50/2,8 Elmar m-mount focus too easy?

rich815 · 06-22-2005

Hello all,

I just recently purchases a very nice m-mount 50/2,8 Elmar. Not the latest version but it is the m-mount one, I think from the 60's or 70's. The focus is so smooth and easy that I cannot change the aperture without also moving the focus along with it---not just a little bit but completely. If I go to change aperture the focus moves completely and the aperture cannot change unless I hold the focus knob or set focus within the infinity lock. I have an older 50/2 Summitar LTM that has similar structure in terms of it being collapsible and having the aperture ring and focusing similar in style yet the Summitar's focus, while not stiff, is at least not so fluid as it does allow me to change the aperture without moving the focus. The Elmar is in perfect condition otherwise with crystal clear glass yet for street photography I find this a little frustrating to have to hold the focusing ring if I want to change the aperture. Is this normal for this lens? Is this something someone like Sherry at Golden Touch can adjust to allow aperture changes without the focus ring moving too?

Please, no suggestions for another lens like a Summicron, I'm not looking to debate different lenses here, I just want to focus this discussion on the issue described.

Thank you.

zeos 386sx · 06-22-2005

Why not just email Sherry Krauter at Golden Touch or Don Goldberg at DAG and explain your problem. Either of them probably has a way to fix it.

thpook · 06-23-2005

My elmar is from '58, and it's the same. I've gotten used to it, so I don't really notice anymore. When I bought mine, they had three elmars to choose from, and all of them were the same, so I think it's pretty normal.

John Robertson · 10-05-2005

My Canon 135 lens is the same, annoys the hell out of me when I am metering!!!

richard_l · 10-05-2005

That's typical for the Elmar. As was suggested, I would ask DAG or Sherry if they can do anything about it. Leica was aware of the problem and redesigned the latest version so that it won't do that.

Richard

LazyHammock · 10-05-2005

I have a ~1965 Elmar 50/2.8 and have the same issue. I am used to it now - I tend to select my aperture before I unlock the lens. You'll get used to it, it is a great lens!
Nick

SolaresLarrave · 10-05-2005

Well... I got used to the focusing in my Hexanon 35/2 getting a bit swift. It's probably use. I'd consider it a good thing. Stiff focusing is not pleasant.

tajart · 10-05-2005

i just had my ltm 50/2.8 elmar cleaned and it is a slippery little devil.

EsaS · 10-05-2005

Hi
I had same the same problem with my collapsible summicron. I had it cleaned and adjusted and it is fine now. Maybe could be done on Elmar, too?
ICheers, Esa

Hektor · 10-06-2005

The solution is simple. The lens requires re-lubrication. The problem is caused by the original lubricants drying out. Unfortunately as the grease dries and shrinks the aperture ring goes stiff and the focussing goes loose. Provided no serious wear has occured (unlikely), cleaning and re-luberication will be a complete solution. Google CRR Luton in UK. Oleg or Sherry Krauter in US. Or of course Leica Camera themselves.