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Thol
Tinkerer
Username: Thol
Post Number: 28
Registered: 08-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 02, 2012 - 01:57 am: | 
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Some years ago I met an old fellow who had been a watchmaker. He had taken up camera repair in his retirement and offered to CLA my Zeiss Contina II and my Contaflex. The Contina came out very nicely indeed. But the Contaflex seemed to have a rather stiff focusing ring. I accepted it thinking that a bit of use would loosen it up. It didn't. And now, years later, it is so stiff that it barely moves without a struggle.
Any suggestions. It seems to me that he may have used the wrong lubricant when perhaps he should have used non at all. Long after I had paid him, the camera slow speed settings were sluggish when the winter temperatures settled upon us. I should have pursued the matter with him, but I was overcome by more pressing issues at the time.
I dare not do any radical DIY with this camera cuz I just know it would defeat me. Could I try putting a tiny bit of alcohol around the ring and see if it may free up any coagulated grease he may have used on the helical threads? |
Waynemel
Tinkerer
Username: Waynemel
Post Number: 165
Registered: 08-2009
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 02, 2012 - 08:37 am: |
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I'm assuming (perhaps incorrectly) that you are referring to the Contaflex I with the fixed lens.
I had an example with a very stiff focus as well. I had removed the front element for servicing and had a difficult time putting it back in place. Afterwards, the focus was much stiffer than before the disassembly. The helical threads are very fine and may be damaged easily. I lubricated properly, but no matter what I did, it seemed that the focus was going to be stiff. I think the threads may have been damaged (by myself or a previous owner), although I couldn't see anything obvious. That may be the case with yours.
I have perfomed the same service on the Contaflex I have now, and the focus is fine. |
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