Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2001/06/27
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]In a message dated 6/27/01 4:59:07 AM Eastern Daylight Time, mxsmanic@hotmail.com writes: << This reminds me a bit of the very slight play I've noticed in the aperture ring of my 90mm Summicron APO. The Leica place confirmed that it has just a tad more play than average (perhaps twice as much). I can get it adjusted under warranty for two years, so I'm thinking about it.> Hello mxsmanic: I don't mean to quibble but <twice as much play as average> doesn't sound like <very slight play>. But that's not why I write. << However, the real purpose of the lens is to get nice pictures. This 90mm lens is perfect, as far as I can tell. Adjusting the lens would require sending it back to Germany and taking it apart. How would they take it apart and guarantee not so much as a dust speck on any of the elements? What if they disturb the optics while fixing it? I'd end up with a tight aperture ring, and a blurred image. This is why I am leaning towards doing nothing. >> Here's why. There is a third choice: when I read your post and thought back to the fairly frequent posts on problems with Leica equipment still under passport warranty and the difficulties many are having with service from Leica/Northvale and Solms, I telephoned John Van Stelten who runs The Focal Point independent Leica service and told him of your problem and similar reports of aperture rings and focussing helixes that were either too stiff or too loose. Obviously he cannot predict exactly what is causing a particular problem nor estimate a cost to fix without examining the lens. His guesstimate, barring some serious defect in component or assembly, would be a cost of a $90. - $100. And like the other well-known and reputable independent Leica service people, he will give a client an estimate and if it is not acceptable, the only cost will be return shipping. I have not had occasion to use John but I have heard nothing but good reports about him from friends in LHSA. From those reports, I do not believe one should have any concern about dust within the lens or badly assembled lens elements or other components. His e-mail address is: John@focalpointlens.com and tel # is 303-665-6640. On the other hand, as several of our friends here have written, if it ain't broke, just go forth and take pictures! Seth LaK 9