mhw
Newbie
I got my hands on a fair condition CZJ Sonnar 1:2 f=5cm T lens for Contax rangefinders. According to the Sonnar 50mm f/2 overview it is a 1947 aluminum version. In addition to lots of micro scratches, there was mild haze and the aperture ring had a fair amount of drag. Inspired by this forum, I decided to service it. The lens mechanics work beautifully after servicing and the haze is much improved.
This lens turned out to be very different internally from the later Sonnars as documented by all Sonnar repair guides I found including Mike Elek's, so I wrote up a fresh iFixit guide. Enjoy! Any feedback is appreciated 🙂
www.ifixit.com
This lens turned out to be very different internally from the later Sonnars as documented by all Sonnar repair guides I found including Mike Elek's, so I wrote up a fresh iFixit guide. Enjoy! Any feedback is appreciated 🙂
Cleaning & lubricating a Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 1:2 f=5cm T (Contax mount, aluminum)
This guide is for a full overhaul of a 1947 Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 1:2 f=5cm T lens made for Contax rangefinders. The lens has an aluminum barrel...

GeorgeRazmadze
Member
Hello. What is the safest and best solution to cleaning the zeiss opton coated lens from haze and fungus? without demagong the coating? Thank you for your time.
I use an eye-glass lens cleaner that is a mixture of alcohol and ammonia. I then place under a UV light.
@GeorgeRazmadze
@GeorgeRazmadze
GeorgeRazmadze
Member
I use an eye-glass lens cleaner that is a mixture of alcohol and ammonia. I then place under a UV light.
@GeorgeRazmadze
Thanks. What brand was it? Wasn’t ammomia too harsh for coating? I researched that this zeiss cleaners is good and safe solution.

I do not use the pre-moistened wipes on my lenses, only on my glasses.
See if the Zeiss lens cleaner is available in a bottle.
See if the Zeiss lens cleaner is available in a bottle.
boojum
Ignoble Miscreant
I do not use the pre-moistened wipes on my lenses, only on my glasses.
See if the Zeiss lens cleaner is available in a bottle.
OK, I am piqued. If used from a bottle as a liquid how is it manipulated that is better than the wipes? How do you do it?
Signed "Curious on the Columbia."
Last edited:
GeorgeRazmadze
Member
Do you mean this? I found this one. Thank you for your time.I do not use the pre-moistened wipes on my lenses, only on my glasses.
See if the Zeiss lens cleaner is available in a bottle.
Attachments
GeorgeRazmadze
Member
Was it selfI do not use the pre-moistened wipes on my lenses, only on my glasses.
See if the Zeiss lens cleaner is available in a bottle.
Was it self mixture or some kind of branded kit? What was the percent of ammonia? Thank you for your time.I use an eye-glass lens cleaner that is a mixture of alcohol and ammonia. I then place under a UV light.
@GeorgeRazmadze
mhw
Newbie
I tried the Zeiss cleaning wipes on some lenses and they left residue.
For now I have settled on kimwipes + pancro lens cleaner. So far I haven't noticed any scratches left by this combination across my lens collection. I never use kimwipes dry or reuse them, and I always blow dust away with a rocket air blaster before wiping.
For now I have settled on kimwipes + pancro lens cleaner. So far I haven't noticed any scratches left by this combination across my lens collection. I never use kimwipes dry or reuse them, and I always blow dust away with a rocket air blaster before wiping.
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