ZM 35/2 stiff focusing ring

[EdwardKaraa]

My new 35/2 focusing ring is silky smooth in the horizontal position but becomes quite stiff in the vertical position, as used on the M6. Any idea why and if this is normal? It doesn't really make sense to me since the lens is round, so there should be no difference 😀 Or could the problem be in the camera body? I am new to RF so please forgive my ignorance.

 

[capito]

Your problem is new to me, but my Planar is also quite stiff, especially in cold weather.

 

[MCTuomey]

Ed, i had similar focus ring issues on two ZMs, the 35/2 and the 50/2. Early on I thought that use would take care of the stiffness (and focus ring play in my case), but no. I ended up sending the lenses in for relubing and adjustment via Richard Schleuning (Zeiss US). Came back just right. My understanding, unverified, is there may be a lubricant problem (too much/too little/wrong type).

 

[EdwardKaraa]

Thanks Mike! I will try to use it for a while and have it serviced later on if the problem becomes worse. At the moment it is just slightly annoying but nothing serious.

 

[santela]

I have the same problem. when u tilt the lens in different angles and positions the focus ring will have some different plays on it. Doesn't bother me in actual shooting tho.

 

[EdwardKaraa]

Yes, it is just a minor annoyance, but of course, I would have been much happier if the ring was as smooth in the vertical position as it is in the horizontal. But, well, nothing is perfect in this world 🙂