Tri-Elmar 28-35-50 1st version problem on Zeiss Ikon

[a1benny]

I just got my Tri-elmar lens. I use it on my Zeiss Ikon. It was the frameline problem showed on the viewfinder. 28mm and 35mm are showed correctly. However, the 50mm wasn't. It shows 28mm/85mm. Anyone has come across this problem? Any suggestions?

[a1benny]

I finally found a solution. Basically it was because of the spring on the rear of the lens. It blocks something. In result the 50mm frameline can't be showed correctly on the viewfinder. So I just removed from the lens and everything seem fine. The 50mm frameline is now showed accordingly. To be reminded that you don't simply pull the spring from lens. It will damage the spring. I have no idea what's the spring. But one day you may sell your lens. Then you will have to restore it to the original condition. So I removed the base plate by removing the 6 screws and took the plate down. Then the spring can be easily be removed. The only tricky thing is to find a exactly screw driver so you don't damage those tiny screws.

[dof]

The spring is part of the frame selection mechanism in that lens. You'll see that the flange length is adjustable and changes according to each chosen focal length.

After ten years of use, my copy began to show both the 28/90 and 50/75 frame lines with a 50mm lens attached. The spring had lost tension and would only move the flange to an "in-between" setting of the frame lines. A trip to the factory in Solms (with a five month-long hold over in New Jersey) was the answer in my case. Sounds as though you're all set up after just two days. Maybe I should have done the work myself too!


-J.

[a1benny]

I read this from on a forum. So I try to remove the spring and everything just fine now. I hope this is not going to cause any troubles to my camera and lens. I don't know why no one here uses Tri-Elmar with their ZI? It's so strange as this is a very convenience lens. I thought at least few people will own this lens and give me a solution.