Zeiss ZF 100/2 Macro: problem @ infinity?

[johan1967]

Today I tried to use the Zeiss ZF 100/2 Macro for the first time @ infinity. I always use the focus-indicator of my D200 to focus. But now it was useless because the focus-indicator didn't light up with objects further away than about 15 meters. In my viewfinder everything beyond that distance looked a little soft too.

Here a quick and dirty example:

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd256/ustjwe/DSC_0450.jpg

The first car is about 15 meters away and the number plate is sharp, but the picture gets more and more unsharp after this point. I focussed (as far as possible) on infinity. It is just if I have a few millimeter too short on my lens to focus.

Is this something that other users experienced as well, is it normal behaviour for such a macro-lens, or should I have my lens checked by Zeiss.

Can this be caused by a large change in temperature where there is not enough "focus behind infinity" to remain focus for infinity? And if so are metal lenses more prone to this than plastic lenses?

[picman]

I do not know what is the reason for this, but it is definitely not normal behaviour for a macro lens. It should focus perfectly at infinity and this picture is way off. Do some more tests and if this repeats get the lens back to the shop and ask for another one asap. Take pictures with you!

Cheers, Bob.

[mikmik]

hi,

i'm not an expert but i have this lens and works fine on distant objects (kilometers away) so i don't think it is normal.

however i have no idea how much it is influenced but sudden tempretaure changes.

[johan1967]

Thanx for your replies.:)

In order to check if it had something to do with the temperature I also made a testshot from inside to an object outside @ infinity. With the same result.

I think I have to send it to Oberkochen in Germany to have this fixed.

[johan1967]

Last week I sent my lens to Zeiss in Oberkochen for repair. Today I received a brand new lens from Zeiss. Wow, this is a great service from Zeiss!!! I am very happy with it.

[HansV]

Last week I sent my lens to Zeiss in Oberkochen for repair. Today I received a brand new lens from Zeiss. Wow, this is a great service from Zeiss!!! I am very happy with it.

Hi Johan

Glad to hear they solved your problem.
I had the same service from Zeiss when I sent my ZF 1.4/85 in because of a problem with the diaphragm. No complaints about their service.

Regards

Hans

[mikmik]

waw, it's quite impressive from belgian/east european point of view :)

[HansV]

waw, it's quite impressive from belgian/east european point of view :)
As far as I know Oberkochen is in the former BRD, so no 'east european' point of view here ;-)

Never had this good service with Japanese manufacturers though, but then they are even farther east ;-)

[koji]

As far as I know Oberkochen is in the former BRD, so no 'east european' point of view here ;-)

Never had this good service with Japanese manufacturers though, but then they are even farther east ;-)

Cosina does good service you believe it or not. :)

[HansV]

Cosina does good service you believe it or not. :)

I do believe you but I never tried their service. Sending a lens to Japan would take more time than having it repaired here.

[kds315]

Zeiss in Oberkochen is well known for their good service; their head or service is very knowledgeable and helpful. Unfortunately for older lenses they don't have spare parts anymore (UV-Sonnar 105mm for instance)