problem with ZI frameline selector

[fourfa]

I have a used silver ZI that I shoot with a 50 Summicron DR. Seems to be a problem with the frameline selector. When I first got it from the original owner, all was well. After some months, the frameline selector seemed to stop working. The lever moved, but didn't change the visible framelines (still shows 50mm with the DR mounted). After a while, it started working again and I breathed easier. Now it has stopped working again.

When I take the lens off, it moves to the 35mm frame. Pressing the lever one way moves the framelines sort of 'half-way' between 35mm and 50mm. Pressing the other way (28/85) produces no result, with or without lens. The lever feels a little sticky going this way.

Any ideas? Is there something that can be cleaned DIY? Or is this a major repair?

 

[back alley]

i would gently rap the bottom of the camera against something like a mouse pad.

but then i'm not a very bright guy 😉

joe

 

[back alley]

of course i did buy a cle for cheap and then spray contact cleaner down the shutter release button and got it working perfectly.

 

[fourfa]

top... any more responses? gentle rapping does nothing, problem hasn't gone away like it did previously...

 

[ZeissFan]

I would have this serviced. Even if it costs you money, it will be worth the amount to have it professionally serviced.

Here's a drawing of the rangefinder system:

This isn't something that I would care to try to untangle.

During service, they should bring everything back up to spec. I would have it done by Zeiss (which might mean that it will be shipped back to Japan), rather than a non-Zeiss repair facility.