IIIa and 5cm Elmar Mount Problem

[wjlapier]

Just got a IIIa in the mail today from Simon D. My 5cm Elmar ( nickel ) will mount, but the infinity lock is right the spot where the lower speed dial is--won't lock. Can I just simply remove the four screws and rotate CCW 90 degrees?

I'm sending it to Youxin Ye for a CLA just to make sure all is well.

I forgot how tiny these things are.

 

[john neal]

Sounds like you have an "11 o'clock" Elmar - older than the 7 o'clock variety. It's meant for the bodies without slow speeds (i.e. before the III).

I had one that worked on all my slow speed bodies, but it was a close shave in mounting. Maybe you could trade someone for the oethr style?

 

[payasam]

If you open the four screws, please look at the back of the mount ring. I once made the mistake of not looking and then embarrassed myself by giving the wrong advice to another member here.

 

[wjlapier]

Sounds like you have an "11 o'clock" Elmar - older than the 7 o'clock variety. It's meant for the bodies without slow speeds (i.e. before the III).

I had one that worked on all my slow speed bodies, but it was a close shave in mounting. Maybe you could trade someone for the oethr style?

I've read about the 11 o'clock versions--just didn't think I had one! I'd like to keep it though. I'll contact Youxin and see if the mount can be rotated CCW. My Nikkor LTMs will rotate though but not in the way of anything.

 

[Nikon Bob]

Looks like there might be two types of 11 o'clock nickel 50/3.5 Elmars. The one I have has a stop peg at 11 o'clock but no infinity lock and mounts on my IIIc, IIIf and IIf. It is a standardized lens with a O engraved on the lens mount flange and is RF coupled. It has no serial number. That may be why some 11 o'clock Elmars mount properly and others don't.

Bob

 

[ZorkiKat]

The lens mount flanges have a mark for proper orientation. It's a tiny notch filled in black, and can be found on the side of the flange. This should be at 9:00 position. There is no need to remove the fastening screws to check if the mount flange is attached properly or not since the notch can be readily seen at the location just under the slow speed dial. If the notch is somewhere else, the mount is not properly attached.

 

[wjlapier]

The mount is correct with the notch at 9 oclock. After looking at the lens some more and giving it a little bit more of a nudge CW all is well. Infinity lock, unlocks and rotates pass the lower speed knob. But the lens is on tight.

I've played with this lens on a Panasonic GF1 and it's sharp. Amazing how sharp these lenses are for their age even wide open--this one older than 1933.

Cool little cameras. Might have to get another 🙂