ZM 50mm Planar - focus smoothness/sound

[Meleica]

I just bought a NEW ZM planar and when turning the focus ring, I can hear a faint metal noise - not grit or anything, but a very faint ping-ing for a lack of a better description - others hear this ? The focus is smooth, but does eminate a faint, odd sound...almost like tiny springs bending ???

Funny, since I thought emulating Leica's buttery smooth focusing would be easy and important to pull buyers from Leica lenses

Dan

 

[jgeenen]

My ZM Planar 50mm is turning both smooth and quiet. Seems to me that your sample has some dirt between barrel and focussing ring. If it does not disappear by itself, go for a replacement.

Just checked again - it is not quiet. It produces the same sound (with a little bit higher pitch) as my Summicron 90mm.

 

[Meleica]

Johannes,

I am not clear.... Your Planar ZM also has this faint sound when slowly moving the focusing ring ?

thanks
Dan

 

[Rafael]

My Planar does not make that sound. The focus is very smooth. If yours is brand new, I would probably think about exchanging it. Good luck.

 

[Meleica]

the focus is smooth, its just if you put your ear close, I can hear something.....its not grit in the helical, its more like a mechanical linkage type of sound

 

[Huck Finn]

My ZM 35 Biogon makes no sound. Send your Planar back.

 

[back alley]

you should hear my universal remote control for my home theatre...loud whining...but my lenses are quiet, completely.

 

[Nachkebia]

Mine also makes sound, and thats called wobble or something 😀

 

[matthyx]

Check if it doesn't come from the rangefinder itself... I have got a slight coupling noise when using my Planar on the Bessa T.
I would try to turn the ring without the camera to see if it really comes from the lens.

I hope this helps.