Elmar-M 50/2.8 wobble issue

[AZK]

I've just purchased on Ebay an almost mint Elmar-M 50/2.8 for using on my M8.2 (yes, I know about the collapsing restrictions). The lens has a late serial (389xxxx) and is quite recent.

I liked the lens, but it wobbles! The tube has some serious play when retracted, less so - but it's still there - when extended and locked. My choice of an Elmar over a Hex 50/2.4 was based upon my assumption that an Elmar should not wobble, unlike the Hexanon. I was wrong.

So, what are your suggestions? Could the wobble be fixed any how? I 've made a couple of shots and I like the old-style draw of the lens....

Thanks

 

[LChanyungco]

every collapsible lens i've owned has/had play in either position. i think the play is designed into the lens so that it'll collapse and open easily.

 

[Ronald M]

My original and "new" 50 2.8 do not wobble, neither one.

All collapsible lenses have a loose barrel if not locked and extended.

 

[Ljós]

Time to have it looked after, I'd say. My collapsible Summicron is rock-solid when locked in place, and I'd venture the guess that a collapsible Elmar would be the same, when in proper working order.

All the best, Ljós

 

[AZK]

Time to have it looked after, I'd say.

OK, but could it be fixed - any positive experience?

 

[LChanyungco]

my lenses must be busted...

 

[Erik van Straten]

OK, but could it be fixed - any positive experience?

Retract the lens. At the rear, you'll see a black baffle, a kind of shade. Unscrew this. At the rear of the tube of the lens you'll see three prongs. You can with a small, high quality screwdriver open the three slits a little bit more, so that the three prongs stand out a little bit more. When locked, there is now more tension on the inside bayonet and the wobble will be gone.

Erik.

 

[kdemas]

I have 5 or so collapsible lenses, including the newest/last version of the 50.2.8 Elmar and I have never had any of them wobble. I'd send it in for a look.

 

[Rico]

I have three collapsible lenses. The classic Elmars 50/2.8 and 50/3.5 don't wobble when extended and locked, while the Elmar 90 doesn't wobble, period.

 

[Dralowid]

The Elmar-M is of a significantly different construction from earlier Elmars.

Mine developed 'wobble' over time. I sent if off and it returned without wobble. I think all that was required was that the helical needed greasing. Now nice and 'solid', no problems since.

This is my favourite lens and gets the most use. I don't think the 'wobble' had any effect on the results but it was annoying. Maybe it will need to be done again in 15 years or so...

Michael

 

[Dralowid]

What I omitted to say that the 'wobble' or 'slop' in my Elmar M was in the helical itself and not in the locking mechanism of the lens are Eric describes.

Michael.

 

[AZK]

Thanks for your replies.

My copy seems having a play between the fixed mount ring and the moving tube at any position, which is not related with the loose locking prongs IMO.

It would not bother me if I were using the lens on a film body, but it is said that on M8 the wobbling Elmar might damage the camera flocking, so the lens would go for a CLA.

In the meantime I would probably buy a Summarit 50/2.5 - used to have a Summarit 35/2.5 on M6TTL, it is the only lens I used to own I would have bought again.

Sorry if my English is awkward...

 

[Vics]

Your English is fine. Wobbling Elmars would be a great name for an alt-rock band.

 

[AZK]

Wobbling Elmars would be a great name for an alt-rock band.

Obviuosly there is only one of that kind over here 🙂 Not enough for a full band.

 

[awilder]

I use to own a lens like yours that was purchased new from Tony Rose. It too had some play in the mount and was returned to Leica in Gerrmany under warranty for service requiring replacement helcoid parts. Service might be prohibative in cost if sent to Leica Germany as I don't think Leica USA will work on it. If helcoid parts need replacing, it might cost you a few hundred dollars. Frankly, it's safest to return the lens for refund and get a Summicron or Summarit. If addition of grease tempoarily fixes it, I think that's less than acceptable if the tolerances have that much play without the addition of more grease. Isn't that the knock they use to have against 2nd rate independent SLR lenses like Soligar?