loose focuser

[Goody]

I recently picked up a Canon 50mm f1.4 lens that was described as excellent, which the glass is. It has, however, some play in the focus ring. When you focus there is a little freeplay and the you hear a sort of click and then the focus moves -- this happens when rotating the focus ring in either direction. Additionally if I grasp the back of the lens (where it mounts to the camera) I cam feel some "looseness" there. I am thinking of returning the lens but want to know if this is an easy fix. I have checked my RF and SLR lenses and none of them act this way, so something isn't right. Thoughts?

 

[Peter Jennings]

Mine has very slight play if you wiggle the focus ring back and forth, so I would assume it's normal. I have noticed this on about all of my Canon lenses. Just in case, check that the black retaining ring between the brass focus cam and rear element is tight. These lenses aren't very complicated - there aren't as many moving parts as in an SLR lens.