Uneven focus feeling with 28/2.8 ASPH and VC 15/4.5

[nephilim]

Hi,

I'm just wondering whether this should worry me or not... I've finally completed (for now) my Leica setup, consisting of an M7, 50/1.4 ASPH, 90/2 APO-ASPH (all used), an 28/2.8 ASPH and a Voigländer 15/4.5 ASPH (both new). The 90/2 was showing a consistent back-focus and the 50/1.4 focus ring needed too much torque to start turning, so I sent the whole bunch to Leica (except the VC). The 50 feels much better now - still on the stiff side but much easier to control. I'm still waiting for the lab to see the results of the 90/2. However, today the VC arrived and one of the first things I noticed was a kind of latching close to the infinity setting accompanied by a slight "click" sound. Maybe it's just a kind of smacking due too much grease, but half way between inifinty and 3m there is a position around which a bit more torque is needed. This also happens with the lens alone. Well, it's not a Leica, so I could accept this but would like to hear your experience though.

Speaking of "not a Leica"... while testing whether it was an issue of the lens or the body, I also checked the 28/2.8: no issues at infinity but also an increased resistance at 0.9m.

I admit, I'm a bit paranoid when it comes to new & expensive gear but could you please check your 28 Elmarit ASPH whether it also exhibits that behaviour?

Cheers,
Torsten

 

[fbf]

I have noticed the same "problem" on multiple lenses I own/owned including Leica, Zeiss,CV, etc.. you name it. It could be adjusted by experienced tech like DAG.

 

[Particular]

My 28/2.8 ASPH focusses smoothly all the way through, but it is very slightly stiffer returning from the 0.7 position. I never notice this during use. Especially with the new lenses it is likely that they need to be broken in a bit. The older lenses may also have been sitting on a shelf for a while before you got them.
I wouldn't worry too much unless it is distracting while shooting. The 28 is a really awesome lens btw.

 

[J J Kapsberger]

My 28 Elmarit-M Asph is the smoothest lens in my stable. Like butter across the entire range. It has a relatively simply construction, unlike the 50 Summilux Asph's floating element setup, so it should focus smoothly. Maybe your copy, which is still rather new, needs to be worked in a bit.

 

[nephilim]

Ok, that sounds reasonable. Yes, the 28's focus ring is the smoothest of all my M-lenses. I've been sitting here and turning the ring for the past 20 minutes (that's what I call silly!) and agree with CNNY: it's relatively stiff starting at 0.7 until ca. 1m; after that it's just wonderful. So it has no floating elements like the 50? I better concentrate on using the lenses than inspecting them carefully!

Thanks for your replies.

 

[J J Kapsberger]

So it has no floating elements like the 50?

No floating element.

It's a great lens. I'm always pleased by what it delivers.