Kiev/Contax focusing

[santino]

Hi

How do you prefer to focus on a Kiev/Contax? Do you use the focusing wheel or just turn the helical/lens?

Usually I don't use the focusing wheel but since I got my collapsible Sonnar 2/50 I noticed that I've got to focus via the wheel because otherwise the Sonnar "head" turns and it's much likely that it could collaps.

Is it normal that a collapsible 2/50 Sonnar's "head" doesn't lock. I mean my Zorki's I22 is collapsible but locks and I don't have to fear that it could turn and collaps. Is something wrong with my Sonnar or is it meant to be focused via the wheel?

thanks

 

[dexdog]

The 50mm lenses are more or less supposed to be focused using the wheel. I think that this is the only way to focus the collapsible 50/2, because as you state, you can't turn the front of the lens without the risk of collapsing it.

 

[VinceC]

I focus a non-collapsible 50 using my fingers, usually, but I can do it either way. Once you've set the exposure, one-handed operation is helpful in a number of situations -- using handheld flash or taking photos at a party without having to put down your drink.

 

[kmack]

I focus a non-collapsible 50 using my fingers, usually, but I can do it either way. Once you've set the exposure, one-handed operation is helpful in a number of situations -- using handheld flash or taking photos at a party without having to put down your drink.

Good point, I am going to have to practice that...a lot.

 

[VinceC]

Contax/Kiev/Nikon are the ultimate party cameras!

 

[darkkavenger]

Once my 50/2 collapsible Sonnar is in locked position, I focus it without using the wheel, it's quicker and more convenient.

 

[dexdog]

Take your lens off the camera and collapse it. You will see three splitted triangular black tabs oriented at 120° on the rear end of the barrel. Take a thin clamp and gently lift the external splitted part of each tab towards the rear of the lens barrel. Give the collapsing mech. a try. Make several attempts until you get a satisfying (for you) lock. You're done.

Proceed gently because there is a risk to break the tabs. They don't seem to be made of brass but rather of aluminum or any other white metal.

Nicholas, thanks for the tip about bending the tabs on the 50/2 Sonnar. I have such a lens, and it was difficult to use because the locking mechanism was so loose. I used a small pair of pliers to bend the tabs up slightly, and the lens now works very well. Merci beaucoup!

 

[JoeFriday]

my Sonnar isn't collapsible, so I tend to get a general distance with the lens barrel.. then microfocus with the wheel

 

[furcafe]

I hardly ever use the focus wheel, but do use it on occasion for the rare 1-handed shot or, like others have posted, when I'm using certain collapsible lenses. [BTW, thanks to Nicolas for the great tip on tightening the lens tabs.]

Hi

How do you prefer to focus on a Kiev/Contax? Do you use the focusing wheel or just turn the helical/lens?

Usually I don't use the focusing wheel but since I got my collapsible Sonnar 2/50 I noticed that I've got to focus via the wheel because otherwise the Sonnar "head" turns and it's much likely that it could collaps.

Is it normal that a collapsible 2/50 Sonnar's "head" doesn't lock. I mean my Zorki's I22 is collapsible but locks and I don't have to fear that it could turn and collaps. Is something wrong with my Sonnar or is it meant to be focused via the wheel?

thanks