Collapsible Tessar 50/3.5 (1931) on Contax IIa

[Joerg]

Hi,

so I scored that collapsible 50/3.5 Tessar lens from 1931 recently.
Proudly put it on my Contax IIa........and the pics are beyond blurry.
Just wayyyyyy out of focus. So much that you might recognize a light sources as a lighter spot on the negative

Is the old lens from the Contax I days incompatible with the IIA?
Am I doing something wrong with the extending part?
Is the lens faulty?

Any input is appreciated....


Ciao

joerg

 

[FrankS]

Of course you extended the lens..........

Sounds like the lens is faulty.

 

[Xmas]

It is not obvious, you need to remove the lens from camera and pull it out like it is a telescops and then rotate so the little wedges lock in place.

The lens will have real good performance...

If the little lugs dont lock resonably tightly then you will need to repost and some one will tell you how to address yourself, it is not obvious, or it is send away time.

Noel

 

[Joerg]

Yes I extended the lens.....
but maybe nor enough, too far.

i actually got it locked with the little wedges, but.....I have to recheck again....

Thanks

joerg

 

[Xmas]

If the wedges are not positive they can unlock during shooting my fav

Noel

 

[Nikon Bob]

The lens being from 1931, I wonder if there is a compatibility issue with a post war Contax IIa?

Bob

 

[dexdog]

not a compatibility issue- this lens is compatible with any pre-war or postwar Contax camera.

 

[Xmas]

Are you sure it is a '31?

Noel

 

[darkkavenger]

Hello, if that's your first collapsible, maybe try extending/locking it before snapping it in the bayonet mount so you get used to how it should normally lock ?

When I lock my 50/2 collapsible Sonnar, with the camera and lens facing me, I turn the lens clockwise and it locks at 45° angle.

Cheers,
Max

 

[Joerg]

Thanks for all the help.

Serial # indicates, and appearance as well, a 1931 lens.

i will try the extension. Anyway to test the focus without a film?

Ciao

joerg

 

[Xmas]

Joerg

3m matt tape across the film inner rails and loupe, set the shutter on T, focus target for close up, star or street lights in distance for infinity.

Noel

 

[Joerg]

Joerg

3m matt tape across the film inner rails and loupe, set the shutter on T, focus target for close up, star or street lights in distance for infinity.

Noel

Ahhh thanks!

joerg