I finally got my dream lens, which I had wanted for years. The legendary Summilux 75/1.4.

But the first thing I noticed is that while the focusing ring is smooth, it is too hard to move. It takes too much force to move it. I am comparing it with my two other lenses the 35/1.4 Summilux Asph and the 50/2 Summicron. On those two it is nice and loose but not too loose and nicely damped.

This one is just to stiff.

What to do? Is this normal? Will it get looser with time? Can I adjust it? Or will I have to send it back?

Thanks in advance.

-- Sol Campbell (solcam31@hotmail.com), September 08, 2000

Answers

I don't have the 75, but a current 90, and it is also a bit stiffer than I would like. I read at the LUG site a few other comments about the tightness of focus of some of the current teles. Your lens is probably fine, and you'll get used to it like I did.

-- Andrew Schank (aschank@flash.net), September 09, 2000.

Sol,

In 1994 "Popular Photography" magazine had a detailed review of the M6 and three lenses... The 35, 50 and 75mm Summiluxs. Their narrative on the construction / handling stated the fact that the 75 was harder to operate then the other two because of a tight focusing ring. Although the is a single event, it seems to be brought up in various forums, so it might not be unique to that one sample.

In my case, not owning a 75, my 90mm Elmarit M is tight also. While optically outstanding, the 35 and 50 Summicrons are so much more of a joy to use, that the 90 is almost never on my camera... A shame because it is a great lens.

Al

-- Al Smith (smith58@msn.com), September 09, 2000.

My 75/1.4 is the same way, even before it went back for service recently for a focus related repair. I just checked it, and it is the tightest of all the lenses I own. I don't yet have the 90/2. I do own an old '59 Elmarit 90/2.8 which isn't as tight by a long shot (sure is neat old lens, though!)

-- Tony Rowlett (rowlett@mail.com), September 09, 2000.

Now why I mentioned the 90/2 when it was the Elmarit that was mentioned and when I don't even own the puppy, I have no idea. It's too many developer fumes from my print session today, that's it. :-)

-- Tony Rowlett (rowlett@mail.com), September 09, 2000.

I had the same experience when I first received mine. But after regular use, the focus feel improved. The 75 Summilux is a bit difficult to use at first compared with other Leica M lenses. But once you know how to handle it, this is simply the best M lens, IMHO. The best thing to do is to use the lens!

Hope this helps.

-- Cing-Dao Kan (cdkan@hotmail.com), September 10, 2000.

Thanks to all! I feel much better now. I guess I will get used to it. Or maybe I should work out more and build up my finger muscles :)

-- Sol Campbell (solcam31@hotmail.com), September 10, 2000.

My Leica salesman ventured the guess that all tele Leica/Leitz M glass has stiff focusing to improve focusing accuracy. Something about not hunting for the focus point.

-- Mani Sitaraman (bindumani@pacific.net.sg), September 11, 2000.