux 50 and has similar feel on the aperture ring...

 

[LeicaMSeattle]

I had something similar to this happen to my 21mm Elmarit a couple of weeks ago on a shoot where the aperature ring loss all of the dedents and eventually the focus ring locked up with only a quarter turn ability. This lens was purchased new and has seen limited use until I got into an M8 in December of this year. The lens is now at Leica service where they're telling me that it was due to use. I questioned their evaluation as its evident that this lens is almost brand new. They're repairing and encoding the thing while its in their possession. I'd certainly watch for the symptoms that I experienced just in case.