28 ZM front element loose

[RobertB]

I have and love the ZM 28mm lens. The results I get from it with my M8 are really stunning.
I bought this lens used, and also had a new ZM 50 planar. The planars build was really solid. Like my voightlander and leica lenses.

The ZM 28 however has a little play in its focus. And also the front element has a little play in it. Not enough to clearly see, but you can feel it, and it bothers me.
I know the lenses won't be as smooth as my leica's. But even my 30 year old, 20 dollar, asahi pentax-M 50mm has no play and focuses really smooth.


Is this normal for this lens? Having some play after a while? And more important, can it been solved?

 

[briz]

Had exactly the same problem....bought an like new 28 on the bay, send it to Zeiss....repair +/-300 Euro....I said no thanks and sent it back to the seller...maybe it's the same lens... last two digits of serial number : 17

 

[RobertB]

Had exactly the same problem....bought an like new 28 on the bay, send it to Zeiss....repair +/-300 Euro....I said no thanks and sent it back to the seller...maybe it's the same lens... last two digits of serial number : 17

Thanks briz,
I bought it together with the M8 so don't think its the same one. And now checked it, Last to digits are 79.
How bad was it in your case? Mine is only a bit loose, can't see it move, but can feel it. The lens itself works perfect.
I use the lens now for almost a year, and love the results, but its always a bit annoying when using the lens.
I think I just go by my camerashop for some information. thanks 🙂

 

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

What you're seeing is the infamous Zeiss Wobble. There's something inside that comes loose that needs re-tightened. Its not the front element, its actually the whole optical block wobbling slightly inside the mount.

 

[mike_j]

If it's the same as the Biogon 28mm it's easy to cure. Take the lens off the camera, rack it out to infinity and you will see a ring nut (may be the wrong name, it's a ring with two slots) around the rear element shroud. Tighten this taking care not to damage the black paint. Job done. I'll post a picture if it is needed.

Ideally it needs a drop of Loktite but I have never dared do this in case it goes in the wrong place.

 

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

If it's the same as the Biogon 28mm it's easy to cure. Take the lens off the camera, rack it out to infinity and you will see a ring nut (may be the wrong name, it's a ring with two slots) around the rear element shroud. Tighten this taking care not to damage the black paint. Job done. I'll post a picture if it is needed.

Ideally it needs a drop of Loktite but I have never dared do this in case it goes in the wrong place.

You need a spanner wrench to do this right.

 

[RobertB]

I contacted a repairman for a price, and it will cost me 75 euro ex tax for repairing the wobble.
So would like to give it a try myself first.
When I look at the back of the lens I see the glas lens, and a ring with two sluts next to it. Outside it is another ring with two sluts. But you don't need to set the lens to infinity to see this ring.
I tried to twist it, but this one is really tight in place.
But I'm not shure if its the right one.

So if you could place a picture it would be really nice.

Thanks!

 

[Bob Michaels]

Had exactly the same problem....bought an like new 28 on the bay, send it to Zeiss....repair +/-300 Euro....I said no thanks and sent it back to the seller...maybe it's the same lens... last two digits of serial number : 17

There is a 28mm Biogon with the last two digits 17 currently for sale on E-Bay. I would consider it if the price was really right, but it is not.

 

[mike_j]

I contacted a repairman for a price, and it will cost me 75 euro ex tax for repairing the wobble.
So would like to give it a try myself first.
When I look at the back of the lens I see the glas lens, and a ring with two sluts next to it. Outside it is another ring with two sluts. But you don't need to set the lens to infinity to see this ring.
I tried to twist it, but this one is really tight in place.
But I'm not shure if its the right one.

So if you could place a picture it would be really nice.

Thanks!

I made a mistake - the lens needs to be set at nearest focus so the shroud moves forward giving access to the ring. Here is a picture of my Zeiss M biogon showing the slots (not sluts, rather different meaning!)

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/data/500/Biogon.jpg

I hope this helps.

 

[RobertB]

I made a mistake - the lens needs to be set at nearest focus so the shroud moves forward giving access to the ring. Here is a picture of my Zeiss M biogon showing the slots (not sluts, rather different meaning!)

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/data/500/Biogon.jpg

I hope this helps.

Okey thank a lot!

I tried to twist that specific ring, and its solid tight. Didn't got any movement in it, afraid of breaking it I will send it to the repair guy or zeiss (if the offer a good price 🙂 )