35-70/4 ERROR! Pls advise

[dimi3]

Dear all. I`ve got R8 + 35-70/4 + 50/2 + 90/2.

Summicrons work well. Vario-Elmar also worked correctly. But some days ago

I`ve noticed that I can not focus this lens. If I stay at the distance of one

meter from the subject I have to focus the lens to infinity to see the sharp

picture. When I`m trying to shot a landscape from the window of my house -

everything is unsharp. May be somebody had such problems. Please advise what

shall I do. My friend, who repairs cameras told me that focusing ring/scale

might be disajusted. So, he proposed me to regulate it. However, I still

can`t beleive that such a thing could happen with almost new Leica glass.

[john_shriver]

Zoom lenses have at least two focus calibration points, one for infinity focus at the longest focal length, and one for infinity at the shortest focal length. Some set-screw has come loose, and something has rotated. Or worse, perhaps one of the cam followers has come loose.

 

I don't know how much this lens costs, but I'd suspect it's pricey, and worth getting professional repair. Zooms are much harder to work on than fixed focal length lenses. Particularly, if it is in warranty, let Leica do it.

[dstate1]

Is the macro ring set properly?

[jiri_rehorek1]

Hi,

I had exactly the same problem with my 35-70/4 couple years ago. The lens was less than 2 years old, bought new in 2003. One day I noticed I couldn't get the distant subjects in focus even with the focusing ring on infinity. It went to Leica for repair and has been working fine since then.

Good luck

 

Jiri

[dimi3]

Yes the macro is set properly. Otherwise, it would be impossible to change focal distances.

The problem is that the lens is not in warranty and I live in Ukraine, so it would be rather difficult to service my vario-elmar in Leica. Hope I will repair the lens in Ukraine.

[dimi3]

Thanks, Guys.

My technician fixed the problem with the focusing lens, I paid $15 for his work. And I feel happy that my VE is back.