Infinity catch

[dll927]

Here's one for the historians:

What was the reason for the infinity catch on early Leica and Contax lenses? It would seem to be a huge bother unless one is addicted to distant shots.

I have an M4-2 and three lenses for it, none of which has such a thing, but I don't have anything old enough to go back to the f/3.5 Elmar days.

 

[aizan]

to screw and unscrew the lens.

 

[wlewisiii]

My understanding is that, on Contax/Kiev cameras at least, having the infinity lock makes it easier to line up the rangefinder connections for the bayonette mount. With the lens always at infinty for taking it on or off, you have one less variable to deal with in regard to mounting a different lens.

William

 

[SolaresLarrave]

The annoying infinity lock... If there's something I don't miss, that's the little sucker at the end of the focusing throw.

But about it's humble beginnings, the story I heard is the same: used to make sure the lens was secured before taking it off the camera.

 

[StuartR]

Yes, and for the collapsible lenses, it keeps them from unlocking when you mount and unmount them.

 

[dll927]

Thanks for the help - it makes sense, if in 1935 terms. I have never dealt much with screw-mount lenses or collapsible ones, so I can see the point.

Now, if you REALLY want to see something primitive, take a gander at the old Exakta VX I acquired (through e-bay) recently. Those who complain about the "bells and whistles" on modern cameras should get a feast of that thing . We've come a long way!

 

[dll927]

BTW, Aizan, do WHAT to the lens??????

Yes, I understand.

 

[doubs43]

Now, if you REALLY want to see something primitive, take a gander at the old Exakta VX I acquired (through e-bay) recently. Those who complain about the "bells and whistles" on modern cameras should get a feast of that thing . We've come a long way!

The Exakta was the first 35mm SLR and in terms of "advances", nothing else to this day represents the quantum leap that it did in it's day. They were built to a standard of quality that few have reached, although some of the last E. German cameras slipped a couple of notches.

Idiosyncratic? Absolutely! To those unfamiliar with the Exakta, it has enough peculiarities - compared to modern cameras - to be committed to an asylum but for those of us who know the old gal, she's an absolute marvel capable of taking photographs the equal of all others.

I've just overhauled my late father's 1960's VX-IIa and it's smoooooth like few other 35's. Whether we've "come a long way" depends upon your point of view. From where I stand, the Exakta is a classic deserving of the highest respect.

The attached picture was taken with the 40 year old VX-IIa that I overhauled.

Walker