Problems mounting Russian lens

[harry01562]

I just dug out another of my Contax clones, The last model of the Kiev, with a 1976 s/n. I also had a Helios 103, the 1.8/53mm, from 1984, that was in the same box.

I've tried all kinds of twisting and turning, but the lens simply won't fit on the camera. I pulled out a Contax !!!a, and the lens does mount. I tried the Zeiss lens on the Kiev, and it also mounts. These have been in a storage box for several years, and, as I recall, the lens did come with the camera.
It was mounted, but I removed it to put on another lens. That lens, a 2.8/35mm, was still on the camera. I'm thinking of playing with that one, as I enjoy wides more than 50's.

So: 2 other lenses do fit on the camera, the lens does fit on a real Contax, a real Contax lens fits on the camera, and the wide was on it this morning.
Now, it won't go on. It just doesn't seem to want the slots to match up, I've gotten the red dot to almost drop in place, but the lens is cockeyed, with the other side too high. I've gotten that side down, with the opposite effect. I'm at my wits end. Anyone have any ideas what I'm doing wrong???

A frustrated Harry (the worst kind)

 

[ForestCap]

http://static.photo.net/attachments/bboard/00E/00EOt3-26808684.jpg

Try pushing in the parts pointed by red arrows, carefully and slightly. My h-103 (1983) didn't mount on my kiev-4a (1969)and was fixed with this method.

 

[harry01562]

confused, sorry

confused, sorry

How do I push the points indicated while trying to put that part into the lens opening?

Sorry, but those are inside the camera when pressure would be applied aren't they?

Again, sorry for my lack of understanding.

 

[xayraa33]

I have had the same problem with Kiev bodies and Kiev lenses.

The best thing I found is to close match the year of the body to the year of the lens or at least as near as possible. Some of my 1960s Kiev lenses will mount with difficulty on my early 70s Kiev bodies and will not mount on my early 80s Kiev M and AM.

The manufacturing inconsistencies of the lens mount are astounding in the Soviet era.

 

[harry01562]

solved?

solved?

The span between the camera and lens is 8 years. This could explain the inability to mount, I guess.

The strange thing is the camera accepting original Contax lenses, and this problem lens mounting on the Contax.

I was unable to use the hint above, because I couldn't figure out what to do, specifically.

So, put the whole thing aside, I've got too many lenses already, ditto cameras.

But, I did buy Lawrence Gubas' new book Zeiss and Photography. Check it out, it's an amazing compilation of data and great photos.

Thanks, Harry

 

[xayraa33]

The span between the camera and lens is 8 years. This could explain the inability to mount, I guess.

The strange thing is the camera accepting original Contax lenses, and this problem lens mounting on the Contax.

I was unable to use the hint above, because I couldn't figure out what to do, specifically.

So, put the whole thing aside, I've got too many lenses already, ditto cameras.

But, I did buy Lawrence Gubas' new book Zeiss and Photography. Check it out, it's an amazing compilation of data and great photos.

Thanks, Harry

Some of the late made Helios 103 lenses were notorious for not mounting on late 50s to mid 1960s Kievs, even after filing the locking tab on the lens.

I also have an Opton Zeiss Sonnar f 1.5 and it mounts nicely on any Kiev, go figure.

German precision is a great thing in most cases.

 

[Thud]

Need more Vodka to mount lens on camera.

 

[Sarcophilus Harrisii]

The span between the camera and lens is 8 years. This could explain the inability to mount, I guess.

The strange thing is the camera accepting original Contax lenses, and this problem lens mounting on the Contax.

I was unable to use the hint above, because I couldn't figure out what to do, specifically.

So, put the whole thing aside, I've got too many lenses already, ditto cameras.

But, I did buy Lawrence Gubas' new book Zeiss and Photography. Check it out, it's an amazing compilation of data and great photos.

Thanks, Harry

Yes I've heard it has just come out. if you don't mind me asking, what did it cost you to get that?
Cheers
Brett

 

[harry01562]

I should have my grandson, who is attending university in Moscow, send me some good stuff.

 

[harry01562]

I paid a total of $142.15, but the latest info I have is the book is sold out with the vendor. List price is higher, so I would send an email asking about availability.

 

[Sarcophilus Harrisii]

I paid a total of $142.15, but the latest info I have is the book is sold out with the vendor. List price is higher, so I would send an email asking about availability.

Thanks. I've heard the print run is small.

 

[harry01562]

Print run on Zeiss book

Print run on Zeiss book

According to CameraBooks.com, the entire print run was only 400 copies. As a specialized text, most libraries won't be buying it, so it will be hard to access if needed.
I think long time members of Zeiss Historical, who have a run of their Journal, will have quite a bit of the material included in the new book. That said, having everything in one place makes life easier.
An index would have been nice, but would represent a huge task. That's frequently taken on after publishing the book, and done by someone with the requisite ability to organize, and a feel for the material. I'd like to see it accomplished by, perhaps, the Zeiss Historica.

Thanks. I've heard the print run is small.

 

[harry01562]

According to CameraBooks.com, the entire print run was only 400 copies. As a specialized text, most libraries won't be buying it, so it will be hard to access if needed.
I think long time members of Zeiss Historical, who have a run of their Journal, will have quite a bit of the material included in the new book. That said, having everything in one place makes life easier.
An index would have been nice, but would represent a huge task. That's frequently taken on after publishing the book, and done by someone with the requisite ability to organize, and a feel for the material. I'd like to see it accomplished by, perhaps, the Zeiss Historical.

The book is now on eBay: 301860626512

Note free shipping within US, and Int. shipping at cost.

No association with vendor.

 

[harry01562]

a file solved the problem

a file solved the problem

I decided to take the blunt force approach on the lens. I used a microfile, gently, and filed the edges of the bottom flanges, opposite the red spot. The lens fit, with just a bit of wiggling, but did take more than normal forced to fully engage.

Now that it's on, it will stay on.