M4 w/ Collapsible Elmar Problem

[jshelly]

I just picked up an Elmar 50 2.8 for my M4 and when I collapse/extend the lens I can feel it slightly hitting the focusing/rangefinder cam. It's my first Elmar, but this just doesn't seem right.

Has anyone else experienced this, is it normal?

Thanks in advance

 

[Vickko]

No, the Elmar isn't supposed to hit the rangefinder cam nor arm. Be careful.

Vick

 

[Rico]

My (classic) Elmar 50/2.8 and M4 have no issue with clearance.

 

[jshelly]

Thanks for the info, do you think it's the camera or the lens?

The cam doesn't look bent or out of place, but the Elmar definitely has some wobble when it's not locked in the extended position.

I've got two weeks to return the lens, camera or both.

 

[Ronald M]

It should collapse squarely with no wobble, ie straight in.

You know it is hitting the rf cam from the open back and shutter?

 

[jshelly]

It should collapse squarely with no wobble, ie straight in.
You know it is hitting the rf cam from the open back and shutter?

Well, it definitely doesn't collapse squarely and has quite a bit of wobble, I have film in the camera so I'm not checking it from an open back, but I can tell it's the cam when I see rf patch shift when I'm collapsing the lens.

I lucked out with a beautiful BGN grade M4 from KEH which I would prefer not to return if possible. The lens is going back.

On a hunch, I just figured out it's the lens. If I put the camera on it's back or hold it upside down when collapsing the lens it doesn't hit the cam, it has way too much wobble.

 

[Rico]

With my M4 momentarily unloaded, I inspected the situation with the back flipped up and shutter open. Indeed, clearance is very tight, and contact with the cam is a real possibility. There are three small protruding flanges on the interior barrel assembly which participate in locking activities when the lens is extended and rotated. These skirt the cam entirely if you unlock the lens, then directly collapse the lens without further rotational antics.

Note that some rocking motion can be expected at partial extension because the barrel rides on a felt collar. Unless the looseness is extreme, consider keeping the Elmar: it is a true gem. 🙂

 

[jshelly]

Rico,

Let me ask you a question, when you tilt your camera forward does your Elmar extend by itself or do you need to extend it manually. The one I have just slides out if the camera is tilted.

 

[grainhound]

My Elmar came with my M2, so can't comment on how it goes with an M4. However, it would not slide out if I tilted the camera, nor even if I hung it upside down for a day. You have to pull it out, & there is a smooth resistance - not tight, but solid. I'd say yours needs professional help.

 

[jshelly]

My Elmar came with my M2, so can't comment on how it goes with an M4. However, it would not slide out if I tilted the camera, nor even if I hung it upside down for a day. You have to pull it out, & there is a smooth resistance - not tight, but solid. I'd say yours needs professional help.

I had a feeling it was bad, I have the option to return it for a refund which I'm going to do.

Thanks for all the help!

 

[kinoglass]

You have to lock the lens to infinity and them twist it loose before collapsing it. This will clear the lens barrel prongs from the RF arm/wheel.

 

[jshelly]

You have to lock the lens to infinity and them twist it loose before collapsing it. This will clear the lens barrel prongs from the RF arm/wheel.

I've tried both infinity and 0.7 same results just one worse then the other

 

[Rico]

I agree with grainhound: your Elmar needs attention.