Contax Planar 1,4/50 AE disassembly?

8310 · Joined: 05 Jun 2010 Posts: 123

I tried searching but could not find anything, so there you go:

I got ahold of a Contax Planar 50/1,4 AE that needs some relubing but so far I have not been able to disassemble it. After removing the front ring and the screws that hold the focus ring I can just move the focus ring but not remove it. Its inner diameter is too small to just take it off over the front.

As you can maybe understand, this lens is not exactly a doorstopper and does have some value, so I am inclined to get some more information before proceeding to experiment and just disassemble any parts that can be disassembled.

Any advice on the disassembly? Has anyone ever serviced this lens? Is there maybe even some sort of service manual anywhere out there?

Himself · Expire: 2013-05-30

No advice.
I wouldn't experiment on this one. And I do fixed quite a few lenses.
Now, your chances to sell that lens here, or any other Contax 50/1.4 are close to zero.
If you are in US of A look for a thread opened by BigDawg, he praises a certain shop but I don't remember where.

BRunner · Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Posts: 705 Location: Czech Republic

It's MMJ version, but hope it helps.

Overhaul of Contax Planar 1.4/50mm T* MMJ

8310 · Joined: 05 Jun 2010 Posts: 123

qtmonster · Joined: 15 Jun 2011 Posts: 37 Location: Singapore

Hi 8310,

May I know how did you in the end manage to disassemble this lens?

I also have this particular version (AEJ I think), and I'm trying to relube the focus ring and also remove the aperture ball bearing (de-click it), but there are no screws on the back mount.

Let me know thanks! Smile

8310 · Joined: 05 Jun 2010 Posts: 123

I just had some time to finish reassembling it, so that is what I did. I cannot comment on the aperture ball bearing as I only relubed the helicoid.
Some lens parts were slightly different from the MM version linked above, but apart from only having front access and having to put the rear part back on earlier when assembling, the procedure is essentially the same.