zeiss 25mm ZF focus problems

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Archive 2008 · zeiss 25mm ZF focus problems

funair
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p.1 #1 · zeiss 25mm ZF focus problems

i recently bought this lens and tried it on my 1dsmk3 using a fotodiox adapter but it focused past infinity sooo thinking it was the adapter i ordered a happyjack focus confirm adapter. i got it today and tried the lens on my 1dsmk3 and it stilled focused way past infinity. anyone have the same experience? did you come up with a solution?

i can still return it to b&h but i would love to make this lens work

thanks for any input

mike

May 12, 2008 at 07:21 PM

shiwan
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p.1 #2 · zeiss 25mm ZF focus problems

Try a Novoflex adapter, or a Kindai adapter, which is based on the Novoflex design. Expensive, but it's simply superb. (I use the Novoflex adapters.) If that's too pricey for you, try getting a bunch of cheaper adapters from several different sources, as to get different machining thicknesses.

Also, try walking into a camera store and ask to demo a D300 or D3, and give it a test on that, with your own CF card.

May 12, 2008 at 09:00 PM

Conner999
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p.1 #3 · zeiss 25mm ZF focus problems

Most of the vendors 'guarantee infinity focus' by machining the adapters a hair thin - hence your issue.

If you take the adapter apart (they are in two sections screwed together) and insert a layer of tape - metallic duct tape is good (0.001" thick) evenly around the flange where they join (no overlap) and reassemble you'll have effectively made the adapter 0.001" thicker. Try it and if it doesn't work, go another layer.

WARNING - use the right sized Phillips and make sure you have it securely fitted in the screw head and use FIRM pressure when first loosening them. The heads are soft and strip EASILY. Maybe practice on a crap adapter first. Once happy with the shimming, a drop of blue loctite (moderate strength) is an option as well.

May 12, 2008 at 10:16 PM

funair
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p.1 #4 · zeiss 25mm ZF focus problems

thanks very much i will give the shimming a try .

it is not that those adapters are to expensive.(after what we pay for german glass?) i like the focus confirm that happyjack offers.

this fourm is really great and i appreciate all the input i have received.

May 13, 2008 at 12:23 AM

John Black
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p.1 #5 · zeiss 25mm ZF focus problems

FYI - A HappyPageHK Nikon/EOS adapter on the 50/2 ZF -

This image is copyrighted by the owner

May 13, 2008 at 06:43 AM

edwardkaraa
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p.1 #6 · zeiss 25mm ZF focus problems

May 13, 2008 at 07:11 AM

David Clapp
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p.1 #7 · zeiss 25mm ZF focus problems

My contax adapters are all one piece, I would really like to shim the thickness as I experience the same problem on the 28mm f2, but it isnt going to happen, any options for doing this with a 1 piece adapter?

May 13, 2008 at 07:50 AM

funair
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p.1 #8 · zeiss 25mm ZF focus problems

Just finnished shimming and testing the lens and the focus is spot on. i used gaffers tape one strip thick. now the focus confirm dosen't work anymore but i can live with that if i have to. any ideas?

Edited on May 13, 2008 at 05:30 PM

May 13, 2008 at 05:27 PM

cogitech
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p.1 #9 · zeiss 25mm ZF focus problems

David Clapp wrote:
My contax adapters are all one piece, I would really like to shim the thickness as I experience the same problem on the 28mm f2, but it isnt going to happen, any options for doing this with a 1 piece adapter?

Try compressing the flanges on the Contax side of the adapter (there are slits in the flanges that have likely been spread open a bit to ensure a snug fit on the lens). Once you compress these flanges, you should free up enough "wobble space" between the adapter and the lens to insert some shimming material. Try some sort of tape, as funair did.

May 13, 2008 at 05:36 PM

Conner999
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p.1 #10 · zeiss 25mm ZF focus problems

The problem with the tape on the camera side of the mount trick is that you are limited by the wiggle room you have between the adapter face and the face of the camera mount. As you 'lift' the adapter away from the body, you create a gap between the electronic contacts on both - losing your FC.

The tape also won't last long if you swap lenses to any degree at all.

If you have enough wiggle room between the lens base and it's adapter face you can try some tape there.
The most problem free, zero-wear adapter-centric solution is the tape (or other THIN consistent-thickness material shim) between the two halves of a typical two-apart adapter.

May 13, 2008 at 06:00 PM

jjlphoto
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p.1 #11 · zeiss 25mm ZF focus problems

I use sheets of brass shim stock, available in thicknesses of .001" to .005". High end hobby shops that cater to radio controlled airplane and railroad model makers carry it. Cut a ring with an exacto and place it in-between the original lens mount and the adapter.

May 13, 2008 at 06:02 PM

dave chilvers
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p.1 #12 · zeiss 25mm ZF focus problems

I have no experience with the ZF, but all my CZ lenses were focusing past infinity with Fotodiox consumer and Roxsen adapters. I recently purchased Kindai adapters for my main lenses and a few more Kindai copies from China (cheaper but good quality), and all my lenses are focusing exactly the way they should.

Edward
Have you got a link to the cheap adapter copies , I have just one cameraquest that works fine at infinity but they are quite expensive and it would be good to have an adapter on each lens. I use Contax MM lenses.

May 13, 2008 at 06:44 PM

dave chilvers
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p.1 #13 · zeiss 25mm ZF focus problems

Actually, seeing as I have a perfect adapter maybe I`d be better to just leaving on the camera and change lenses in the normal way? what do you think?

Dave

Edited on May 13, 2008 at 06:48 PM

May 13, 2008 at 06:45 PM

Conner999
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p.1 #14 · zeiss 25mm ZF focus problems

dave chilvers wrote:
Actually, seeing as I have a perfect adapter maybe I`d be better to just leaving on the camera and change lenses in the normal way? what do you think?

Dave

If you find the lens easy to remove from the adapter when mounted on the camera, no reason why not. I used to do it all the time when I just shot Leica on EOS. Some adapters allow easier lens removal when mounted then others. Leica ones tend to be the easiest to do quickly.

If you find a Nikon adapter a little awkward to remove the lens from when mounted on the camera, a little creativity in modifying the tab that releases the lens should make things easier.

BTW: CameraQuest adapters ARE Kindai adapters. Just sold in U.S. via Steve at CQ.

Edited by Conner999 on May 13, 2008 at 05:04 PM GMT

Edited on May 13, 2008 at 09:04 PM

May 13, 2008 at 09:01 PM

cogitech
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p.1 #15 · zeiss 25mm ZF focus problems

Conner999 wrote:
dave chilvers wrote:
Actually, seeing as I have a perfect adapter maybe I`d be better to just leaving on the camera and change lenses in the normal way? what do you think?

Dave

if you find the lens easy to remove from the adapter when mounted on the camera, no reason why not. I used to do it all the time when I just shot Leica on EOS. Some adapters allow easier lens removal when mounted then others. Leica ones tend to be the easiest to do quickly.

The Zuikos are extremely easy to switch this way, too.

May 13, 2008 at 09:04 PM

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