mark-b
Well-known
I was given a Fed 2, and I put an Industar 61 on it. I noticed that the focusing is very stiff, but if I back out the lens just a hair, it's nice and smooth.
I suspect that it might need a shim. Any thoughts on this? I wonder what can I use as a shim material?
I suspect that it might need a shim. Any thoughts on this? I wonder what can I use as a shim material?
wolves3012
Veteran
It shouldn't need any kind of shim. The back of the I-61 rotates as you focus and that's possibly fouling against the body. There isn't really any way to shim that out and if you did, you'd throw the lens forward and upset the focus anyway. Try not screwing it on quite so tightly, for starters (I don't mean leave it loose, of course). The lens may also benefit from a re-lube, despite seeming smooth when off the body.
You might also take the back off and hold the shutter open on "B" and then have a look to see if you can see anything catching as the focus is turned. One other thing to check: is the lens stiff on its mounting threads? It could be distorted and putting strain on the mount. The mount is pretty soft aluminium and not difficult to distort. I've seen that issue on Zorki/FED 1 models.
You might also take the back off and hold the shutter open on "B" and then have a look to see if you can see anything catching as the focus is turned. One other thing to check: is the lens stiff on its mounting threads? It could be distorted and putting strain on the mount. The mount is pretty soft aluminium and not difficult to distort. I've seen that issue on Zorki/FED 1 models.
mark-b
Well-known
I checked it again, and it looks like the focusing ring is rubbing on the body when I tighten it too much. And the lens isn't stiff on its mounting threads...it's pretty smooth. I'll work on lubing it even though. Thanks for the helpful tips 