Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2003/03/15
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]I think I gave a measured response but perhaps Jerry is right in that I should have gone further. Stiff spots in the focusing helical is not unusual and can have several causes depending on the lens in question and the age of that lens. Now the lens was described as a chrome 35/1.4 M lens. This leaves a great deal to the imagination as it could be an early 35/1.4 from the sixties, a custom one from the seventies (yes Leitz did do custom work for those who asked and were willing to pay) or it could be a chrome version of the 35/1.4 Asph. I think we can safely leave out the middle option which leaves an old lens or a new one. The chrome 35/1.4 lens came with a metal focusing tab so this leaves out the common 35/1.4 problem of a breaking plastic focusing tab which can result in the tab retaining screws jamming up the works. Also this is seldom described as a "slight hitch" as the focusing jams solid. So it may be a lubrication problem with some old grease soap residue gumming up the works. As the focusing helical is constructed to be to a large extent self lubricating, and, as it is not under any particular tension, I think it would be safe to work the helical back and forth to see if the grease can be remixed. It certainly will not cause any harm. If it is a 35/1.4 Asph in chrome finish, then it most likely the hitch is caused by an impact or, again, a grease problem. I have not heard of any problems with the tab screws backing out with the 35/1.4A as I have heard with the 50/2 and 35/2. This does not rule out the possibility but does make it less likely. Again, if this was the case. this would seldom be described as a "slight hitch" as the metal to metal contact (and not with two surfaces that were once machined to mate) usually has a horrible grinding feel to it. It is however not unusual for the 35/1.4A with its big hood to get a significant side impact in the course of our heated photographic wrestling with truth and justice. This dents the brass helical and creates a tight spot. There is no grinding of unhappy bedfellows nor any knocking about of parts at loose ends. Just a slight tight spot, a slight, dare I say, hitch in the focusing travel. Working it back and forth is unlikely to both improve or worsen the situation. So this brings us back to grease problems which are not as unusual as I would like to report. Certain lenses actually seem to rather have a difficult time with lubrication. I have had, and have heard of many other, lenses which improved greatly or, dare I say, were fixed, by a little time spent moving the focusing ring back and forth. My 90/2AA was such a lens and this is not an uncommon occurrence in Leicadom. Back to whatever it was we were originally talking about leaves me thinking that the slight hitch is most likely caused a previous side impact if it the lens in question is the 35/1.4A; and, by grease separation, if it is a chrome 35/1.4. In either case a bit of back and forth will do no more harm and might jolly well fix it. It is worth a try. However I agree with Jerry, in that the human capacity for understatement should have had me add the proviso that if it is a nasty grinding grating sort of slight hitch, you should bundle it off to your LLRPOM (Local Leica Repair Person of Merit) right away. John Collier PS: My 35/1.4A, not chrome mind you, developed just such a slight hitch. Undoubtedly due to my enthusiasm during a moment of photographic debauchery of which all memory has faded. I moved it back and forth for the requisite period of time to no avail -- no difference at all actually -- and finally sent in in to be repaired. The cost was the, by Leica standards, modest amount I alluded to in my earlier post. PPS: I do hope this post is more to your satisfaction Jerry. I do endeavor to please. Please do continue to expand upon any posts I make. I live I learn. PPPS: It would be nice if the "rabid dog who has taken a sudden dislike to ones taste in clothes" manner that so often flavors your corrections to me could be softened somewhat. Something a tad more congenial perhaps? On Saturday, March 15, 2003, at 11:28 AM, Jerry Lehrer wrote: > Right, move it back and forth by working the focusing mechanism > throughout the "stick/hitch" area. This ensures that the chips will > fall > in the focus helix which will be cleaned when you send it to a repair > technician. > > Technicians just love working on cameras that have been "home > repaired" and given up on. They can justifiably charge more. > > I know some who will just return the camera in the same bits and > pieces in which it came, with a polite refusal to do any work on it. > > > John Collier wrote: > >> Spend an half an hour moving it back and forth. It may help. Other >> than >> that you can either live with it or send it in for repair. The repair >> should not be expensive by Leica standards. >> >> John Collier >> >> On Friday, March 14, 2003, at 11:58 PM, leica-user@ispwest.com wrote: >> >>> I recently bought a 35f1.4 Crome M, however it has a slight >>> stick/hitch on the focus barrel. >>> What should I do...is there a home remedy I can perform or do I have >>> to give it back. Sad >>> to say it was not under the lucrative Passport warranty so...help!!! - -- To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html