[Leica] Re: rd-1 tests - 50mm Summilux and stiff lenses

[phong at doan-ltd.com (Phong)]

John Collier wrote:
> I hate to say this but the problem was not with the RD1. My new 50 
> Summilux Asph also had a stiff focusing action (only in one direction!) 
> such that it back at Leica right now. It was at times also difficult to 
> focus on an M body.

John,

Thanks for this and your previous candid report
on the the lens.  I really am excited about this
new 50mm Summilux, and am saving money
for it.   Look for my own report in 3 to 5 years.
 :-)

Speaking of smooth focusing ( important for me),
my long lenses  tend to be stiffer than my wider
lenses.  My 35mm Apsh (the titanium version,
not sure if this has anything to do wth anything) is
smoothest, my 50mm Summicron is close.
All the 90mm I have had were stiffer, as is the
75mm.  WIth the 50mm I can just slide
one finger over the barrel and still focus with great
accuracy.  (I probably could with the 35mm too 
if its focusing ring is wider and ribbed.)

Is it a general trend, or sample variations ?

- Phong