Tamron 135/2.5 Adaptall-2: Aperture function restored

Andreas Thaler

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Nov 19, 2017
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4,209
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Vienna/Austria
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35mm
I actually didn't want this nice telephoto as a repair project, but rather as a problem-free access to my Tamron collection.

But things turned out differently and I realized once again that every lens is designed differently.

With this telephoto, which was highly praised for its imaging performance and high-quality in its time, the aperture on the camera did not work.

It was noticeable that the lens stopped down when it was removed from the camera and the aperture blades were therefore visible. With Adaptall-2 there should only be an open aperture when the lens is removed.

When the aperture lever was pressed, the aperture remained closed, and it didn't work even with Adaptall-2 adapters for different camera systems.

So I had get to the bottom of the matter.





The candidate without an Adaptall 2 adapter attached.




The cause of the problem becomes apparent even without disassembly.

The aperture lever does not contact its counterpart on the aperture register. It should connect to this where the arrow points.

Therefore, the aperture set in each case remains closed. There is no open aperture and you can therefore only take photos with the working aperture.






Dismantling the rear components.




When you press the wheel, the aperture lever should swing to the right against the spring tension and release the lever underneath. This moves the lens from open aperture to working aperture. But the lever points too far to the left and is too far back. Therefore no contact is possible.




The aperture lever removed.






And now it becomes clear that the aperture lever cannot do its job because it is severely bent horizontally and vertically.








Using the small combination pliers, I straighten the lever by eye.




Now the lever contacts its counterpart ...




… and with the spring attached, the aperture lever pushes the aperture into the open position.




And when you press the wheel, the aperture closes to the set value.

The attached adapter then makes contact here and transmits the movement of the aperture lever in the camera's mirror box, so that the aperture closes during the exposure time.






On this occasion there is the usual cleaning and lubrication service for the aperture ring, aperture catch and ball.


Putting on the aperture ring with the ball inserted doesn't work. The aperture ring refuses to take its intended position.

After a thorough search for the cause, I found the solution.
 
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Andreas Thaler

Subscriber
Joined
Nov 19, 2017
Messages
4,209
Location
Vienna/Austria
Format
35mm


The aperture ball is inserted via this flap.














Basically a „breechloader“ - first the bullet, then the spring and then the flap




Now the aperture ring sits correctly and the aperture settings click through.




It's time for assembly.




The usual oil buildup, which I remove with Zippo lighter fluid.




Details of the locking mechanism for the adapter.








 
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Andreas Thaler

Subscriber
Joined
Nov 19, 2017
Messages
4,209
Location
Vienna/Austria
Format
35mm




Completely assembled, the aperture function is restored




This small circlip almost stopped the project.

It fixes the aperture lever in the tube, and since I wasn't paying attention, it sailed through the room when I took it off. Landing site unknown.

I almost gave up the search when the bar magnet reported contact on the floor at the last moment




Done



Conclusion
  • I then had to dismantle the lens again to readjust the aperture lever. It still needed some correction with the pliers because the adapter only closed the aperture up to f = 8. So it had to swing further to the right in order to release the smaller apertures even with less strong pressure via the transmission mechanism.
  • I talked to the seller of the lens about this and he couldn't understand the malfunction. He used the telephoto on the mirrorless camera with working aperture. Everything worked and so the error in a system camera that is connected via an Adaptall 2 adapter remained hidden from him.
  • A spare parts stock can save projects. I probably could have found a replacement for the circlip but it would have taken a while. Tribute to the magnet!

+++

All information provided without guarantee and use at your own risk.
 
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