Question about a KEH 50 Cron without infinity lock

[dave lackey]

There is an interesting lens on KEH right now that has been graded as BGN probably because it is missing the infinity lock button.

Having used a Summarit 1.5 for 4 years, I like the lock but what are the implications of the 50 Cron without one? Is it a problem? Is it purely cosmetic? Is it fixable at a reasonable price?

http://www.keh.com/camera/Leica-M-Fixed-Focal-Length-Lenses/1/sku-LM06999050190Z?r=FE

 

[mdarnton]

Getting it off and on the camera could cause a bit of stress where it's not intended to be, but it would still be doable without any difficulty. I know for a while there was a tiny trend of people taking the lock buttons off beause they didn't like the bump at the end of focusing. Too bad they didn't save them and put them back on when they sold the lens. 🙂 I've taken the indexing forks off most of my old nikon lenses because they tear cases. Probably someone, someday, will hate me for it.

 

[Rob-F]

I have one of these, so I just tried putting it on and taking it off my M2 with the infinity lock not locked. I had to grip it by the base, near the bayonet mount. There isn't a lot of surface area down there to grip; but with a firm grip, it wasn't hard.

 

[satedesco]

using the lens without the lock is no big deal. just get an idea of glass condition...