I have a Noctilux M #356xxx. When turning the focus ring, I feel a small amount of 'play'. If I grasp the lens by its front, I can move the front of the lens back and forth a very small amount. I assume this is not normal. Does anyone know why this might happen? What's the fix, if there is one?

Thanks!

-- Steve Barrett (shoutbamalama@cs.com), February 23, 2002

Answers

My correct email address is: shoutbamalama@hotmail.com

-- Steve Barrett (shoutbamalama@hotmail.com), February 23, 2002.

I don't know anything about the noctilux, but that's a hell of an email address!

-- rob (rob@robertappleby.com), February 23, 2002.

It's an Otis Redding song: Shout Bama Lama...

-- Steve (shoutbamalama@hotmail.com), February 23, 2002.

I have a bit of the rocking (in the focus helicoil) in mine (#2749xxx) but none of the play. The rocking does not seem to affect the lens performance, it focuses accurately at 2 meters at f/1.

Hope this helps.

-- Tom Bryant (boffin@gis.net), February 23, 2002.

I have an older Canadian Leitz Noctilux (29xxxxx). The focussing is very smooth, no play, and there is no rocking of the front of the lens. I'm not sure what that is, It's something I haven't seen. Occasionally, however, Leica lenses do have a little play in the focussing or aperture setting rings, which I don't think is of any consequence. The best thing is probably to contact Leica USA or an expert repair service (eg., DAG in Wisconsin) and just ask the question. I'm sure they would be happy to tell you if it is something that needs to be looked at or not.

-- Eliot (erosen@lij.edu), February 23, 2002.

Call Leica repair & ask. Their number is 800.222.0228, ext. 217. You'll get either Brenda or Ernie--both are quite competent & have seen it all. Good luck!

-- Patrick (pg@patrickgarner.com), February 23, 2002.

There's a very neglible about of play in my aperture ring, but nothing that I would have noticed on my own.

On the other hand, I find that the lens (newly acquire, #392xxx) is a bit stiff to focus. The ring is definitely tighter that either my 50 or 35 Summicron. Is this par for the course?

-- JM Woo (wooismyid@deletethispart.yahoo.com), February 24, 2002.

I'm curious if your Noctilux #39xx was manufactured in Germany or Canada. I've read production of the Noctilux is now in Germany.

The focus ring on my Noctilux isn't especially harder to turn compared with my 50/35mm Summicrons

-- steve (shoutbamalama@hotmail.com), February 24, 2002.