Adding a focus lever to a 35 ultron?

[JoshRoot]

What do you suppose the chances are of adding a focusing lever to a 35mm ultron? Its a great lens, but it is one of my least favorite lenses to focus.

The 28/1.9 has it's focus ring threaded for the lever/tab. And cameraquest sells extra levers....so?

I guess it might come down to finding a good repairman in my area to do the drilling. Or maybe even sending it off to DAG or somewhere. Though that will cost $$$, DAG is good, but not cheap.

 

[BillBingham2]

You might check with Stephen Gandy (cameraquest.com) about getting one or if one of his folks can do this (and has the part). I have a 25/4 CV in RC mount that has a attachable one (plastic ring) that might work, not sure about the size of both lenses.

B2 (;->

 

[JoshRoot]

Can I see what that looks like? Do you have a digital handy for a photo of it?

Thanks!

 

[rover]

You may be surprised too about how reasonable DAG's prices are. I have had a few lenses CLA'd by Don recently, the most expensive was $65. Adding the tab may be an easy task, if so he may do it quickly and at a very fair price.

 

[jlw]

I agree that the knurling on the Ultron's ring is a little shallow. If you don't care about looks, you might try just putting a wide rubber band around the knurled part of the focusing ring to improve grip.

 

[Bryan Lee]

If you dont care about resale value there are lots of choices, I like the rubberband idea for a simple and quick fix with no alteration of the original. You could do it yourself with some small Swiss files to make a piece out of moleculer plastic, brass, or alluminum or modify a peice of another camera and then stick it on with some epoxy or marinetex. I would think twice about having anyone drill directly into a lense housing outside of the regular production of the lense. Ive done it but the outcome made me think twice about ever doing it again. I had a screw strip out and I drilled the head off to replace it. the problem is metal shavings and microspopic grit sticking to internal lubrication and the imposability of ever making it 100% clean again. If it were done in pre assembly no problem but after the fact?? Ive had bad results with just having lenses taken apart for cleaning fungis and having dust or specks inside after, while it does not effect the picture many times it makes me crazy knowing something is there I cant clean and it effects the value of the lense.

 

[ClaremontPhoto]

Plastic cable tie, the sort that you have behind your computer if you're a tidy person.

 

[Bryan Lee]

Plastic cable tie, the sort that you have behind your computer if you're a tidy person.

Another good idea and you could get a feel for if and check the improvement without doing any modification.

 

[Bill58]

try a nylon bundle tie (AKA tie wrap).

 

[ChrisN]

How about a STEER from Leicagoodies?

http://www.leicagoodies.com/steer.jpeg

 

[rover]

Chris hits a winner!

I recall now too a mention that DAG infact has an after market tab that can be added to Leitz lenses. I would guess they can be added to the Ultron too.

 

[JoshRoot]

I am aware of the STEER, but it is too large for this lens (or my taste).

I have had a zip/cable-tie on the lens for a while, and it is a decent way to try out having a real tab. But it doesn't really stay in place as it should, and I would prefer the tab/lever to be farther forward on the lens. The zip-tie will not stay on the knurled part of the focus ring. So it is on the part of the ring that is closer to the body and has the distance markings.

I'll have to contact DAG about that add-on tab as well.

 

[JoshRoot]

To answer my own question. DAG will happily add on a summicron style tab for about $50 shipped.

Now I just need to decide if the 50ish focal length (35mm used on an RD1) is what I really want.