Elmar 50mm f2.8 wobble

[MPJP]

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I recently purchased an Elmar 50mm f2.8 (11112) from 1966. The shop sold the lens noting it was CLA’d. The lens is clear and images are sharp. Focusing is smooth and aperture adjustment is accurate with satisfying clicks. 

However, before the lens is fully extended and locked, the extension tube has a wobble. Once extended and locked the wobble is gone.

With the exception of the wobble I really like the lens and it seems remarkably clean and clear for a 60-year-old lens. I just don’t want the wobble to become a bigger problem that requires an expensive repair.

I’m still in a return window for the lens and I’ll be stopping by the shop in a few days to see if they have any options beyond a simple refund. 

I’ve read about a few other people’s experiences with these lenses having a wobble. Some chalk it up to the design and age and consider it a minor issue, while others recommend repair to at least reduce the wobble (and mine might’ve already gone through this). 

I’m looking for new thoughts about this, particularly from anyone who has a lot of experience with these lenses and their idiosyncrasies and/or repairs.

As I mentioned, I’ll be bringing this lens back to the shop where I purchased it to see my options beyond a full refund. But I’d love to hear some opinions based on experience using the 11112 lens.

Edited August 5 by MPJP

[farnz]

12 minutes ago, MPJP said:

However, before the lens is fully extended and locked, the extension tube has a wobble. Once extended and locked the wobble is gone.

The wobble is likely to be the tolerance needed to be able to extend and collapse the lens without undue force.  If it's secure when it's extended and locked is the wobble really a problem?  I have several collapsible Leitz or Leica lenses and 'wobble' during extension is something I expect.  YMMV.

Pete.

[wizard]

vor 22 Minuten schrieb MPJP:

Once extended and locked the wobble is gone.

Then the lens is fine. The lens tube is not guided in roller bearings, so a certain clearance is normal, and even needed to prevent retracting/extending the lens becoming too stiff.

Edited August 5 by wizard
correction

[pedaes]

28 minutes ago, MPJP said:

However, before the lens is fully extended and locked, the extension tube has a wobble.

As Pete @farnz says, as there is a tolerance for the tube to extend/retract there is likely to be a little play. It cannot 'wobble' when fully locked in its extended position  which is how you use it, so what is the issue?

Perhaps you will be more comfortable with a rigid lens.

Typing this Post as @wizard replied so repetitive - we are all saying same thing!

Edited August 5 by pedaes

[Ecar]

1 hour ago, MPJP said:

However, before the lens is fully extended and locked, the extension tube has a wobble. Once extended and locked the wobble is gone.

As other distinguished members have written above, this wobble is a 'design feature'.

1 hour ago, MPJP said:

I’ve read about a few other people’s experiences with these lenses having a wobble. Some chalk it up to the design and age and consider it a minor issue, while others recommend repair to at least reduce the wobble (and mine might’ve already gone through this). 

This wobble, on the other hand, likely refers to what happens when the barrel is locked in position and the locking lugs are a bit worn. No big deal in most instances and an easy fix.

Enjoy your "new" lens!

Edited August 5 by Ecar

[spydrxx]

There isn't a problem!!! Locking it in place does what it is supposed to - making it rigid for taking shots. Extending the lens from its collapsed position required a little freeway...that's what you are describing as "wobble". It happens on all collapsible lenses.

[pedaes]

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2 hours ago, Ecar said:

other distinguished members

Says the main man, who knows more about 'old' lenses than anyone I know of!

[Ecar]

9 minutes ago, pedaes said:

Says the main man, who knows more about 'old' lenses than anyone I know of!

Ahaha 😅- thanks, Keith, but you are too kind. There's still so much to learn...

[MPJP]

Many thanks, everyone. I really appreciate all of your insight and opinions. I'm going to put this 1966 lens on my 1966 M3 and shoot another roll. Looking forward to seeing the results. 

[Pyrogallol]

I believe the collapsible lenses have type of felt cushion between the moving and rigid parts of the lens to dampen the movement when you extend or close the moving part of the lens. Over the years the felt can get worn down resulting in a wobble. But as said once the lens is extended and locked in position it should be ok.

[Ecar]

1 hour ago, Pyrogallol said:

I believe the collapsible lenses have type of felt cushion between the moving and rigid parts of the lens to dampen the movement when you extend or close the moving part of the lens. Over the years the felt can get worn down resulting in a wobble. But as said once the lens is extended and locked in position it should be ok.

Absolutely. Some (but not all) collapsible lenses were fitted with a felt-like ring on the fixed part. However, while this would certainly have reduced the wobble when extending or collapsing the barrel, its main purpose was to prevent the barrel from being scratched and to minimise the risk of grit entering the focusing helicoid.

Edited August 6 by Ecar

[steve edmunds]

mine is from 1960 and there is slight movement both retracted and extended.,it works very well optically.

[earleygallery]

As long as there's no wibble and just wobble your lens if perfectly fine.