I just bought a 200 f4 AI lens. The focus ring is just a "little bit" hard that make me feel focus is not that easy. But it is still smooth. Is there a way I can losen it a little bit?
BTW, I don't have time to test this lens in a good day light yet. But so far tried it at home, it seems not as contrasty as other good lenses.
If you feel confident taking it apart, older AI/S lenses are simple. Mostly because there are no ribbons to worry about breaking you just have to be slow and make sure you don't lose the tiny screws.
I've bought a few AI lenses before and I've taken them apart to clean out years of dirt that made focusing a pain. Could be what's causing your issue.
Eric, sometimes the focus rings stiffen up some for lack of use. By just using it it may indeed loosen in time, I would go this route first. As far as the contrast goes, you can adjust contrast in post fairly easy.