Need help to test my CZ distagon 35mm/ F2.8 on a working camera

[naeroscatu]

I need to check if my newly acquired CZ Distagon 35mm/ F2.8 lens in Contax mount works well on a Contax or Yashica camera. I have a Yashica FX-3 Super 2000 that I suspect has a problem because the lens does not mount correctly. Looking for help from someone in the GTA area that owns a Contax or Yashica and is willing to meet. I can drive to a Tim Hortons near you and coffee is on me

Thank you

 

[Thorpelyon]

This may be too far afield for you, but during the week, my office is in Scarborough... near the intersection of St. Clair East and Danforth. I've got a Contax ii and iia I could bring to test your mount, as well as a C/Y adapter to Fuji X.

Cheers,
James

 

[naeroscatu]

Hi James, thank you very much for your help. I will send you a PM with the day and time next week when I can come over to your office. I work in Mississauga so I will need to arrange some time off. It will probably be mid of next week in the afternoon, but I will send you a message ahead of time. I appreciate your help

 

[Trask]

Fellows -- it seems to me you're discussing two different lens mounts. OP says his CZ Distagon 35mm should is in the Contax/Yashica SLR bayonet mount, hence his trying to mount it on a Yashica. Responding poster offers to try the lens on a 1930s or 1950s Contax rangefinder camera. If OP's lens looks like the attached image, it is a Contax/Yashica mount SLR lens, and will not fit on a 1950's Contax rangefinder. It may fit the C/Y adapter if that is an adapter for Contax/Yashica SLR lenses.

 

[naeroscatu]

Hi Trask, you are correct - my lens is the Contax Zeiss Distagon T* 35mm F2.8 AEJ and the mount looks like this:

it is not 100% like yours but it should fit the Yashica FX-3 line. Your is probably the MMJ. I'm not sure about how it would fit on older Yashicas or if they can mount with an adapter but I'm willing to try. I'm not familiar with the Contax line of cameras and lens mounts, I'm open to find out more. Thank you

 

[Thorpelyon]

Oops, yeah you're right, Trask. My mistake. Sorry, Mihai. But if you're in the Mississauga area, I highly recommend heading a wee bit north to Halton Camera -- http://haltoncamera.com. Alex there has a wide selection of used gear, and would definitely be able to help you out. Best of luck... James

 

[Trask]

Well, I have several Contax SLR lenses (with the mount shown) that fit without issue on my Contax Aria or 167MT, and on my Yashica FX-D SLR. If you are having problems mounting the lens you have on the body you have, then yes, there is an issue. I assume you've looked at the manual for your camera body to determine exactly how to mount the lens, matching lens red dot to body red dot and turning the lens clockwise. Good luck.

 

[naeroscatu]

Hi Gents, thank you very much for the suggestions.
James, I will consider driving to Halton Camera.
Trask, yes I have the manual and I tried to mount several times matching the red dots on the lens and body and turning clockwise. The lens mounts, you hear the click. When I press the shutter it closes the diaphragm but then it gets stuck there - no return to initial position. Will let you all know what I learn on this one.

 

[Jeff L]

Just a thought. I have seen Yashica/Contax mount cameras for very little money. I bought an FXD with lens for $25 off kijiji.
You may find one for less than the cost of fuel and time than the drive to Halton. Now, if you want to see a good camera store with lots of great film cameras, that a different storey....

 

[naeroscatu]

Jeff, you are correct - there are cheap Yashica cameras out there, actually I got my FX-3 Super 2000 from the Value Village for $19.99 (body only). The damn thing works very well without the lens, this is why I bought it. I keep reading about this issue and found a posting from 2006 on PN from someone dealing with this.
The problem was that the glue used to keep the mirror on his Contax RTS II in position gets soft in time and allows the mirror to slide on its frame. At some point the mirror interferes with the lens when the lens is mounted. The solution is to carefully push the mirror back in place and apply some silicone glue to prevent it from sliding again. I will look into that. Jeff, all that being said I will still drive to Halton Camera, how can I miss a store with lots of film cameras

 

[naeroscatu]

I'm happy to report that I fixed the problem following this exact procedure. The only thing I had to do before pushing the mirror back into place was to heat the back of the mirror in the "up" position (I used the Shutter on B) using a hair dryer.
The mirror moved then without much effort. The lens mounts now perfectly and operates well at all shutter speeds. Next thing is to run some film through this camera.