Focus noise normal on 17mm tilt shift lens?

I finally got around to trying out my TS-E 17mm tilt-shift lens and noticed there is a slight gearing or grinding noise when focusing (there is only manual focus). It's hard to describe but at first it sounded like grinding. Now after listening a bit more it could sound like the sound of teeth on the a rubber drive belt against a gear. I was playing with it in a quiet room tonight when I heard it. Granted today is the first day I've had a chance to take it out for a field test.

I listened to all my other lenses (I don't have any other manual-only-focus lenses) and didn't hear the same sound on any other lens.

If anyone else has this lens could you please comment?

I don't have the 17 - but the 24 mk2, and I can hear some sort of...light rubbing, and I think the way you describe it does fit.
Well, it's an alll metal (mostly) lens, and has complex mechanism insde. For me it sounds like expected for a mechanical lens. The focusing is not loose - rather sooth and well controlled, and might be why it makes that rubbing noise.
Set any other ef lens to manual and turn the focus ring back-and-forth
yes, there is some sort of noise, rubbing going on. On mines, does not sound like metal or sand grinding, and the movement remains constant and smooth, so I will assume is normal for this lens, as it seems each one has a "particula" sound

NWPhil wrote in post #14184874
I don't have the 17 - but the 24 mk2, and I can hear some sort of...light rubbing, and I think the way you describe it does fit.
Well, it's an alll metal (mostly) lens, and has complex mechanism insde. For me it sounds like expected for a mechanical lens. The focusing is not loose - rather sooth and well controlled, and might be why it makes that rubbing noise.
Set any other ef lens to manual and turn the focus ring back-and-forth
yes, there is some sort of noise, rubbing going on. On mines, does not sound like metal or sand grinding, and the movement remains constant and smooth, so I will assume is normal for this lens, as it seems each one has a "particula" sound

Thank you for the response. I did try put my other lenses into manual focus mode but they all sounded different. The only thing I heard was the rotation or rubbing noise. With the tilt shift lens I hear a very specific and unique click click click click albeit very quiet. It's like I can hear teeth on teeth. The feel is smooth however. The other thing I didn't realize is that on other lenses the focus ring spins infinitely. The tilt shift lens has finite rotational stops like on a steering wheel.

SunTsu wrote in post #14184970
The other thing I didn't realize is that on other lenses the focus ring spins infinitely. The tilt shift lens has finite rotational stops like on a steering wheel.

That means you're comparing it to USM lenses. USM lenses, from a MF PoV especially, are actually VERY simple - there is no gears of any kind. So it's probably a bad comparison to make with your tilt-shift lens, which would have more in common with cheap non-USM lenses.

phreeky wrote in post #14185273
That means you're comparing it to USM lenses. USM lenses, from a MF PoV especially, are actually VERY simple - there is no gears of any kind. So it's probably a bad comparison to make with your tilt-shift lens, which would have more in common with cheap non-USM lenses.

That makes sense. Thank you!

Mine does the same thing. It's hard to describe.

windpig wrote in post #14188798
Mine does the same thing. It's hard to describe.

Thank you for confirming that. It makes my OCD mind feel more at ease.

Besides all of the above... is it a new lens? If so, use it a little and then check again. If new it might be that things in the focus mechanism (probably a large, helical thread) aren't quite meshing perfectly but will improve with use. Also, lubrication on those mechanisms might not be thoroughly distributed yet, but will improve with use.

If it's a used lens, I'd be more concerned. Did something get into the focus mechanism? Some grit in there would likely cause less than smooth operation, too, that you'd feel while focusing.

I don't have the 17mm in particular (so it might differ), but have two TS-E lenses that I've used for some years not and neither one of them make any noise when focusing, are very smooth and nicely dampened, with no play at all.

Mine was new. I never noticed it, and I'm pretty tuned in to feel and noise. I think its something that will co away with use.

SunTsu wrote in post #14191183
Thank you for confirming that. It makes my OCD mind feel more at ease.

Hey in my opinion, after about $250, I expect things to be perfect. I think the 17mm qualifies here.

pyrojim wrote in post #14191466
Hey in my opinion, after about $250, I expect things to be perfect. I think the 17mm qualifies here.

Shirley you jest? I know, don't call you Shirley

windpig wrote in post #14191698
Shirley you jest? I know, don't call you Shirley

Haha.