Nokton Classic 35mm F1.4 - Stiff focus ring when mounted

[dszpiro]

Hi all,

I just recently picked-up a very slightly used Nokton Class SC 35mm F1.4 lens. When the lens is not on my M6 the focus ring turns quite nicely (i.e., free but damped). When I mount it on the camera, however, the ring now becomes very stiff to turn making focusing difficult. (FYI: my other lenses don't do this when mounted on the M6.)

Is there some way to adjust or lubricate this?

Thanks in advance,
Danny

 

[jarski]

Sounds like something is wrong in your lens. Am having the same and focusing is just as smooth regardless is it mounted or not. Am bit sceptical diy lubricating it would solve the problem you describe.

 

[dszpiro]

Sounds like something is wrong in your lens.

That may be. I am attaching a photo of my Color-Skopar 35mmF2.5 and the Nokton Classic SC 35mmF1.4 side-by side. The former is on the left and the latter on the right. Both are set to infinity.

I notice the elevated ring that presses on the focusing (rangefinder?) wheel in the M6 body for the Color-Skopar is just the inner ring (and is thin) and the outer ring stays below. In contrast, both the outer and inner rings on the Nokton are flush thus creating more contact (friction?) with the wheel in the M6 body. Is that the problem with the Nokton?

Thanks,
Danny

 

[bhop73]

My camera fell off a shelf once when I had this lens attached. It bounced off something that pretty much saved it from damage, but the first thing to hit was the lens. After the fall, my focus got a little stiffer, which makes me think your lens was damaged somehow. Before, it was super smooth.

 

[dszpiro]

My camera fell off a shelf once when I had this lens attached. It bounced off something that pretty much saved it from damage, but the first thing to hit was the lens. After the fall, my focus got a little stiffer, which makes me think your lens was damaged somehow. Before, it was super smooth.

Interestingly, the focus ring does move very smoothly when not mounted on the M6. In the case you describe, was the focus ring stiff both on and off the camera or just on?

Thanks,
Danny

 

[mooge]

check that the rear group is tight - there are two black tabs on the ring immediately outside of the rear element - give them a clockwise twist and see if they move. Maybe one of the tabs is hitting the follower roller for the rangefinder.

 

[dszpiro]

check that the rear group is tight - there are two black tabs on the ring immediately outside of the rear element - give them a clockwise twist and see if they move. Maybe one of the tabs is hitting the follower roller for the rangefinder.

Thanks for this advice! I gave the two black tabs a clockwise twist/tug as you suggested - there was no movement or wobble whatsoever. I also notice no rub marks on either tab.

Thanks,
Danny