Contax 1 strange rubber lens ring?

[paulbg]

Quick and easy question. My Contax 1c with a 2.8/50mm collapsable has an unusual 'rubber grommet' behind the lens? Was this common or can I remove it? Not sure why it would be there.

 

[Johngwill]

I'm not familiar with either camera or lens but this is often used to prevent the lens from collapsing too far into the camera and damaging the shutter.


Perhaps take it off and collapse the lens gently and check that it does not foul the shutter curtains.

 

[paulbg]

Thanks Johngwill. It is the standard lens for the camera, so I'm assuming it has no purpose...unless used on another camera too, say a Contax ll? I just wondered if anyone else has seen one.