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24-70z issues
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moke View Drop Down
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Posts: 28 		Post Options Post Options   Quote moke Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: 24-70z issues
    Posted: 17 January 2024 at 08:13
Hi,
I have a 24-70 2.8 Zeiss (sal2470z) lens I've owned since new. Recently it has begun to not focus correctly. The issue happens off and on and seems to be affected by movement inside the lens. Since I Have owned the lens there was always some play in the front barrel/ element, like a loose side to side play, "wobble" if you will. It's hard to say how much because my memory of it when new is fuzzy, but I do believe it has gotten looser with time. It has definitely developed zoom creep when the lens is pointed down and didn't do that when new.
Right now the problem seems dependent of if the lens is pointed up or down. After carrying the lens on camera with a strap pointed down, it won't focus properly. I have to point it up and lightly tap it for it to focus properly.

I am wondering if anyone else has had this issue with this or any other Sony lens and what was done to fix it. I fear it will not be worth it to send in for repair as the repair would exceed the cost of a replacement if they were to service it. I've searched around and not seen anyone else with the problem, closest I've seen is an issue with the newer E-mount 24-70. If possible I'd like to attempt to fix the problem myself. If not, I'll have to look for a replacement. Most likely an E-mount replacement since I am now using E-mount cameras.
Any help would be appreciated!
 



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addy landzaat View Drop Down
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Posts: 15552 		Post Options Post Options   Quote addy landzaat Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 January 2024 at 11:52
Sounds like a mechanical problem, but to be sure clean the contacts on lens and camera.

Repair probably is more then a used copy, so, yeah.
I had a Canon 28-70/2.8L that had problems focussing that improved when I opened it up as far as dared and reassembling it. And I have a Canon 50/1.4 USM that stopped focussing because some screws got loose. So, it might be just a few screws that need to be tightened. If you dare, find a tear down video.

If you decide to replace it, these days there are several other (better) options next to the Sony/Zeiss 24-70/4 just ask if you want to know our opinion on those.
Why not follow me on Instagram? @Addy_101
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Phil Wood View Drop Down
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Posts: 3252 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Phil Wood Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 January 2024 at 12:37
My 24-70 (Mk1) had the same issue which eventually led to no AF at all. I did get it repaired, but the cost was not a lot less than a replacement. Since then prices have fallen considerably and odds are that repairs are more costly - if it happened today I'd get another copy.
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addy landzaat View Drop Down
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Posts: 15552 		Post Options Post Options   Quote addy landzaat Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 January 2024 at 14:15
Originally posted by Phil Wood Phil Wood wrote:

24-70 (Mk1)
Is that the f/2.8 version? As you say mk.1 and there is only one version of the Zeiss.
Why not follow me on Instagram? @Addy_101
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4paul View Drop Down
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Posts: 1960 		Post Options Post Options   Quote 4paul Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 January 2024 at 14:24
Like addy said check the rear of the lens, loosen and re-tighten the screws on the mount on the lens (and check tightness on the camera mount screws just to be sure it's not on the camera side). The problem could be the electrical contacts not being tight, which could be mechanical, or dirt.

Like Phil said it could be internal, which requires repair; at least for the moment you know the hack to make it work
There is a difference between a shaky or out-of-focus photograph and a snapshot of clouds and fog banks. - Schrödinger
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neilt3 View Drop Down
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Posts: 3484 		Post Options Post Options   Quote neilt3 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 January 2024 at 16:21
Originally posted by addy landzaat addy landzaat wrote:

Originally posted by Phil Wood Phil Wood wrote:

24-70 (Mk1)
Is that the f/2.8 version? As you say mk.1 and there is only one version of the Zeiss.


Is this not the mkII version ?
http://www.dyxum.com/lenses/Sony-Carl-Zeiss-24-70mm-F2.8-ZA-SSM-II-Vario-Sonnar-T*_lens791.html
see my photostream on flickr;
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neilt3/
C & C welcome.
 



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addy landzaat View Drop Down
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Posts: 15552 		Post Options Post Options   Quote addy landzaat Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 January 2024 at 18:22
Oh, sorry, my bad. This is about the A-mount lens, not the E-mount. Sorry. My advise still stands IMHO.

My Sony/Zeiss A-mount 24-70/2.8 stopped AF'ing at some time, but not like yours. I got it repaired and worked better then ever.
Why not follow me on Instagram? @Addy_101
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moke View Drop Down
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Posts: 28 		Post Options Post Options   Quote moke Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 January 2024 at 01:09
That's just my predicament, I've searched all over for some type of teardown on this lens to no avail. I have seen some on the newer E-mount and on have watched some on other brand lenses, but not sure how similar those are to my lens. I have no problem jumping into it myself if I have an idea of it. Maybe it's just the stigma of opening a lens, I've never opened one up before.
I did find a service manual for the lens and have been studying that. In the manual there is a bunch of calibrating steps after reassembly, most of the equipment Ive never heard of... I will make sure the screws on the mount end are tight.
I love the color and rendering of this lens and is one of the main reasons I haven't replaced it with a newer lens moving to E-mount. I have an E-mount 16-35(?)f2.8 and find it too sterile, lots of flare too. Do you have any experience with the E-mount 24-70?
Thanks!
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