[chrismiller]

I think the old manual lenses feel they way they do because you are turning well damped brass helicoils. Modern lenses are generally autofocus, and to provide fast focusing the least possible resistance is required when moving the focus groups. The latest lenses designed for mirrorless cameras actually move the focus group using electromagnets - you may of noticed Klaus complaining about Fuji lenses rattling when powered off - that's the focus group moving when not held in place.

 

Potentially lenses with focus by wire designs (Fuji, Sony, mft, Canon stm etc) could have great feeling focus rings. My X100t is okay, but not in the leage of my old pentax mf lenses.

 

Chris