Greetings, All:

I obtained my first Leica (via the mail) two days ago and it is wonderful. But the focus ring on the 35 f2 M lens does not rotate freely - it has a hitch at the 0.8 m mark. I find it difficult to imagine such a "peerless" product being designed this way but also difficult to imagine how such an obvious defect could pass inspection. Is this a bug or a feature?

Thank you.

Matt Sachs

-- Matt Sachs (mattsachs@attbi.com), April 03, 2002

Answers

Hello Matt, once it getīs exercised a bit it will vanish. If it gets more serious a tech should have a go. Hopefully under guarantee.

Best regards and good shooting with your new gear.

-- K. G. Wolf (k.g.wolf@web.de), April 03, 2002.

Matt, I had the same problem with my 35mm Lux Asph and I was pissed. But instead of send it back I came up with a solution that worked for me.

I moved the focusing tab back and forth from infinity to .7m about 50 times and it disapeared. It must have been a lubrication thing, or just needed some action. Whatever it was it works now without any problems.

-- Kristian (leicashot@hotmail.com), April 03, 2002.

Hello Matt.The helicoid focus grooves of my newer Asph. 35mm.are wider than the noticeably finer grooves of my early Summicron 35mm.lense.(Let alone those of a 60's Zeiss optic,assembled like a jewel with the finest of tolerances.)I am only guessing,but the newer Leica 35mm's may use a slightly heavier grease.My new 35mm. lense has lightened in focusing since new,but is by no means too "slippery".

-- Sheridan Zantis (albada60@hotmail.com), April 03, 2002.

Thank you. Clicking heels together 3 times (rather, 300 or so lock to lock movements) appears to be acieving my wish for smooth helical action.

Matt

-- Matt Sachs (mattsachs@attbi.com), April 03, 2002.

Hi Matt,

Funny thing. Had same experience. Problem and solution. Not to worry. This is a Father Knows Best lens. Entirely perfect.

Cheers,

Alex

-- Alex Shishin (shishin@pp.iij4-u.or.jp), April 03, 2002.