Concerned Distagon 25 2.8 ZK

[manfrommagog]

Good morning all,
New member, first post. I just purchased a used Distagon 25mm 2.8 ZK mount. I absolutely love the lens but I have a concern. The lens barrel in front of the focusing ring seems to have some movement in it. It can be moved from side to side, or left to right ever so slightly. It seems to me that there should be no movement at all? Again this is the portion of the barrel in front of the focusing ring that extends out when focusing and extends out to include the chrome bayonet mount for the lens hood. There is play from side to side and perhaps slight movement in and out as well. Your thoughts and input please.

Thanks,

Stewart

[Brian]

I've had this in older lenses, the Canon 35/2.8 being the most noticeable.

If the optics are all in place, it sounds like a front ring is loose. Usually a couple of set screws on the older lenses are loose, and tightening provides a fix. Same with my manual focus Nikkor lenses.
If the glass is staying in place, it is not the helical. At this point: If the lens was cheap and no return, look for a couple of loose screws. If it has a warranty, or return privilige, I would try to have it fixed, return, or ask for a partial refund to have it serviced.