the unofficial Cosina-Voigtlander User Community

Hi.<br /><br />I am new to the forums today, having just picked up a 180mm SL lens for use with my Nikon FM3a.<br /><br />I haven&#039;t developed anything off the lens yet, so I have nothing to say about images, but the lens is really well built.&nbsp; <br /><br />Now, to the main reason for this post:<br /><br />If I rotate the lens left or right along is axis I can hear a quite distinct sound from inside, from near the mounting end. <br /><br />I&#039;m hoping that this is normal (some sleeve, collar or bearing inside that does in fact rotate). <br /><br />However, before I do any damage I wanted to check with another SL 180 user to see if this is a normal sound for the lens or not, in case there is something loose inside that might cause some damage. <br /><br />Anyway, any feedback would be most appreciated.<br />Yours,<br />Banjo<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />

I don&#039;t have the 180SL but a few months ago borrowed one for a couple of days to use on my (now sold) FM3a. I don&#039;t remember any such sound...<br /><br />My (LTM-mount) 75 heliar started making a similar sound recently and I&#039;ve sent it in to the shop to be safe.

<br />Thanks for the reply. <br /><br />FYI, I think that the lens is actually OK. <br /><br />I asked the guys in Robert White in the UK about this. They had no 180mm SL in stock but they did go to the trouble to find another one and check it out for me. The 180mm SL lens they checked made a little noise too, when rotated. They also checked a 90mm lens and it was similar. <br /><br />So, I&#039;m guessing that the sound is normal, probably&nbsp; made by some bearings rolling inside the lenses.&nbsp; Panic over. <br /><br />Thanks and regards,<br />Kieran<br /><br /><br /><br />

My beloved SL mount M42 Color-Heliar 75mm also makes a slight rattle and sometimes a slight clank when shaken gently. I dont know what is moving but I am hoping it isnt a lens element.

My Ultron 40mm also makes a slight rattle - not as pronounced though. I am away from home at the moment so I can't test my Apo Lanthar 90mm...

I do wonder if it is something to worry about. My Heliar is my favourite lens, chiefly for its bokeh performance...