DIY Zeiss Planar 50 Wobble Fix

[tetrisattack]

Dear All,

I recently loaned my R2A + Planar 50 to a friend. When it came back a few weeks later I found that the lens had developed a significant wobble, presumably on its own accord -- my friend knows how to take good care of cameras.

I don't know if my wobble is the same wobble that others have experienced. With the lens mounted on the camera, the entire front cell including the aperture ring would shift around in the mount. The focusing ring would remain perfectly stationary, and the glass seemed to be well-cemented in the wobbling unit. In other words, the wobble was between the mount and the optical block.

The problem was extremely simple to fix. The rearmost threaded ring had worked its way loose. All I had to do was tighten it, and I didn't even need a spanner wrench to do so, just a small screwdriver.

Attached is a picture with the ring in question.

I have heard of people sending their lens back to Zeiss, who will replace the entire helical. Maybe that's a different problem. But if you're facing that, you might as well investigate this ring, even if you're not technically inclined. It's too simple to ignore!

Hope everyone is having an excellent late-October day. Things are beautiful here in Olympia. 🙂

Regards,
Conor

 

[Flyfisher Tom]

thanks Conor ...

I was unaware that Planars had a reputation for developing the wobble. That rear retaining ring looks similar to many retaining rings that work themselves loose on lenses after years of use. I'm surprised this happens on a relatively newish lens.

 

[CJP6008]

Tried that without success. The ring was immovable the wobble persistent. Off to Zeiss I think.

C

 

[tetrisattack]

Damn. Well, it was worth a try. Hopefully they'll repaint your lens barrel while they're at it, huh?

🙂

 

[robbo]

I've just bought a secondhand Planar, but didn't notice 'the wobble' until I got back home. By then I'd shot a roll of HP5+, developed and scanned it. The results were superb - better than a 1963 summicron I'd tried - and had a wonderful 3D quality.
Several fruitless 'phone calls to Zeiss and the main UK distributor (If it takes good pictures, where's the problem?) left me a bit concerned until I tried a local Canon/Nikon dealer. He's fixing it at the moment. He reckons that there are locating pins inside that can come loose and sometimes there is not enough lubrication/grease in the helix and this allows play to develop over time.
I'll keep you posted as to the success of the 'cure'.

 

[robbo]

Picked the lens and my Leica m4-P up from the dealer today - that's a 2 day turn around! The lens had no wear inside and was re-lubed, adjusted and reassembled. There's still a VERY small amount of play, but I've been assured that it is in perfect working order. The Leica had it's rangefinder adjusted and the total bill???? £40 - what a bargain and what superb service from The Norfolk Camera Centre in Dereham

 

[Berliner]

My 28 Biogon developed ever worsening wobble. I sent it today for repair. It started almost immediately, and got ever worse. But the images were amazing, so I kept shooting. Is this a common issue with the ZM's? I notice the hoods attach / remove rather tightly--on my 28 & 50, anyway. Could this contribute?

 

[emraphoto]

I just did this with a 28mm and it tightened up very easily. I don't reckon it will stay this way long but it is a good fix in a pinch. Save yourselves the headache though and either have it serviced or buy spanners.

 

[gustavoAvila]

Did the same to my Planar, and while it fixed the wobble, the optical results were a bit "off" (as compared to my c-Biogon 35).

So, I mailed the lens to Zeiss (New Jersey) for an assessment. They responded that it needed to be sent to Germany for further evaluation. Two and half months have passed and I am still waiting to hear back from them! Time for a Summicron?

 

[Huss]

Did the same to my Planar, and while it fixed the wobble, the optical results were a bit "off" (as compared to my c-Biogon 35).

So, I mailed the lens to Zeiss (New Jersey) for an assessment. They responded that it needed to be sent to Germany for further evaluation. Two and half months have passed and I am still waiting to hear back from them! Time for a Summicron?

Ask for it back and send it to Youxin Yee. He'll fix it in about a week.

 

[gustavoAvila]

Ask for it back and send it to Youxin Yee. He'll fix it in about a week.

There is no doubt that Youxin can tighten up the lens. (As I can myself.) The issue is calibrating the lens back to spec. Hopefully, this is something that the Zeiss service center in Germany can do. (Though obviously not in a timely fashion!)

I am also interested in what the Zeiss service center has to say about the problem. (Which obviously afflicts many other Zeiss ZM lenses.)

In any case, I have fired off an email to Zeiss requesting a status update and hope to hear back from them soon.

 

[emraphoto]

Thanx Gustavo, curious about the response.

 

[Huss]

Youxin does not just tighten the screws. He takes it apart and cleans and regreases the helicoils. Apparently Cosina used sub standard grease which is the result of many lenses binding/squealing.

 

[gustavoAvila]

Thanx Gustavo, curious about the response.

I received a reply from Zeiss today.

The relevant content in the "Service Repair Order" is as follows:

Your defect description: Front of the lens is loose


Diagnosis: Play in the focusing. Loose optic retaining ring. MTF and FFD ok. Dust inside.


Necessary service: Disassembling and cleaning. Repair of focusing and fixing retaining ring. Performance and function tests, test images.

 

[Huss]

How much $$$$$ ?

 

[gustavoAvila]

How much $$$$$ ?

237.50 USD

 

[gustavoAvila]

So, I mailed the lens to Zeiss (New Jersey) for an assessment. They responded that it needed to be sent to Germany for further evaluation. Two and half months have passed and I am still waiting to hear back from them!

A further update with regard to the turnaround time.

I spoke with the Zeiss service manager today and he mentioned that Zeiss is setting up a full repair center in Thornwood, NY.

So, in the near future, it will not be necessary to forward lenses to Germany for repair.

This is good news for North American customers as it should substantially reduce the turnaround time for lens service.

(And BTW, my Planar is fixed and on the way back home!)