Canon 1.8 infinity lock/ disable it?

[Goody]

I recently got a Canon 7 w 1.8 Canon 50mm. The lens locks at infinity and then you have to push a button to release it and focus closer. I assume the lock is to prevent damage to the focussing mechanism when mounting or unmounting the lens. It looks as if there is a screw (the screw head faces the camera body when the lens is mounted) which retains the lock. Has anyone taken out the screw (and I assume spring) and removed the locking button? Seems like it would eliminate the annoying lock and one could still use the nub for purchase when mounting/unmounting the lens. Thoughts?

 

[peterm1]

I would not disable the lock. In use you soon get used to it and automatically unlock it if you need to move from infinity focus, while going the other way is not a problem. If you remove it you will be likely to lose the parts (if you are like me :^ ( )which will reduce the value of the lens. The only small possible argument for removing it I think is if you are using the lens on a modern digital camera for filming and easy focus "pulling" is necessary. Even though this lens is common its a gem. Why risk screwing it up?

 

[Kevcaster]

peterm 1 is right to advise caution. I have disabled mine and fitted a TAAB rubber tab to it as I also found the lock annoying. I have only a 50mm and do not change lenses so the point of it it lost a bit in my usage. The barrel that the lock mechanism sits in is not removable, it is press-pinned into the flange that it lives on.
The infinity point has to be confirmed if you remove the lock as if it is set badly the lens may creep beyond infinity. This is set by adjusting a lug found on the inside of the focusing collar. The infinity lug found inside the lens barrel is not too robust so take care when fitting the lens not to tighten it too much as you may distort this part.
Mine was set correctly and so yours may be too. Access to this is simple, just spin out the lens block retaining ring on the rear of the lens and voila.

 

[mdarnton]

I love inifinity locks. They make it easier to get the lens off, and if you have to crank on the front end to do that, something is going to get looser faster. I also use them for focus, not by holding, but by resting my index finger against when using finger and thumb together, thumb on the other side.

 

[Peter Jennings]

I hated infinity locks at first, but I soon got used to them. Unlocking quickly becomes second nature. Now I actually like the feature and it doesn't slow me down. As has been said above, it helps with focusing and with mounting/unmounting the lens. I advise leaving it alone.

 

[Goody]

Thanks for all the replies. Advice taken -- I guess I will try to learn to love the infinity lock!