Re: focus stiffness (was [Leica] Black Hole?)

["Mxsmanic" <mxsmanic@hotmail.com>]

This reminds me a bit of the very slight play I've noticed in the aperture ring
of my 90mm Summicron APO.  The Leica place confirmed that it has just a tad more
play than average (perhaps twice as much).  I can get it adjusted under warranty
for two years, so I'm thinking about it.

However, the real purpose of the lens is to get nice pictures.  This 90mm lens
is perfect, as far as I can tell.  Adjusting the lens would require sending it
back to Germany and taking it apart.  How would they take it apart and guarantee
not so much as a dust speck on any of the elements?  What if they disturb the
optics while fixing it?  I'd end up with a tight aperture ring, and a blurred
image.  This is why I am leaning towards doing nothing.  If it really bothers
me, one day I'll buy another identical lens, and after checking it for at least
equivalent optical quality, I'll sell this one, making it necessary only to pay
the difference.  But I don't know if it will ever bother me that much.

I am _extremely_ wary of all service organizations, even those associated with
Leica.  Most service organizations are staffed by second- or third-rate
technicians, or worse, who have only a vague idea how to fix anything, and are
expected to fix everything.  Nothing ever comes back "like new."

- ----- Original Message -----
From: "Griffith, Lucian" <griffil1@anz.com>
To: "Leica users group (E-mail)" <leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us>
Sent: Wednesday, June 27, 2001 02:50
Subject: focus stiffness (was [Leica] Black Hole?)


> "Zeissler, Mitch" wrote
>
> > It's a very early version of the f/1.0 [1975 serial: 2749xxx].  It has
> > the stiffest focusing I've ever encountered with any lens from any
> > manufacturer.  I thought it would loosen up with use, but it did not.  I
> > was willing to live with it until I made the mistake of attending the
> > Leica Day they had here last fall, when I played with other lenses that
> > focusing buttery smooth.
>
> I've experienced a stiffness in the focussing of my Tri-Elmar, which I find
> annoying (especially compared to the smoothness of my other lenses).  Is
> this something I should be concerned about?  How stiff is too stiff?  Is
> stiffness in the focussing something that can be fixed with the judicious
> application of some de-stiffener (for lack of an appropriate term) or does
> it require something more dramatic?  ie. should I bring the lens in to
> someone to be de-stiffed or not?  Any opinions on this greatly appreciated.
>
> cheers,
> Lucian G.
>
> >
>