Contax/Zeiss 50 f/1.7 Won't Reach Infinity Focus

[ColSebastianMoran]

I have a good, clean 50 f/1.7 Zeiss for Contax SLR.

Won't focus to infinity. And, I also note that focus distance marking are not right.

Is this a possible adjustment for a reasonably handy person with plenty of screwdrivers? Or a job for pro? If pro, who?

TIA for any advice.

 

[splitimageview]

Rick, I’ve never taken one of those apart, but it sounds like someone made an attempt and botched it. I’d recommend procamera.us, should be at most about $60 for full service.

 

[monopix]

It depends on what the issue is. If the focus ring has shifted then it's pretty easy to correct but if it's been dismantled and the helicoid has been reassembled incorrectly then you'll need more than a screwdriver.

If you remove the rubber grip around the focus ring (or just roll it up towards the front of the lens) you'll see three screws underneath. These hold the focus ring. If you slacken the screws - don't remove them completely - then the ring can be rotated without moving the focus. It won't move easily and may not move at all, in which case you need to remove the front of the lens, but it's worth a try.

I assume you're in the US in which case I can't help much but if you were in the UK, or possibly Europe, I could look at it for you.

 

[PRJ]

I have that lens and had to adjust it years ago. I don't remember finding it all that difficult. I think you need to find infinity, then move the focus ring to the stop at infinity and screw'er back together. It has been years though so I could be wrong...