Focus Ring Too Loose Problem or Not?

[RezaLoghme]

I’m looking at a lens for my Leica M system being offered by a reputable dealer (known for their M expertise). The lens is optically clean, but they mention that “the focus ring moves too easily.”

That gave me pause. I always thought a stiff or heavy focus ring was the bigger issue—signaling dried grease or internal wear. But now I’m wondering: can a focus ring that’s too loose be a problem as well?

Does it affect precision or make it easy to knock focus accidentally? Or is this more of a subjective thing—some people prefer more resistance, some less?

Would love to hear from other M users. How much does focus feel really matter in everyday shooting?

 

[ic-racer]

The lens needs to be serviced; the helicoid needs to be re-lubricated. Always the risk that there are other issues too. The amount of torque on the focus ring is not something random. For example the following is recommended in the M2 service manual:

 

[Dan Daniel]

It can not hold positions as you use it; the human hand is often vibrating in small ways, wavering a bit, so as you reframe or such, focus could shift. And then there are lenses that will shift focus while you are walking around, maybe drift to full extension, and this can make quick use in the field difficult as you aren't really sure where the ring will be when you lift it up.

I've had a couple of lenses that wouldn't hold position when released, 'too loose.' I didn't like it at all. One of those things that you don't notice until it is gone, how much you rely on a lens staying still when you don't aren't directly making it move.

It is 'subjective' of course. I have this issue in setting focus resistance on cameras like Rolleis and other TLRs. I imagine that Leica is a company that has precise measurements of focus ring resistance.

If the price is right and there is a return option, might be worth a try.