the unofficial Cosina-Voigtlander User Community

This is one of those nagging design issues that occur in some Voigtlander kit. The “loose barrel” problem has popped up on many a message board on the Internet. Fortunately, its scope is limited to the CV 35/1.7 Ultron and CV 50/1.5 Nokton. Users of these lenses start to notice a little play on the front of the lens barrel. Then it increases to the point where the aperture ring starts to have a little back-and-forth play to it as well. If left uncorrected, eventually the aperture blades might even slip out of place, turning a little annoyance into a show-stopping problem. But never fear. You need never let it get to that point. With the right tools, this issue can be fixed successfully and permanently in a matter of just a few minutes. Here’s how.

Before we get down into the nitty-gritty, here’s the disclaimer. I’m not a professional photographer nor am I trained in repairing photographic gear. I can’t even program my “one button” programmable DVD player. I suffered this specific problem and, being the cheapskate that I am, decided to try and fix it my self. It worked. Hey, put typewriters in front of a few thousand monkeys and one of them will write Shakespeare, right? Anyway, my point is you should really take your lens to someone trained to do this sort of thing. They paid for the training and they are paid for the good work they do. If you try this and damage your lens, it’s not my fault. I assume no responsibility for your actions. I warned you.

Figure 1: What you'll need.

Now that the important bit is out of the way, here’s what you’ll need (Fig 1.):

• Your Voigtlander 50/1.5 Nokton.
•  A tool to remove the vanity nameplate of the lens. Most people use a spanner. I use a rubber tool I picked up on eBay. It doesn't scratch.
• A Phillips-head jeweler’s screwdriver
• Nail enamel. Optional, but recommended if you only want to have to do this once.
• A large cloth or mat to lay everything on so it won’t get away.
• Nerves of Steel and an Iron Will. (Just kidding.)

Figure 2: Remove the nameplate

Step 1: Remove the vanity nameplate. (Fig 2.)

Using the spanner or other appropriate tool, remove the nameplate from the front of the lens.

Figure 3: Tighten any loose screws

Step 2: Tighten things up. (Fig. 3)

Removing the nameplate will reveal 4 screws spaced evenly around the barrel. 3 should be black, Phillips-types and one should be a silver, flathead type. Examine the black screws to see which ones are loose (have unscrewed a little) and tighten where appropriate.

Step 3: Ensuring Longevity (Optional)

Place a dot of nail enamel over each of the screws to ensure that they don’t loosen again. Don’t use anything “permanent” like Loctite or superglue!!! At some point you may want to have your lens CLA’d and a technician will have to be able to open your lens up. Nail enamel is best.

Step 4: Back 2 Start

Replace the nameplate cover.

And that’s it! If your Nokton is still in one piece and fully functional, congratulations. Go find somewhere dark and smoke-filled and shoot off a roll of Tri-X with it.  If not, I told you so, didn’t I?

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