problems with the collapsible 50mm Elmar lens

[Jasper Street]

Hey folks,

Has anyone had any problems with collapsible lenses not focusing correctly? I'm getting badly out-of-focus results and I read one other member's comment about out-of-focus photos with a collapsible lens and I wonder if that is a common problem?

 

[vrgard]

Without meaning to sound insulting, the only time I had a problem with focus on my collapsible lens was when I inadvertently hadn't fully extended and locked it. Sounds silly, but I've found it relatively easy to make that mistake. May have nothing to do with your focusing problem, but it couldn't hurt to be sure.

-Randy

 

[Jasper Street]

Without meaning to sound insulting, the only time I had a problem with focus on my collapsible lens was when I inadvertently hadn't fully extended and locked it. Sounds silly, but I've found it relatively easy to make that mistake. May have nothing to do with your focusing problem, but it couldn't hurt to be sure.



Not insulting in the least, and thanks for the advice. Actually, my lens doesn't lock in the extended position. I periodically make sure it is fully extended but maybe the problem is related to this defect? Hmmm.

 

[Rogrund]

Why doesn't it lock? Take the lens off the camera and check from the back of the lens. That way ou can easily see the locking mechanism.

 

[Tom A]

If it doesn't lock - that is probably the problem. When it locks, the lens is "pulled" into place and even that fraction of a mm will make a difference.
Look at the back of the lens and check that the bayonet claws slide behind the "stops" properly. Sometimes the claws on the retractable parts have been damaged or just slightly bent and that is enough to cause problems.
Occasionally you find collapsible lenses where the aperture ring is stiff enough to unseat the lens from the locking position. When you set the aperture it is easy to twist the lens "off" the lock and shift it.

 

[Jasper Street]

thanks a lot for the help, guys. i'm going to look into it.