Stiff focusing Ring

[CharlesBoyer]

I am new this site and I could use some sound advice. I just bought my first Leica Body (M6) this June. I was pumped to get out and start shooting, so my search for a lens began in haste. I purchased an older Simmilux 1.4 lens from Ebay. Initially, when I read the description, all looked well. Several days later I looked back at the auction page to bask in the glow of my winning bid. Unfortunately, that is when I noticed the Seller had added, obviously a late addition, that the focusing ring was a little stiff. :bang: DOH!! I was bidding on what I thought was a little gem.

Is there any way to loosen the focusing ring? Oil, WD-40, Dismantle? I know, some of you are probably shrieking as you read this. I would never dismantle or add WD-40 to my APO-SYMMAR 240mm Schneider lens. So I understand what some of you are thinking. However, it never hurts to ask and I figure there is at least one lens guru on this site. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

 

[hans voralberg]

Depends, some lens described as a little stiff are still very useable. If you find it too stiff, send it to CLA, or lub it yourself with litihium grease. Justin Low (here on RFF) has a guide on CLA the Summi IIRC

 

[CharlesBoyer]

What is CLA?

 

[xayraa33]

keep WD 40 away from any photo gear.

 

[hans voralberg]

CLA = clean lubricate adjust, basically camera service. Since you're in the US, try this http://www.sherrykrauter.com/

 

[mike kim]

I had a Rigid Summicron with a stiff focusing ring. Not to the point of being unusable, but it was kinda jerky. However, after using it for a couple of months, it became pretty smooth.

 

[CharlesBoyer]

I had a Rigid Summicron with a stiff focusing ring. Not to the point of being unusable, but it was kinda jerky. However, after using it for a couple of months, it became pretty smooth.

Thanks. For now I'll try your method. If that doesn't work then I will have it serviced.
Thanks for the explanation and info Hans.