Biggles
My cup runneth amok.
Anyone ever detail-stripped and successfully reassembled a 50 f2 collapsible Zeiss Sonnar in Contax rangefinder mount? I have one with a good bit of what looks like oil fog inside it. The iris works very smoothly; just want to get in there and steam-clean the glass.
I have a strong light, a work surface relatively free of crumbs, and a fine selection of ball-peen hammers. Should I attempt this?
I have a strong light, a work surface relatively free of crumbs, and a fine selection of ball-peen hammers. Should I attempt this?
Pherdinand
the snow must go on
steam-clean the glass? What's that?
wyk_penguin
Well-known
I thought heating the old lenses wasn't a good idea. They say the cemented elements will de-cement when heated. And Zeiss does like to cement large blocks of glass.
iphoenix
Well-known
I suspect that this old post was written with "tongue in cheek"; however I also have a pre-war 50/2 Sonnar with medium/light fogging and would like to know firstly: Is it a feasible project for a "non-expert" to clear it and secondly; How it could be done if I felt sufficiently confident to do it, after your answer/s to question one?
Also, given that the glass all appears to be in excellent condition, would it be worthwhile/cost-effective to have the lens coated?
Rgds,
David
ps: I have an early, non focussing Contax/LSM converter that I would like to use between this lens and my IIIF.
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richardHaw
junk scavenger
yes, i have completely overhauled one myself 
may make an article for that on my repair blog
may make an article for that on my repair blog
iphoenix
Well-known
yes, i have completely overhauled one myself
may make an article for that on my repair blog
Thanks Richard, I'll keep an eye open for it.
David
Philip Whiteman
Well-known
I too would be interested in learning about dismantling one of these lenses, Richard - I have two that may well clean up nicely (my one unfogged one works beautifully) but I have had no luck in dismantling them...