How do you change your lenses?

[uhoh7]

Today I came across the idea that lenses should be mounted at minimum focus distance so as not damage the RF wheel and arm. Or something like that.

I never thought about it before......

what do you think?

 

[Pioneer]

Whatever works for you.

I normally attach my lens with the focus at infinity. But a lot of my lenses, M and LTM, have infinity locks so it is just natural.

Occasionally it may take a try or two to get one of my LTM lenses started but I have never noticed any damage, to the threads or the RF arm and wheel.

I have an older Leica book that does mention focusing the lens to minimum focus if you are having trouble threading the Screw Mount lens in place. It sounded more like a suggestion for those having difficulty starting the threads.

 

[f16sunshine]

Quickly and in the office if possible to minimize dust.
I'm not into changing lenses once out and about. If I think I will need another FL I bring it mounted to another body or as a Fixed lens Camera.
Cheers

 

[Scrambler]

The minimum focus distance is something that I think matters more with FSU LTM cameras with their solid cam followers. But it doesn't add much effort because it's all in the same direction: twist the lens to near focus and unscrew as the next step. Leave like that, then attach and twist to infinity.

For some lenses on Leica LTM I find it makes lining the threads up easier. For one lens that has a tab rather than a ring, it stores better at near focus and I just feel better not bouncing the RF mechanism around. But in general I either do or don't randomly.

And with the M-mount cameras I just don't bother - it's less than 1/4 turn, not 3.

 

[Roger Hicks]

It's sometimes easier with LTM at the minimum focus distance, but that's all. No risk of damage: that's just standard Internet paranoia.

Cheers,

R.

 

[CrisR]

I mount and unmount as needed, I don't worry about the focus or location.

 

[Brian Atherton]

Using a number of Leica Ms over the years, I've never thought about it (setting the lens to infinity or its closest focus before attaching). I attach the lens to body with whatever distance the lens is set to: never had a problem.

 

[icebear]

I guess I might have changed lenses in the last 25 years without ever giving this a thought :bang: ... OMG 😀

 

[Ronald M]

Less stress on RF the better

 

[pete hogan]

Mounting and dismounting lenses set at minimum focus on FSU cameras seem a worthwhile precaution with their sliding followers. Leica with roller followers, not so much.