40mm Summicron-C

GeneW · 02-01-2004

I've always admired Leicas from the time I was a teenager, but never imagined I could afford one. But last year I came across a reasonable deal on a less-expensive Leica CL with 40mm Summicron-C lens. The camera was in great shape, including a working (and accurate) meter, and the lens is very rewarding to use. I love the CL's small size.

I was using it yesterday and really noticed for the first time how stiff the lens is to focus with the tab. Are all 40mm Crons a bit stiff? Just wondering...

Gene

SolaresLarrave · 02-01-2004

To me, it's a usage issue. The longer you use it the less stiff it'll become. It happens frequently and it's relatively normal... unless, of course, you have to make an effort with both hands to focus.

Do you?

That 40mm lens is a gem! I've only heard good things about it. It's the same focal length of the Canonet lens, and it's very versatile and flexible than a 50mm.

If you ever consider a second lens, get a wider angle. Leicas are great performers with wide-angle lenses. The long ones are too short for anything other than portrait, although they're not the stuff you sneeze at...

For how long have you had that setup?

GeneW · 02-01-2004

Francisco, I've had the camera now for about 10 months. I haven't used it as much as I'd like but I plan to carry it around more. I did indulge in a couple of CV lenses: a 90mm APO Lanthar and a 21mm Skopar. I like both, but my favourite lens is the Summicron.

I bought my CL from a pro who used a lot of M bodies and had the CL but never used it much. He was thinning out his collection. I'll keep it near me when I'm watching TV and stuff and keep moving the focus to see if it loosens up. It turns okay but becasue it's stiff, I can't turn it really quickly.

Gene

sobarel · 02-02-2004

I have the 40mm M-Rokkor that is derived from your lens, and it too is noticably ... well, I don't want to say stiff, but certainly well dampened. I guess they might tend to be this way because the lens is so small and the focus throw is very short - I've got used to it in any case.

GeneW · 02-02-2004

Thanks -- well dampened is a better description. I think you're right that this was intentional. I'll get used to it.

Gene

Doug · 02-02-2004

Another consideration in this colder season is that lube grease is typically stiffer when cold than when warm. I have heard it suggested that warming a lens that has not been used for a while can thin the lube a bit and help it spread around more, reducing that stiffness even when it cools back down.

"Warming" means like putting it in a sunlit window, for a temperature about like the hot water from your tap. Then work it some while warm. Of course not advised to put the lens in hot water, or the oven! :-)

My M-Rokkor 40 is not at all stiff, slightly easier to focus than my freshly-CLA'd old 35 Summicron.

GeneW · 02-02-2004

Hmmm. Microwaved Summicron!

Thanks for the tip, Doug. Once our Canadian weather warms up a bit and there's warm sun from the window again, I'll give this a try.

Gene