Play in S2 mount of VC 50mm skopar 2.5

[hap]

Recently purchased from Japan VC SC skopar 50 2.5. After mounting and turning to focus, there is play in the helicoid of at least 1mm before lens actually turns, no matter if using wheel or directly on lens.

I've compared this with the Nikkor 50 and the Nikkor 35. Neither of them focus sloppy like the VC.

When unmounted the VC does not seem loose or wobbly internal. Any suggestions to rectify without the hassle of returning an otherwise very nice lens to Japan?

Hap

 

[Erik van Straten]

No, do not return the lens, this play is completely normal. It is not the helical of the lens that is sloppy, but the coupling with the rangefinder when you change the focusing direction. That gives a feel of looseness, but that is completely normal.

Remember that all other 50mm lenses are coupled directly to the rangefinder; the S Skopar is the only 50mm lens with Contax bayonet that is coupled through the wideangle/telephoto connection of the camera. It is an indirect way, but with no less precision. In fact with much more precision.

The S Skopar 50mm f/2.5 is the best 50mm lens for cameras with a classic Contax bayonet: Nikon rangefinder, Contax I, II and III and Kiev.

When mounting the lens on the camera, set the lens and the camera both on infinity.

Erik.

 

[hap]

Erik
UNderstand what you say and it might make sense that back and forth reversal of the RF engagement seem loose. In fact, I bought primarily on your recommendation in other threads. Price right too.

It is weird to turn the lens and not to feel the lens engage the helicoid immediately and ultimately the RF. Perhaps it is really not focusing because the helicoid is not moving...so the "play" onlly changes the distance scale on the lens.. Tht maybe wrong but that's how I explain it.

It's a funky feeling, which I do not get on the Nikkor 35mm, also an outside bayonet mount. The Nikkor 50, of course is an internal mount.

 

[hap]

Restated.....the lens is turning and the change in the distance scale changes (not a lot but very noticeable), but the coupling with the RF not precise enough to move.

 

[hap]

One of these days (down the line) I will acquire a Kiev.

 

[Erik van Straten]

Restated.....the lens is turning and the change in the distance scale changes (not a lot but very noticeable), but the coupling with the RF not precise enough to move.

Sounds strange. It should be working exactly as a 35mm. If it does not, something is wrong.

Good luck!

Erik.

 

[hap]

Sounds strange. It should be working exactly as a 35mm. If it does not, something is wrong.

Good luck!

Erik.

Well.....I do have a sort of alternative. DAG has my SP and it will be presumably in very tip top fighting shape when returned. I will mount the skopar and if it fits and behaves well....I can blame the S2 coupling.