Contax RTS II : mirror problem or lens problem?

[gary e]

I have recently started to use my Contax RTS II again, but it had

some mirror problems with some lenses. The most notable problem was

with the small pancake lens protruding too far in the rear touching

the mirror (The mirror would not return after the shutter was

released and would require a lens dismount to allow the mirror to

return and close the shutter). I have found that the rear element

would only touch when focused near infinity. This was easy to

understand why the mirror was not returning, but I have also found

some of the newer lenses (MM type) to have this problem as well;

particularly the 85mm.

 

This problem does not happen with my RTS III with any of the lenses;

28 or zooms. I had only used a 50mm with the RTS II in the past with

no problems. This problem only started recently. I have read where

the mirror has a magnet for the return sequence, and if the camera

hasn't been used for a while it may actually weaken.

 

Has anyone had a problem like this? Is there a return spring/magnet

that needs to be replaced after 2 decades? Has anyone recently used

Contax USA for a 1982 RTS II? Or does the problem lie in my lenses?

[bernhard]

Did you try looking through the open shutter and see whether the mirror touches the lens or not?. In any case I think it is a body problem.