CZJ Sonnar 180/2.8 Disassembly / Lubricating HELP

martinMK · Joined: 27 May 2010 Posts: 7

Hi Folks..

Recently I got a CZJ 180/2.8 MC the last of the series in production.. ser.no: 9779 in M42

Everything works like charm.. It is in EXC+++ condition.. but I would like to get the focusing to be a little softer.. now it is not stiff..
but it feels not quite good by my standards..

I have my mixture of vaseline + 0 grade machine oil that I would like to add a little bit to make the focus to be smoother and easier..

So could any one of you help me / guide me how to get a little bit closer to the helicoid/focusing mechanism..

I appreciate your help..

Cheers..

sceptic · Joined: 01 Jun 2013 Posts: 255

Messing with focusing helicoids without experience and not knowing what one is doing is an excellent way of creating an expensive paper weight/ door stopper from a perfectly fine lens. Separating the helicoids (a prerequisite for proper regreasing) without marking the point of separation can render the lens useless.

That aside, do you know for a fact that your vaseline/machine oil mix is stable and will not separate? If it does, you run the risk of clogging the aperture with oil, making it stiff or even seize up totally. I personally use Helimex-XP grease for the lenses I regrease, and it works fine (a bit too stiff for my 55/2.8 micro-Nikkor, but fine for a MC-Rokkor 35/2. Cool

In short; leave it be unless you know what you're doing and/or can afford to ruin the lens.

martinMK · Joined: 27 May 2010 Posts: 7

I will not separate the helicoids in any way I just need to get close enough from the back of the lens in order to inject the mix I have..

It is a tried and tested on all my MF lenses.. Works in all temperatures and does not separate.

That being said.. I have used 8.5%MoS2 grease works perfectly.. super smooth.. but when it comes to moving large elements it gets a little hard.. That is why on all large aperture lenses I use my concoction..

This will be my 10th or so lens for partial regreasing.. I did one brick one helios 44-m4 but it was way in the beginning.. now I mark all my exit and entry points on any lens..

So basically I need a guide just to get to the base of the helicoid..

Gonzoo · Joined: 29 Mar 2010 Posts: 232

Martin, if you post some pictures of the lens, I might be of some help.

Srdjan · Joined: 11 Apr 2012 Posts: 316 Location: Nis

The worst idea of all is to put some lubricant over old one. This is disaster, you will not get anything of it. So the best is to separate it, clean it with gasoline for lighter or pharmacy gasoline. After that lube it with synthetic lubricants that have teflon.

http://www.suaudeau.eu/memo/rep/KZJSonnar.html

http://www.flickr.com/photos/skip2photo/sets/72157625356633572/

http://forum.mflenses.com/viewtopic.php?t=23409

It is important when you are disassembling and you have no experience, just mark or record everything you do so you can put it beck together. When separating helicoids put focusing ring in infinity position and then mark position on bought rings when they separate so you can put it together. This lens is simple.