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on Jul 22, 2017 11:33:40 GMT
Last Edit: Sept 25, 2017 13:21:42 GMT by bp_reid
I'd like a bit of advice from the community here. My very precious PC-Distagon, which I used properly for the first time in a year the other week, has developed very stiff focusing close to infinity. Since it's a pretty valuable lens, and Zeiss no longer service it, I'd like to get it to the best possible repairer, any thoughts?
As an aside, I do think the short focus throw from 3m to infinity is a weak point in the handling of this lens as it's where you want fine control in photographing architecture which is key to this lens' value.
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on Jul 22, 2017 14:03:24 GMT
Posted: Jul 22, 2017 14:03:24 GMT
I used Julian Abel for years when I had a large Contax/Zeiss collection ..... can't beat his credentials! You might find cheaper, but this is not an area to cut corners or customer service  www.contaxrepairs.com/ |
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on Jul 22, 2017 14:31:18 GMT
Posted: Jul 22, 2017 14:31:18 GMT
Thanks Bobblehat, have seen his site but thought it was more about cameras - is he good for lenses?
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on Jul 22, 2017 16:46:18 GMT
Posted: Jul 22, 2017 16:46:18 GMT
I have had camera bodies and lenses fixed by Julian in the past ...... all good work.
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on Jul 23, 2017 9:30:30 GMT
Posted: Jul 23, 2017 9:30:30 GMT
Taking notes here too... thanks!
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on Jul 25, 2017 20:13:01 GMT
Posted: Jul 25, 2017 20:13:01 GMT
Hiya. Thank you for the kind words.
When I was at Contax EVERY lens went back to Zeiss for repair as they MTF tested EVERY lens after repair which was an absolute nightmare (not to mention hugely expensive).
I spoke with CZ very recently and there are NO spares anymore for any of the lenses and as a result I just don't touch them now especially the PC versions because they are so technical in their construction.
I don't have anyone I can recommend either unfortunately.
Jools
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on Jul 26, 2017 9:37:54 GMT
Posted: Jul 26, 2017 9:37:54 GMT
Hi Jools
What a shame about the Zeiss lens spares ..... especially now that many of the lenses are getting a 2nd lease of life by being snapped up by digital SLR users putting them on their cameras via adapters and appreciating their qualities.
Are the Contax body spares generally in reasonable supply or are they disappearing too?
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on Jul 26, 2017 12:52:18 GMT
Posted: Jul 26, 2017 12:52:18 GMT
I spoke with CZ very recently and there are NO spares anymore for any of the lenses and as a result I just don't touch them now especially the PC versions because they are so technical in their construction. I don't have anyone I can recommend either unfortunately. Jools That's Unfortunate news. |
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on Aug 8, 2017 14:25:21 GMT
Posted: Aug 8, 2017 14:25:21 GMT
Hiya, no, spares for Contax are almost non-existent. I am having to purchase basically knackred bodies (at silly prices usually down to ebay) to harvest the spares to keep them going. Thankfully, the spares we do get are usually really excellent quality so should keep them going for years. Even so, Contax T2, G1, 645, Aria, 137MA/MD and RTS2 et al are non servicable items. Older cameras such as 139, 159, 167, RTS3 are suaually ok though.
It is such a shame about the Zeiss lenses though.
Kind regards
Jools
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on Sept 25, 2017 12:35:14 GMT
Last Edit: Sept 25, 2017 13:19:07 GMT by bp_reid
Just to update - I'm now happy and relieved but feeling slightly foolish too.
Today the 35mm PC-D came with me to my usual generalist repair shop - Aperture in Rathbone Place just off Oxford Street. I was going in anyway to pick up my 60/2.8 Makro-Planar which had been in for a clean as there were signs of fungus. I handed it over to the guy behind the counter who took it to their tech guy who - after winding me up a bit - informed me what the problem was.
As it happens the PC-D front element floats within the surround and comes closer to the front as you focus nearer to infinity. Now, I don't like the original contax slip-on rubber cap as it gets stuck in the bottom of lens pouches etc. As a result and had been using a 67mm pinch cap unknown to me it was pressuring the helicoid slightly and that the cause of the stiffness - take the cap of, work the lens for a bit and all is good!
Needless to say I'll be going back to the correct cap, and Aperture's tech guy deserves real credit for problem solving, being straight and not taking it in then charging for the advice + a working lens. After all I was braced to spend decent money on this as its a pricey one to replace.
PS - the clean on the 60/2.8 looks good too.
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on Sept 26, 2017 1:00:26 GMT
Posted: Sept 26, 2017 1:00:26 GMT
Glad to hear that, Barry. An honest repair shop is good to have.
PF
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