50mm Planar falling apart -- HELP!

[efix]

Something strange happened to my Planar 50mm ZM. When I recently attached it to my M8, I noticed that pictures where I focused to infinity were all fuzzy. I checked the lens and realised that the whole front part (i.e. everything north of the aperture ring) had come loose and could be freely pulled out of the barrel up to about 1cm 😱 It cannot be turned, though.

Has anyone any idea what this is and how it can be fixed? Since the front part of the lens is loose and wobbles around, it renders the lens useless as I cannot properly focus anywhere (not without holding the front part in place, anyway).

Btw, I did not drop the lens. I always had it in my bag which I generally handle very carefully. One day everything was fine, and the next day this. 😕

 

[Blanc]

Common problem with ZM Plannars, the cement that prevent screws and lens rings from turning and unscrewing can break. If you like to play with fire you could find informations here or there. The best option in your case should be sendint this lens to service.

 

[efix]

Thanks, Blanc! I'm not really in the mood to fiddle with it. Will inquire with the dealer I purchased it from, first.

 

[jgeenen]

Zeiss Service in Oberkochen is efficient and reliable (I wouldn't call it cheap but reasonable). Give them a try - you'll get an Email with detailed costs within a couple of days. My serviced Planar and Biogon are now working like new.

Johannes

 

[f16sunshine]

Lucky for you that you live in Germany. I had to have two Zeiss lenses serviced in Germany early in the Run of ZM lenses. The return post with DHL to the US was 40eurous each time on top of $30 to get them there.

 

[efix]

So I sent my 28 Biogon (which had some play in the construction) and the broken Planar to Oberkochen and they did a fantastic job at making them almost new again, mechanically speaking. Both are running soft and smooth and without the least bit of play now. Charged me almost 500 € overall though ...