Questions about Elmarit-M 90/2.8

[louisb]

I have just purchased this lens s/h from e-bay and I have a couple of questions, if other owners could give me some advice?

The lens is relatively new, looking at the serial number I would imagine some time in the last 5 years or so. It looks mint and the owner claimed it was hardly ever used. So, given the longevity of Leica products I am surprised at two problems I have with the lens.

The focus ring gets quite stiff between the 2 to 3 metre mark. Sometimes it is quite stiff but at others it is only marginally stiffer. I did notice on the few pictures I took that I was finding it hard to accurately move the focus ring at these distances.

The second concern is the inbuilt lens hood. It appears to have some play in it and while this does not affect its function I'm surprised, given Leica engineering tolerances that it is not a perfect fit. It is easy to feel the hood snag on the lens body as you pull and push it. Perhaps I am being a bit picky?

Anyway, not having any previous experience with this lens, are these common 'features' or do I have a problem purchase?

TIA

LouisB

 

[Monz]

Hi LouisB,
I have the same lens (serial 3622etc). On mine, the hood is a bit loose but it stays put when the camera is pointed upwards. The focus ring is uniformly "firm" throughout it's travel. The aperture ring feels looser than the focus ring.
--
Monz

 

[x-ray]

My apo asph 90 summicron had a very uneven focusing problem where it would "pinch" in places and make it hard to accurately focus. Also the hood slides back and forth on it's own. I sent the lens to DAG and had it relubed with a heavier grease. Don said this is the only reasonable fix. I didn't have the hood fixed at that time but should have. Unfortunately I don't think Leica is building lenses nearly as well as they used to. I've had three modern M Leica lenses develope mount problems now and my 50 asph summilux is starting to focus rough. I'm not very pleased with leicas quality in their lenses particularly given the price.

 

[Bill Blackwell]

I have this lens as well. The hood, as I recall is not unreasonably loose and the focusing is smooth and even. The issue you're having is likely due to the fact it has been sitting unused for so long.

The fix is an easy one and can be performed by any reliable Leica technician.

 

[35mmdelux]

Mine was 10 yrs old and I experienced no problems whatsoever. I traded it for the Summicron 90. I thought the Elmarit-M was an excellent and sharp lens so I bought another one here on RFF this week (chrome #377XX).

For time being I'll have the 90 Cron, 90 Elmarit-M, and M-Rokkor. I'll sort it out later.