How to collimate a ZM lens?

[EdwardKaraa]

One of my ZM lenses (35/2) is slightly front focusing. The RF is very accurate at infinity so it's not an RF issue. Before sending it to Zeiss I would like to ask if this is something I can try myself or with the help of a local technician. Does anyone know the procedure and if it is simple enough to be done locally?

Thanks for your advice.

 

[Robert Lai]

Alas, this is not a do it yourself project. M type cameras have adjustment for minimum focus (eccentric mounting of the cam follower roller), as well as infinity. Then, there is the lens to check also. The best solution is to send the lens and the camera for calibration. You local tech may be able to do it if they service a lot of rangefinders.

 

[EdwardKaraa]

Robert, thanks for your reply. Luckily I have narrowed down the problem to be in the lens, as I have taken test shots with 3 camera bodies and 5 different lenses. The front focusing is consistent on all 3 bodies, while the other lenses are reasonably accurate. I am preparing to send the 35 to Oberkochen tomorrow, but was hoping someone would give me a magical solution beforehand 🙂

 

[mdarnton]

I think your chance of getting bad advice here with this problem would be extremely strong; just send it in to the guys who actually know how it works.

 

[EdwardKaraa]

I think your chance of getting bad advice here with this problem would be extremely strong; just send it in to the guys who actually know how it works.

Thanks for the advice. My lens arrived this afternoon at Zeiss. Hopefully they can do a quick job.

 

[EdwardKaraa]

Anyone knows how long does it normally take to recalibrate a lens at Oberkochen? The folks over there don't seem to be very talkative.

 

[brbo]

I sent two ZM's (for wobble fix & calibration) to Oberkochen on two separate occasions. If I remember correctly, both were back in about 3 weeks.

There was an approx. 7-day silence, then a repair cost estimation email (which I promptly agreed with) and then after some 7-10 days an email notifying you that your lens was shipped back to you. An invoice followed some two weeks later.

At the time I wasn't too impressed by the wait, but then I sent one lens to Leica... Horror.

 

[EdwardKaraa]

I sent two ZM's (for wobble fix & calibration) to Oberkochen on two separate occasions. If I remember correctly, both were back in about 3 weeks.

There was an approx. 7-day silence, then a repair cost estimation email (which I promptly agreed with) and then after some 7-10 days an email notifying you that your lens was shipped back to you. An invoice followed some two weeks later.

At the time I wasn't too impressed by the wait, but then I sent one lens to Leica... Horror.

Thanks brbo! That sounds very reasonable. Glad to hear that! 🙂

 

[marduk]

I sent two ZM's (for wobble fix & calibration) to Oberkochen on two separate occasions. If I remember correctly, both were back in about 3 weeks.

There was an approx. 7-day silence, then a repair cost estimation email (which I promptly agreed with) and then after some 7-10 days an email notifying you that your lens was shipped back to you. An invoice followed some two weeks later.

At the time I wasn't too impressed by the wait, but then I sent one lens to Leica... Horror.

Hi Borut,

may I ask you what kind of work they did on your lenses and how much did it cost? I'm thinking where to send a 25mm Biogon with stiff focus (dry lube and tight point near infinity), also I'd like to modify it to bring up the 24mm framelines on the M8. I would be happy if they can make it for under 200 euro including shipping..

 

[marduk]

They quoted the cost of repair 150-220 euro plus VAT and this includes a new flange. I think I'll give it a try but ask for a quotation before repair later on.

 

[marduk]

So the lens is back and works perfectly. The turnaround time is impressive: I got the lens back in about 7 working days and this includes the cost estimate and return shipping (but then I live not very far from them)! It cost me 168.50 for the CLA and new flange plus VAT.