I-22 @ FED-2 - hard to focus

[michalurban]

Hi,

I just received a CLAd FED-2 (came with Industar-61) and an Industar-22 collapsible lens. Focusing is easy with the I-61, but when I use the I-22, theres a problem.

When the I-22 is not attached to the camera, the focusing goes fine. But when I screw the lens into the camera (like this http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4129/4957414025_b52c9bce09.jpg), focusing starts to go really hard and I have to use much more force to turn the focusing knob - but the knob is NOT pushing on the body. But I still can focus fine and the rangefinder "thingy" inside the camera is moving forward and backwards fine when I focus (I looked inside using the B time).

What could possibly be wrong? Thanks! 🙂

 

[fidget]

Does it seem OK if you unscrew it a fraction of a turn?

 

[fidget]

With the curtains open, through the back, as you have done, use something to try to move the arm a little more whilst the lens is in position.
I must say that one of my I22s goes very tight on only one of my FED2 bodies. I wonder if the lens is distorted as I tighten it up. With it backed off ever so slightly, it's fine. (Not fixed this yet)

Dave

 

[fanshaw]

If the screws on the lens mount ring on the body are not tightened evenly the ring can distort and cause this problem.

 

[michalurban]

Well, I tried that before - when I unscrew it a bit, it goes fine. Its just that with my Zenit camera, Im used to screwing it in as much as I can. Now (with the FED-2) I can focus OK - first, I was worried if the focusing wont unscrew the lens, but it stays on position. So, Ill leave it this way. 🙂

But I must say I would appreciate if I could screw it in for some 45 degrees ... 😀

Thanks for your help! 🙂

 

[wolves3012]

The lens mount can, indeed, get distorted and cause this, as can the lens part of the mount. Firstly, don't force the lens on, that will just do more damage. Check the lens and mount threads carefully to see if there's any damage. Also note that the infinity stop on an Industar 22 usually does foul on the body of a FED 2 (not always, you may be lucky). Check that that isn't the real cause. One more thing to check - take the back off and mount the lens (gently), check that the RF sensor arm is sitting properly on the lens cam and doesn't get pushed off-line.

If none of the above solves it...try undoing the four mount screws enough to loosen them (don't take them out, just slacken them off). Now, retighten them until they are just lightly seated. Next, tighten them a bit at a time in an X-pattern (top left, bottom right, bottom left, top right or a variation on that) until they're reasonably tight but don't tighten them up really tight.

By the way, if the lens isn't fully seated it will definitely NOT focus correctly, even though the RF may work properly.

 

[michalurban]

The lens is seated correctly - and if not, it will show up after the photos are developed. 🙂

Now one more question - I tend to moving the picture counter during the winding of the camera ... I would like to tighten it (the counter) a little, is that possible?

 

[wolves3012]

Now one more question - I tend to moving the picture counter during the winding of the camera ... I would like to tighten it (the counter) a little, is that possible?

Yes, just unscrew the top part using the two small holes (with care, it's easy to slip). The film-reminder dial will pop off now. Under it is a flat washer, with two "ears" that fit the shaft. Under that is a spring-washer. Either bend that more into a cup-shape or find a washer to fit under it.

Re-fit it all, taking care to fit the washer "ears" AND the film-reminder dial "ears" back onto the shaft (the fiddly bit!). Hold it all down while you refit the screw. If the "ears" aren't properly located, the whole counter/reminder dials will lock up.

 

[michalurban]

Thanks, Ill look into it after shooting all the pictures of the current film ... 🙂

 

[John Robertson]

If the screws on the lens mount ring on the body are not tightened evenly the ring can distort and cause this problem.

Seems like the most likely explanation, I had this problem years ago with a Canon 7s and an Elmar lens.
My collapsible Industar works fine on my Fed 2, after the infinity lock had a mm or so shaved off the underside.

In fact its one of my favourite outfits. And very sharp

 

[michalurban]

Sorry, but I have no idea what TWO SMALL HOLES are you talking about. In the winding knob, there is just one (from the side of the knob).

Yes, just unscrew the top part using the two small holes (with care, it's easy to slip). The film-reminder dial will pop off now. Under it is a flat washer, with two "ears" that fit the shaft. Under that is a spring-washer. Either bend that more into a cup-shape or find a washer to fit under it.

Re-fit it all, taking care to fit the washer "ears" AND the film-reminder dial "ears" back onto the shaft (the fiddly bit!). Hold it all down while you refit the screw. If the "ears" aren't properly located, the whole counter/reminder dials will lock up.

 

[wolves3012]

Sorry, but I have no idea what TWO SMALL HOLES are you talking about. In the winding knob, there is just one (from the side of the knob).

Ah, ok, so you have a knob-wind version and I'm an idiot for somehow thinking it was a FED 4! Slacken the grubscrew in the side of the knob, unscrew the knob off the shaft and find the springy star-shaped washer under it and above the counter dial. It's this that needs more tension (by bending it, a bit) or a washer adding. Be careful to put things back in the same order and don't forget to re-tighten the grubscrew when you're finished.

 

[dee]

The Fed 2 comes with it's own dedicated collapsible I 22 style Fed I 10 lens with a ' clip ' for the focus infinity stop .
The base screw of an I 22 fouls the mount , which may be your problem .
The fixed mount lenses sorted this problem .
dee

 

[michalurban]

Wolves, thank you, I got it done and it works great - I used some spare Ikea washer. 🙂

Dee - the knob (infinity lock) of my I-22 is not touching the body of the camera at all.

Anyway, I had to adjust the rangefinder vertically but now it seems to be flawless ... 🙂

BTW Im thinking about buying one more, FED-1 this time, as I like this camera and the 1 version is even smaller. If only the lens was a collapsible say 35/2 and the viewer was ready for the 35mm lens, not for 50mm only. 🙂