Zeiss Nettar 515

I just purchased a Nettar 515 from the big E-bay after it was

recommended by a friend. The shutter was sticking so I proceeded to

tear it apart and clean the oil from the shutters. They are still a

bit slugish. I think I replaced the rear lens backwards as the

edges of the photo are out of focus. It features a Pronto shutter

with the Novar Anistigmat lens. The question is, could the corners

be a result of the rear element being installed wrong? I love the

ergonomics of the camera and the size. It will fit in my pocket

easily. My only complaint (once the focus issue is corrected, is

that I would like a shutter speed higher than 200 which would allow

me to use a wider variety of films. The camera is way better built

than my Ansco Vicking and I really like the square format.

Following are a couple of photos taken with the camera which, when I

do my part, are sharp in the centers. Once I get the problems

solved, I will post new photos taken with this camera.<div></div>

Next photo. I really wish this would have turned out.<div></div>

One more to see the focusing problem with the hint of great things to come.<div></div>

The rear lens element is mounted with the stronger curvature outwards, i.e. there should be a distinct convex curvature visible from behind. The inner surface is almost flat.

 

The center lens element's curvatures cannot easily be determined. If the center lens element is mounted the wrong way round pictures will be totally blurry, you can easily see this on a groundglass pressed against the film rails.

I agree writh Winfried. Matt took a <b><a href="http://homepage.mac.com/mattdenton/photo/samples/baldix_sample.html" target="_new">picture</a></b> with a 6x6 folder that had the rear element of its three-element lens installed backwards. It looks pretty much like your examples.

Mikel, I think the previous contributors are right, as you already suspected - it's probably a lens element installed incorrectly after cleaning.

 

However, I must say that I love the results you got with "incorrect" lens element placement - if it were me, I'd leave it the way it is :)

 

Denis

I like the way the blurring actually frames the picture of Melanie. I think I'll try it with my Ikonta.

Mike.

You can use a wider variety of film if you throw on a polarizing filter that knocks down the amount of light by a stop or two. I don't know what size of lens you have, but on my Ikonta, I have a 4.5 Dominar with which I can use a 32 mm slip on.

I'm like Rob. I may try reversing the rear element on one my Apotars.

Thank you all for your help. I have thought of leaving the lens that way as I have always wanted the Holga look. I have been looking to buy a Holga so I can join the "Holga Cult" I just can't do that with this camera. It is way too pretty and solidly built. I wouldn't even have to use electrical tape to seal the light leaks like the Holga--where is the fun in that? I really like the Hosta shot and the wood with the soft(really soft) edges and the sharp centers. Thank you all again.

Mike

I don't have this camera but I had the same problem with a 135mm lens for my maymia c330. I read the post at lunch time today and grabed my lens and the rear element group was reversed. I flip them over and the image on the ground glass looked great. After work I loaded up some film and developed the negatives. Sharp edges! I bought this lens in 1981. Someone must have thought that this would make a good portrot lens.

 

Jurgen