Focusing Issues

[Pj]

I have got a Eumig 128 XL camera, it looks like it's never been used, cosmetically it's in perfect shape, it works [execpt the power zoom and manually the zoom is very stiff]. The problem is the camera doesn't focus at all, it's not just a viewfinder thing. I have used tracing paper in the gate and I can't get a sharp image. Can anyone help me figure out what could be the problem?


Thanks
p

[beamascope]

I assume the focus ring turns? If so do you see the glass in the lens moving a bit? Unless it's been dropped I can't imagine why it wouldn't focus. I have to admit I don't have the eyes to even tell if it would be in focus on a tiny piece of tracing paper. Any chance it has a macro setting you've neglected to take it out of?

[BAC]

Super8data.com says that it does have a macro setting.

http://www.super8data.com/database/came ... _128xl.htm

It also says that it has a split image range finder. Is the split image range finder not indicating that it's in focus or does it not look focused thru the viewfinder? Could there be mold or haze somewhere in the optics?

[71er]

On the focusing barrel you find a rubber grip. Lift it a bit and slide it off. Below there are three little screws and one big one: loosen all of them until you can take off the focusing barrel (don't drop any little screw, you'll never find it again!). Screw off the front lens element. You will find three bars inside the lens system - apply a tiny bit of lubricant to those; if you are lucky this will solve the stiff zoom (move the zoom in and out a few times to spread the lubricant).
Put the camera on a tripod now and point it to a distinct line in the far distance. Screw the front lens element in until this line is straight in the split image range finder. Don't move the front lens element anymore and put on the focusing barrel with the infinity sign at the mark. Tighten the screws and check again with the far away line that the front lens element did't move while you put the focusing barrel on; if you still have a straight line in the split image range finder everything is great otherwise you have to play around a little bit more until you get it right.
Good luck!

[71er]

Sorry, forgot to mention: before you screw the front lens element in again you have to turn the zoom ring to maximum setting.