Adjusting infinity focus on Rollei lenses

Orio · Expire: 2012-12-04

I read somewhere that by loosening the three screws that hold the focusing ring of Rollei SL lenses,
and rotating a bit beyond default infinity mark, it would be possible to shift infinity focus in Rollei lenses
to that bit more that is needed to work with EOS adapters.
Well, I did try that, but it doesn't work. Lens does not want to rotate beyond infinity, something does not let it exceed default infinity.
Any idea why? I wanted to try that adjustment myself because it was described as very easy and I wished to avoid the charge of the service laboratory,
but I don't want to go too far and risk the precious lenses.

LucisPictor · Expire: 2013-12-03

AFAIK it only works with some models (e.g. the 1.4/55), not with every lens.

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

Probably depends on lens model. Planar HFT 1.8/50, Dynarex/Tele-Tessar 4/200 and Rolleinar 2.8/135 works fine. Planar HFT 1.4/50 probably too on crop camera, but on 5DmkII hits mirror even in live-view mode.

Orio · Expire: 2012-12-04

I have the Rollei Planar 1.8/50 (Singapore), Zeiss Tele-Tessar 4/200, Planar 1.4/85 and Distagon 1.4/35.
The Distagon should work, because I read this tip exactly with regards to the D 1.4/35
but, after I loosen the screws, I still am unable to focus beyond infinity, something is blocking the part.

peterqd · Expire: 2014-01-04

Orio, just a thought. It sounds very much like you've released the wrong screws. I don't have experience of Rollei lenses but every lens has some way of adjusting infinity and many other makes work on ths principle:

Under the name ring round the front element there are usually 6 (sometimes 8 ) screws. Three of these fix the filter ring to the body and the other three clamp the focus. They alternate, so looking clockwise A, C & E do one job and B, D & F the other. Some lens designs work on a different principle - e.g. CZJ 2.8/20 has a clamping ring which needs a lens spanner.

Orio · Expire: 2012-12-04

Peter, thanks for the advice - There are only those four screws on the barrel.
So, impossible to have unscrewed the wrong ones.
The only other screws on the lens are on the backside (mount).

peterqd · Expire: 2014-01-04

Orio · Expire: 2012-12-04

pavko · Joined: 31 Jan 2011 Posts: 216 Location: PL

Maybe it will not cover Orio case but as I adjusted infinity of Planar 1.8/50 I would like to post photos where to find proper screws.

Orio · Expire: 2012-12-04

Thanks Pavko, but the Planar 1.4/85 has the front glass directly attached to the outer barrel, and the 1.4/35 Distagon
does not seem to be removable even with effort.