The 85L does not use a traditional focusing mechanism that you are used to. In most lenses, when you twist the focus ring, that turns the focus barrel assembly, which moves the internal elements. The focus ring, and focus barrel assembly are mechanically linked together. This is why you feel some resistance when focusing most lenses. The 85L uses a "focus by wire" mechanism. The focus ring is NOT mechanically linked to the focus assembly. The focusing is actually done by an internal electric motor. Turning the focus rings, simply sends electronic signals to the focus motor, which in turn moves the focusing elements. Because the focusing mechanism is done electronically, if the camera is off, then turning the focus ring will do nothing.
Since you don't have your camera with you, you should also be prepared for another "surprise" that many new 85L owners arent aware of. If you mount the lens, turn the camera on, and then turn the focus ring, nothing will happen. You may think it is broken, but actually it isn't. If your camera is setup for the default focus/metering, when you half press your shutter button, the camera will focus. So, to manually focus with the 85L, you have to half press the shutter button, hold it down, and move the focus ring to manually focus.
However, if you use Custom Function 4, to seperate your AF from the shutter button and move it to the AF-On button, then you can turn the focus ring at anytime, and the lens will move the focus assembly. You don't have to half press & hold the shutter button.
Many people don't like the "focus by wire" assembly on the 85L. I'm convinced that it is a necessity. Because the DOF at f/1.2 is incredibly small, the focus mechanism must be able to focus at very fine intervals. You will see that the focus by wire design on the 85L allows some very precise focusing ability, which I feel is necessary to accurately place the DOF when using the 85L
