Cable tie focus tabs: Anyone use them?

[cambolt]

Quite an interesting idea, but I find it hard to belief that many "discriminating RFF members" would actually put the idea into use. Am I wrong?

 

[Harry S.]

I doubt Id like it. I dislike the focusing tab on my V.4 Summicron. I find it makes focusing slower, I love the "bump" on the ZM lenses the best.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Tried it, but it slipped and was uncomfortable.

Cheers,

R.

 

[ChrisN]

Not on a rangefinder lens, but I have one on a 35mm prime lens on an SLR. As with the 35 Summicron, the finger tab gives me an index mark for prefocusing (tab at 6 o'clock = focused at 1.5m). It works ok, cheap and easy to remove if you don't like it. For wider lenses the DOF is usually so great you don't really need it, and for longer lenses it's not accurate enough. For 35 it's pretty useful.

 

[Rayt]

That is a great idea. I must try it. I am a firm believer in the Steer by Leicagoodies but they are too big for smaller lenses.

 

[cambolt]

That is a great idea. I must try it. I am a firm believer in the Steer by Leicagoodies but they are too big for smaller lenses.

I thought so too, but this thread is changing that 😀

 

[Bill58]

I tried them on several lenses, but they kept slipping off. A great idea "in theory" that becomes a PITA.

 

[rickp]

alternative

alternative

i've never tried cable ties for focusing support, but can imagine they might help with specific lenses.

for larger lenses, i use the "steer" ring from leicagoodies. it's a comfortable, useful addition to lenses with stiff/long focusing rotation.

greetings from hamburg

rick

 

[Rayt]

I tried them on several lenses, but they kept slipping off. A great idea "in theory" that becomes a PITA.

I think using double sided foam tape between the tie and the lens ala The Steer might solve that problem.

 

[rxmd]

If you're worried about them slipping off, you can use one of these:

 

[cambolt]

If you're worried about them slipping off, you can use one of these:

But would you really want to screw that round several hundred dollars worth of lens? And that looks pretty uncomfortable as well

 

[fixed point]

Put a narrow rubber band under the tie to prevent slipping.

 

[Neare]

I've used a hose clamp similar to that up above, they work well if you want a tab. They won't slip either. Though the screw isn't the most comfortable thing to rest on your finger 🙂

 

[Roger Hicks]

Put a narrow rubber band under the tie to prevent slipping.

At that point (cable tie and rubber bands), even I start worrying about looking like a prat, and I'll normally take function over looks every time. Besides, as I say, even when it didn't slip, I found it uncomfortable.

Cheers,

R.

 

[filmfan]

But would you really want to screw that round several hundred dollars worth of lens? And that looks pretty uncomfortable as well

That...... was a joke. Lighten up.

 

[cambolt]

That...... was a joke. Lighten up.

I have heard of people actually doing this so I didn't think it was a joke 😀

 

[pobe]

I've got a cable tie on my Jupiter 8 right now. I've heard about it before but this thread inspired me to try it 🙂

 

[pobe]

Well, I've had it on for about a week and it does have a tendency to fall off when the camera is going in and out of bags. Usually it just slides toward the body and putting it on is quite easy. It's nice to have a tab but this is probably not the best long term solution...

 

[rxmd]

Well, I've had it on for about a week and it does have a tendency to fall off when the camera is going in and out of bags. Usually it just slides toward the body and putting it on is quite easy. It's nice to have a tab but this is probably not the best long term solution...

Just buy a tabbed (early) Jupiter 8 then. 😀

 

[pobe]

Just buy a tabbed (early) Jupiter 8 then. 😀

That would be a solution. But I'm saving up for something more... illustrious 😉