p.1 #1 · Contax Carl Zeiss Distagon 35mm f1.4 problem/repair
My lovely contax distagon 35mm encountered a little problem recently.
The front end of the lens barrel (in red) is moving a bit, up and down.
It is only the barrel that moves so it doesn't affect photo quality and focusing.
I searched the web about adjusting infinity focus of the lens because it has a bit of focusing issue on my 5Dmk2.
and found the screws under the focusing ring wrap.
There were screws placed around the ring for adjusting the infinity focus but another 2 vertical ones (which I do not have a clue what do they do) and it seems it has been loosened before, little marks are seen in the picture.
Anybody know how to fix this situation or encountered this problem before?
p.1 #4 · Contax Carl Zeiss Distagon 35mm f1.4 problem/repair
R.Young wrote:
Do you feel competent taking the lens apart? I have taken mine apart and it's a complex lens. Where in the UK are you?
Wow. You must be brave to take it apart.
I did some research on the lens and the other people which open the lens up only modified the mount into various mounts only, not too into the heart of the lens, there wasn't any info about how to tighten the lose part of mine. My other CY lens didn't have the 'moving part problem' and had the similar lens barrel design.
p.1 #5 · Contax Carl Zeiss Distagon 35mm f1.4 problem/repair
I wasn't brave, I was stupid, I loosened those screws to adjust infinity focus, and whilst adjusting, it basically came apart. It took a few hours to work out how to get it back together, and then I ended up scratching the rear element because the mirror strikes it at infinity. Wish I'd never bothered now, but this was a while ago so I've moved on!
But it may be worth trying, is it basically the rocking from the focus ring?
p.1 #6 · Contax Carl Zeiss Distagon 35mm f1.4 problem/repair
R.Young wrote:
I wasn't brave, I was stupid, I loosened those screws to adjust infinity focus, and whilst adjusting, it basically came apart. It took a few hours to work out how to get it back together, and then I ended up scratching the rear element because the mirror strikes it at infinity. Wish I'd never bothered now, but this was a while ago so I've moved on!
But it may be worth trying, is it basically the rocking from the focus ring?
It Is sad to have mirror clearance issues with this lens. I know that the horizontal screws will adjust infinity focus, but not to sure it will fix the lens barrel problem.
Yes, it is just the outer lens barrel rocking from the focus ring, which is the lens barrel part which you mount the filter on, but it is not linked to the internal elements so when you move the barrel it does not affect focus, it is just the outer casing.
p.1 #7 · Contax Carl Zeiss Distagon 35mm f1.4 problem/repair
I would bet that if you remove the ID ring, you will find 3 or 4 screws. Tighten these and see if that fixes your problem. If not, remove them and any piece of metal that comes off with them and look for another set of screws under that. That's how most lenses work anyway. You'll need some sort of friction tool to remove the id ring. They sell special tools for this (basically just a rubber ring) but double sided tape and a lens cap can work as well.
p.1 #8 · Contax Carl Zeiss Distagon 35mm f1.4 problem/repair
flashinm wrote:
I would bet that if you remove the ID ring, you will find 3 or 4 screws. Tighten these and see if that fixes your problem. If not, remove them and any piece of metal that comes off with them and look for another set of screws under that. That's how most lenses work anyway. You'll need some sort of friction tool to remove the id ring. They sell special tools for this (basically just a rubber ring) but double sided tape and a lens cap can work as well.
Seems quite easy work here....
Which of these do you prefer? The filter size of the lens is 67mm.
p.1 #9 · Contax Carl Zeiss Distagon 35mm f1.4 problem/repair
OK a little update
i got the ID ring away and indeed there were screws inside but they seem to be quite tight enough and do not need more tightening.
Now
1. should I try to remove more of the screws?
2. anybody got an idea of the screwdriver size of the lens? i searched and it turned out to be a Phillips #00/000 or a JIS screw but I just want to have more confirmative answers
3. the glass will wobble a bit (i mean lens glass, the whole lens) if I gently shake the lens, but i think it is to do with the ID ring removed.
p.1 #13 · Contax Carl Zeiss Distagon 35mm f1.4 problem/repair
I was more curious about the way to fasten that front element, which I doubt has anything to do with the ID ring. I am surprised that there are no notches for a spanner. I wonder if it is tightened by friction on the thin metal ring outside the glass? Odd construction.
p.1 #14 · Contax Carl Zeiss Distagon 35mm f1.4 problem/repair
carstenw wrote:
I was more curious about the way to fasten that front element, which I doubt has anything to do with the ID ring. I am surprised that there are no notches for a spanner. I wonder if it is tightened by friction on the thin metal ring outside the glass? Odd construction.
I don't think so. the metal ring outside the front element is very tight and cannot be removed.
and it is only the outer casing/barrel moving, nothing is linked between the outer casing and the lens elements.
I think it is the screws that hold the elements in place and the filter barrel (the part which is moving in the video) is outside the whole structure.
p.1 #15 · Contax Carl Zeiss Distagon 35mm f1.4 problem/repair
The video shows a heck of a lot of play! Maybe someone took it apart and didn't put back together correctly? I just took my Rollei/Zeiss 35/1.4 in for a re-lube because it is getting stiff to focus. The estimate is almost 50% more than my FD 50/1.2L re-lube. "It is a very complex lens to work on" was the reason for the higher estimate. I should be getting it back soon!
p.1 #16 · Contax Carl Zeiss Distagon 35mm f1.4 problem/repair
pdmphoto wrote:
The video shows a heck of a lot of play! Maybe someone took it apart and didn't put back together correctly? I just took my Rollei/Zeiss 35/1.4 in for a re-lube because it is getting stiff to focus. The estimate is almost 50% more than my FD 50/1.2L re-lube. "It is a very complex lens to work on" was the reason for the higher estimate. I should be getting it back soon!
yes, I dont see obvious signs of it had been taken apart and it was fine before and the problem didnt even exist.
good to find somebody that are willing to service these fantastic lenses. no luck for me though, they are all located out of my country and i have to post the lens to them which has risks.......
p.1 #17 · Contax Carl Zeiss Distagon 35mm f1.4 problem/repair
I'd be surprised if "Newton Ellis & Co" - camera repair, couldn't help you. They have a very good reputation for this sort of thing. Worth a call/email?
p.1 #18 · Contax Carl Zeiss Distagon 35mm f1.4 problem/repair
timballic wrote:
I'd be surprised if "Newton Ellis & Co" - camera repair, couldn't help you. They have a very good reputation for this sort of thing. Worth a call/email?
29 Cheapside
Liverpool L2 2DY
0151 236 1391
www.newtonellis.com
Thanks for the information, will have a go at it. Cheers.
p.1 #19 · Contax Carl Zeiss Distagon 35mm f1.4 problem/repair
Probably late for the original poster, but I had a different problem with mine, so I took it apart.
So to fix a shaky front part, one has to remove the front optical bloc. This is done as described above, remove the front ID ring to uncover the three screws. These are used to fine tune the position of the front bloc with regard to the rear bloc. The front bloc is on an helicoid and is moved by a cam that can be seen next to the screws. So make a precise notation of the position of the bloc (inside) and the external tubus.
Now unscrew a bit the three screws, no need to remove them. Then move the optical bloc clockwise to unscrew it (it's reversed). Once the bloc is out, you can see the screws that fix the external tubus... it an easy job to screw them tight again. Put a bit of glue or varnish to avoid them coming loose again. Then remount the front optical bloc, making sure the cam fits in the right place, get the bloc in the original position, tighten the three screws, screw back the ID ring and go enjoy your lens!
By the way, if somebody has an idea about the way to reposition accurately the front bloc with regard to the rear bloc, I would be glad to hear. Indeed, I omitted to note the position, so that I am now a bit embarrassed! Since I also moved the rear one, nothing is in its original position!
p.1 #20 · Contax Carl Zeiss Distagon 35mm f1.4 problem/repair
Well it's never too late for a post useful for other members!
Thanks for the fixing instructions.
Regarding the problem of your lens, I heard from other forums about fixing this lens is a hard job especially when the elements group has been moved or taken out (or not in their original positions). It is because of the ASPH lens design，floating element and its unique internal focusing method. Positioning the blocks back to their original positions require accurate machines and methods or else it will affect the image quality.
That's why I finally sent it to a repair center to do a "full restore to original" and had it cleaned inside out.
