Problem with 21mm biogon Contax lens

[StepheKoontz]

Just picked up a 21mm f4.5 biogon and it has a weird problem. The cam that interfaces with the focusing mechanism is clocked wrong. I could see if it was 180 deg out that someone installed the cam turned around but it's out like 20 degrees counter clockwise from where it should be. I figured this out looking at a half dozen other contax mount lenses after if was acting weird trying to mount it to the camera. Yes I know to set the body to infinity and the lens to infinity before trying to mount it

My question, is this an easy fix or should I send it back. I got it for a decent price and it's a super clean lens optically and appearance wise. I could easily spend as much and end up with one with haze or other issues for the same price.

 

[StepheKoontz]

Just FYI for the record. I sent this lens to a repair shop familiar with these, they confirmed the lens was assembled incorrectly but could be fixed.

 

[film_man]

It is just shocking what some people do and what they charge for the destruction they sell as "repairs"...

 

[btaylor]

Just FYI for the record. I sent this lens to a repair shop familiar with these, they confirmed the lens was assembled incorrectly but could be fixed.

As a Contax owner, I am curious as to the name of the repair shop that is familiar with them. Is it the classic rangefinder you are referring to? Repairers for these cameras are few and far between.

 

[tomkatf]

Why did it need to be disassembled/"repaired"...??? That would concern me...

 

[StepheKoontz]

My guess is the glass was hazy and someone took it apart to clean the haze. I sent it to Harry at Zeisscamera.com. I will report back when I get it back from him.

 

[tomkatf]

Good luck, I'm sure you'll love the lens! (when it gets back!)

 

[mshchem]

My guess is the glass was hazy and someone took it apart to clean the haze. I sent it to Harry at Zeisscamera.com. I will report back when I get it back from him.

It's a pain. But having 6 Zeiss Contax lenses to compare it to must help ease the pain.
I bought a Cosina made Zeiss Biogon 35 f 2.8 for my M6ttl . What a lovely lens. Compact and great lens. FWIW Ken Rockwell says it's as good or better the a F2 Summicron, obviously I have a couple Zeiss lenses for my Hasselblad, truly amazing glass.

 

[StepheKoontz]

Yeah, I have used some AMAZING lenses made by Zeiss. The two that come to mind: the 180mm f2.8 sonar in P6 mount and the 135mm f2 ZF for my nikons.

 

[narsuitus]

Yeah, I have used some AMAZING lenses made by Zeiss. The two that come to mind: the 180mm f2.8 sonar in P6 mount and the 135mm f2 ZF for my nikons.

I also have the Zeiss 135mm f/2 ZF for my Nikons. You are correct, Zeiss makes some amazing glass. Here are the others I use:
28mm f/2 ZF Distagon for Nikon
21mm f/2.8 Biogon for Contax G
28mm f/2.8 Biogon for Contax G
45mm f/2 Planar for Contax G
90mm f/2.8 Sonnar for Contax G
12mm f/2.8 Zeiss Distagon Touit for Fuji X
35mm f/1.4 Zeiss Distagon ZM for Leica