Hypergonar - locked focus ring. Have i been scammed ?

[N.Mendes]

Hello everyone, i just bought an Hypergonar 16 from eBay (Version 6) and the focus ring seems to be locked next to infinity , (just like in the second photo). Does someone know how can i fix that? Or have i been scammed?

Thanks!

 

[Hans Punk]

Unfamiliar with that specific lens type, but is likely due to 2 causes:

1. Front ring is tightened into a 'locked' position by the screws being turned all the way in (some lenses have this as a feature to lock focus point when calibrated for projection use).

2. Internal helicoid grease has dried due to age, making the focus become very stiff - or not allowing any movement at all. This can be a very common with lenses of this age.

Good news is you can check both things by loosening/unscrewing the front retainer ring. You want to loosen the outside screws on the front ring and see if that unlocks the focus. If not, completely remove that ring to allow access to the focus helicoid. That would be your point of entry to treat the dried grease problem.

[N.Mendes]

 Thanks for your answer Hans! If i unscrew the front retainer ring, is there a risk to mess and put out of order the glasses? The lens is in near brand new condition so i'm sure it's not a grease problem, and i can almost feel that it has been locked..

[Hans Punk]

3 hours ago, N.Mendes said:

 Thanks for your answer Hans! If i unscrew the front retainer ring, is there a risk to mess and put out of order the glasses? The lens is in near brand new condition so i'm sure it's not a grease problem, and i can almost feel that it has been locked..

Nope...the front retainer ring is just there to 'cap' the lens body and internal mechanism (and possibly to provide locking to the helicoid movement). Loosen the screws first, then see if that frees up the ring to be unscrewed a little...then try turning the focus (it may be a little stiff at first).