Sticky focusing, no more!

visiondr

cyclic iconoclast
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Mar 30, 2006
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Location
Portland, OR
Here's happy resolution to a problem that has dogged my Leica 50/2.8 Elmar (current) since I bought it. It has been plagued by sticky focusing when making precise, slow focusing movements. It would behave as if the helicoids were just a bit too tight. I tried the "work the lens focusing back and forth until the focusing loosens up" method. It didn't work.

It turns out the type of grease that Leica is using is to blame. They're using a teflon-based "grease" that, according to Don Goldberg, tends to lose its lubricating properties prematurely. Don just returned my lens having replaced said faulty grease with real grease and the results are perfect. The lens now focuses "like butter", as they say. I just thought this might be of help to some.

Ron
 
A valuable community service announcement. I got your PM, BTW. Thanks for the update. I'll certainly send my lens in for a lube job in the fall.

The current version Elmar is certainly a lovely lens to use. It's certainly worth keeping it in the best shape possible.

OT: how's the Biogon treating you?

D
 
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