Zeiss Contessa 35 (533/24) aperture - not opening enough?

[johnnyrod]

I am just starting to clean up a Zeiss Ikon Contessa 35, which looks to be in fair order and I don't think anyone has been in there. The aperture blades don't fully retract when it's opened up to f2.8, is this normal? Looking at the aperture ring on the back, it moves right to the stop, and feels fine. The blades appear to move okay.
f2.8 rear view by John Rodriguez, on Flickr
f2.8 front view by John Rodriguez, on Flickr
Many thanks

 

[nhchen]

Hi John,
Have you tried putting the lens elements back? The aperture blades may not need to fully open if the lens elements only require that sized opening. With the lens back in you probably won't even see the aperture blades when they are fully open at 2.8.
Nathan

 

[Sarcophilus Harrisii]

Hi John,
Have you tried putting the lens elements back? The aperture blades may not need to fully open if the lens elements only require that sized opening. With the lens back in you probably won't even see the aperture blades when they are fully open at 2.8.
Nathan

It's a distinct likelihood Nathan, I agree entirely with your comments. It's the first thing that should be checked. All is probably fine with the aperture blades.
Cheers
Brett

 

[johnnyrod]

DOH yes you are right - I guess the image must be a bit more converged at this point. Thanks for your help!

I have the shutter out now, free of the RF mechanism (and being very careful to try not to upset any of it) so ready to start the CLA of it. I couldn't properly access the bottom of the three collimation grub screws with it attached to the body (the door got in the way) so had to de-mount the shutter. I'm being a bit paranoid about it TBH compared to some of my others. It's in fair condition but running slowly and a little fungus.

 

[johnnyrod]

Following the instructions on the Retina Rescue site - and thank goodness for finding them, dismantling and reassembling the flash timer is a right laugh! To anyone who does it, follow his instructions to the letter.

The amount of dirt that has come out is incredible. This is the third Compur shutter I've worked on and they've all been filthy compared to Prontor or Copal. It's back together and the non-latching main lever should be sorted, so getting there.