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Explore the world of vintage lenses through repair notes, real test shots, and detailed archive threads packed with images.

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Zeiss 135mm f3.5: Question aperture mechanism
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Hello guys

I buyed a Zeiss 135mm f3.5 with a stuck aperture and wanted to clean it. Removing the glass from one side and cleaning it with isopropanyl was not enough. I also had to clean the blades from the other side and they suddenly fell out. To make matters worse, I also broke a small screw. I took notes while taking it apart, but at this point I missed two details because I didn't know what I need to know later (did this the first time).

I would be very grateful if someone with more experience could answer me or someone who also has the lens.

1. Problem: This question is about the place where I had to replace the screw. I am not sure if I have the one lever (marked in pink) the right way or if the problem is with the new screw. I now have a better, shorter screw than in the picture. The two levers only touch very lightly and do not pass the movement on to each other.
Picture and sketch: https://imgur.com/a/UUjRpnf
Is the pink lever the right way?
I assume the big lever should touch the pink lever at the blue point. Is the end result regulating the aperture or is this part of the A/M-switch?
Where does the pink lever need to have a second contact point at the aperture mechanism?

2. Problem: Is the alignment of the ring correct as I hold it in the following picture? Is this called "aperture rod"?
Picture: : https://imgur.com/a/9HhQbWq
A screw goes through each of the holes, but which hole do they have to go into underneath?
I am holding the ring as I noted in the picture, but I don't see a thread for a screw underneath.

I would be very grateful for some help. If I have put these two parts in, then I should know the next steps.

Thank you very much and have a nice evening.


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Small update for those with the same lens: I have found the solution. Under the Youtube video that explained how to assemble the aperture blades, many had a similar problem as me. There I found rescue: A user wrote the correct order of the next steps in a comment. Here is the link to the video and comment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8uSwAhKp4M&lc=UgxqszKPHstrGhZpd0l4AaABAg

Afterwards, everything can be reassembled in the same order as it was taken apart. These instructions are a little easier to find. Nevertheless, here are two more helpful links:
http://www.wiratama.net/camera/carl-zeiss-jena-13535-mc-aperture-cleaning
web.archive.org/web/20170701202005/http://www.aprd31.dsl.pipex.com/articles/czj135svc/


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Congrats Whoo Turtle


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visualopsins wrote:
Congrats Whoo Turtle

Thank you. Next time I will know much better which notes I have to make when I take it apart


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phoberus wrote:
visualopsins wrote:
Congrats Whoo Turtle

Thank you. Next time I will know much better which notes I have to make when I take it apart

you can use a caliper to measure the lens prior to any further process, when it's done, check it again, this way works for all manual lens.

for infinity adjustment, attach it to a sony A7, do the tuning there (watch the focusing peak, turn the helicoid until you identify the infinity location), then install the focus housing. this way works for all lens too, and you don't have to leave any marks on any places.


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mareinke wrote:
you can use a caliper to measure the lens prior to any further process, when it's done, check it again, this way works for all manual lens.

for infinity adjustment, attach it to a sony A7, do the tuning there (watch the focusing peak, turn the helicoid until you identify the infinity location), then install the focus housing. this way works for all lens too, and you don't have to leave any marks on any places.


Interesting! I'd love to learn about this in a bit more detail. Could you maybe add some photos and explain the process?