Problem with my Summilux-M 75/1.4?

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

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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.

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This one is just to stiff.

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

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Thanks in advance.

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.

Sol,

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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.

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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.

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Al

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!)

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. :-)

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!

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Hope this helps.

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 :)

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.