Focusing with the knob - how?

[bakemono]

I feel really stupid for asking this, but here goes:

How should one grip and focus a collapsible Leica lens with a focusing knob (Summitar, Summar, Elmar, etc)

My experience so far has been with lenses that have focus rings - either metal and textured surface or rubber.
I have no idea where to put my hand and how it's supposed to be held and turned. I do these awkward motions that are something between turning it with my index finger, turning it with my thumb and flat out trying to grip the whole smooth focusing ring and turning it that way.

Does anyone have some pictures or videos on how it's supposed to be done correctly?

 

[Roger Hicks]

Rest your left index finger on it.

Move finger to turn.

This has worked for me since 1969.

Cheers,

R.

 

[rfaspen]

I did a quick search on the net to see if I could find an image of someone focusing a Barnack and lens with focus knob. I couldn't find any (certainly none that were good). But, I found a few images of people focusing M cameras with lenses that have a focus tab. Same exact technique. Cradle the camera on your left hand and use the index finger to move the focus knob/tab.

 

[giganova]

Focusing and pressing the shutter with the same (right) hand? Doesn't make any sense to me! 😕

 

[scigeek]

Focusing and pressing the shutter with the same (right) hand? Doesn't make any sense to me! 😕

Focus with your left index finger. Grip the camera with both hands - depress the shutter with your right index finger. The tab means you can turn the focus ring with one finger.

Its really very simple and intuitive.

 

[Richard G]

Mine is an 11 o'clock 50 Elmar on a Leica II: I have to use the right hand, index finger. Closer focus is with the left hand. Left hand for all other lenses. I've occasionally rotated the knurled front ring of the lens barrel of the Elmar but it doesn't feel natural.

 

[David Hughes]

Exactly, with some older ones you have to start with the right hand index finger and then go over to the left one. I usually focus them by turning the lens roughly to the right position and then start to use the RF for the exact focus.

And after focussing you press the shutter, not whilst... ;-)

Regards, David

 

[bakemono]

Thanks for the tips guys!
Will need to practice this until it becomes automatic.

 

[davidnewtonguitars]

Focus?
Leica Standard, pick a number!