Claimed "dual-range" focus Nikkor 5.0cm

[bdeyes]

I noticed this claim for a Nikkor 5cm f1.4 on the auction site, that has a dual range focus capability (i.e., for close-focusing), without indicating if the lens has been altered.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=360354885340

This seemed like an unlikely capability, but thought I would ask this forum, in case there are such capabilities in the digital world (as the lens is shown mounted on a M8), or perhaps a mechanical tweak to achieve close focus

Thanks,
bdeyes

 

[Sonnar Brian]

I use mine on the EP2.



You can file part of the threads to RF couple on the Leica M to 0.7m. The lens will focus to 18".

 

[Spavinaw]

Yes, bdeyes, the lens close focuses to 1.5 feet. You can see the red 1.5 distance mark in more than one picture on the eBay site. When used on an LTM camera the range finder is no longer coupled closer than about 3.5 feet unless modified.

 

[bdeyes]

Is modification necessary?

Is modification necessary?

This is interesting, but still unsure what modification is necessary, if I do not wish to have it RF coupled.

My copy of the 5cm Nikkor has the same (red) distance markers. But the focus ring stops at about 3.5(-) feet. What modification is necessary, to allow the focus ring to focus closer (i.e., to move the focus mark up to the 1.5 marker), knowing that I will NOT be able to see the in-focus effect in the finder.

If this is old news, my apologies, but I just got a Nicca iiis with the Nikkor and came across this "feature"

Thanks
bdeyes

 

[Sonnar Brian]

A couple of RF members have done this Mod. Basically, take the M-Mount adapter, place it on the lens, and trace the threads that are under the cut-out for the Cam. file that down.

Similar to the J-3 modified here:

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=80259&highlight=close-focus

 

[Spavinaw]

bdeyes, if I understand correctly, you say your lens has the red distance marks but stops turning at about 3.5 feet. There is a detent notch that you feel as you turn past the 3.5 foot point. Try this. Take the lens off the camera. See if you can turn the focus ring past the detent all the way to 1.5 feet. If you can, the lens is OK. If you can't, there is something wrong with the lens. If the lens is OK, try it on a camera body. There should be no reason for it to not work the same way on the body. There is NO modification necessary for the lens to operate as I have just described.
The modification that has been referred to previously only has to do with maintaining range finder coupling closer than 3.5 feet, not focusing the lens closer than 3.5 feet. Hope this helps. If you have more questions, keep asking!

 

[bdeyes]

got past the detent!

got past the detent!

Thanks Spavinaw!
What I thought was a hard stop at f3.5 was actually the detent you were speaking about. I guess the lens had not been used for so long (on loan from a friend, and he has not used it in maybe 30 yrs), the detent was solid. But applying more force got past it, happily. Thanks for the response.... I never would have thought to try to just force it past the detent.

Even though the lens has not been used for that time, everything else looks fine, optically and blade-wise, so I'm a happy camper now.

Thanks,
bdeyes

 

[ferider]

There is a little bracket on the focus mount, near the infinity lock. If you remove this (two screws), the detent is gone with no other ill side effects. Also check out this thread:

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=56962

 

[Spavinaw]

Glad everything worked out out OK.

 

[bdeyes]

Thanks to everyone that commented on this thread. I am amazed at the depth of knowledge and helpfulness of this community.
bdeyes

 

[L David Tomei]

I saw the same lens on ebay but I thought all LTM f/1.4 Nikkors had this same "dual range" feature with focus to 16 inches (according to Dante Stella's site)? I found the same close range on my lens mounted on amy 3S.
Ciao!