I just bought the most beautiful piece of glass I have ever held. APO Summicron 1:2/90mm ASPH. But some how it just feels like the focus should be a tiny bit smoother. Is this typical? Will it loosen up after use? Thanks, Fred

-- Fred Argilagos (trgmail@snet.net), November 20, 2001

Answers

All the current 90's feel a bit stiff on the focus compared to the shorter focal length lenses. My 90 Elmarit is the same, and we have discussed this here before-your lens is normal. They do not seem to loosen up with use either. I wish my 90 had the same focus feel as my curent 50, which is just about perfect in that regard.

-- Andrew Schank (aschank@flash.net), November 20, 2001.

I had the 90mm APO for short time and thought it was stiff feeling to. Long story short, I own a 35mm Cron now and I feel that it is fairly stiff feeling also. Compared to older Leica Lenses down at my camera store. Because of this I think when I add a 50mm to the line up I'll buy a older lens.

-- Scott (scottevans@mediaone.net), November 20, 2001.

I at one time do not like the stiff feeling of the 90 APO. But after using it for a while, I like it stiff because when I have made a focus, the focus will always there even if I am holding the lens barrel - if the lens is too loose (like my Nikon 105 F2), I will need to focus the subject (even if it is not moving) from time to time.

-- tom tong (tom.tong@ckh.com.hk), November 20, 2001.

Fred,

I have the same lens, about 5 months old now. You imply your lens helical is both stiff and unsmooth, and ask if it will loosen. I presume (forgive me if I’m wrong) you mean the lens is stiff, not unsmooth. My 90 APO is fairly stiff too, but bery smooth stop-to- stop. If you do mean unsmooth, you should have it looked at. Loose and unsmooth is still unsmooth.

OTOH if it’s merely stiff, that, by my extensive sample of one, is normal. I use both my thumb & index finger to focus it – no way I can rack the focus with one finger. It focuses quickly (on my .85) and is crystal sharp in all light, all apertures. You can really count on it.

I wish it weren’t such a heavy bugger though.

Good luck,

-- Jeff Stuart (jstuart1@tampabay.rr.com), November 20, 2001.

Fred,

My 90 Apo is also pretty stiff but I have grown to like it and just like Tom Tong have found it to be an advantage. Also found when using the lens wide open close up as in taking portraits it's better to just move my head forward or backward to keep the eyes in focus rather than continually trying to adjust the focus on the lens.

A magnificent piece of glass and probaby one of the sharpest 35 mm lens available wide open and all the way down.

-- sam smith (Ruy_Lopez@hotmail.com), November 21, 2001.