UPDATE:
I did take the lens back and it turned out once I mentioned a possible stuck diaphram, the gent in the store immediately looked at me and said, "Oh, dude, there's oil all over the blades! Oh, I'm really sorry that we sold you this..." yadda yadda. So there! My technique survives! Here I was thinking I was absolutely batty. Marcel, you hit the nail on the head
I ended up walking out with a 40mm 2.8 instead. A bit more money, but I so far am enjoying it. Time will tell.
Thanks for your help everyone. Always check the blades and the sticky diaphragm!
I did take the lens back and it turned out once I mentioned a possible stuck diaphram, the gent in the store immediately looked at me and said, "Oh, dude, there's oil all over the blades! Oh, I'm really sorry that we sold you this..." yadda yadda. So there! My technique survives! Here I was thinking I was absolutely batty. Marcel, you hit the nail on the head
I ended up walking out with a 40mm 2.8 instead. A bit more money, but I so far am enjoying it. Time will tell.
Thanks for your help everyone. Always check the blades and the sticky diaphragm!