Hi

I recently started using my Rollei 35S again, and noticed that the lens assembly is a little wobbly. The chrome extension tube is very firm when locked in place. It's the lens cell that moves about 0.5mm total from front to back as well as side to side.

Is is a normal amount of play or should I get the camera serviced?

Many thanks,
sc

No, that's not normal. It shouldn't have any wobble or play.

Apparently it's a known problem with the Sonnar lens. Mine's gone the same way. Well worth getting it repaired, though. It's a fantastic little camera once you get used to it's quirks!

Rob

I've just has another look at mine. It looks like only the front element is loose and I seem to have cured it by carefully turning the plastic (?) retaining ring anti-clockwise as far as it will go. I'm off to test it tomorrow - I'll let you know if it works!

Rob

Rob,
You've hit upon one of the most closely held secrets of the camera repair trade. I usually use a rubber stopper held at an angle to tighten/loosen the ring. You could use a pencil eraser to do the same thing.