Successfully changed focus tab on 40mm Summicron C

[rcreek]

The 40mm Summicron C has long been one of my favorites but I have always hated the focus tab. I really like the more traditional Leica tabs like on the 35 cron. So I decided to try and change it.

It was actually much easier then I thought. Heavystar has focus tabs for sale on Ebay and the existing tab was heald in place by one screw that is easily accessible once you unscrew the front lens element. Just unscrew the current tab and add a touch of glue to the new one and screw that on. There were two guide pins that I had to file down on the new tab but aside from that, easy as pie. Works great!

 

[biakalt]

congrats! looks like it was there in the first place. so you finally managed to get the replica tab yeh?

 

[tabo]

That's a nice mod which I'd be eager to emulate. However, I searched heavystar's items on eBay and couldn't find anything called a "focus tab." Do they call them something else?

 

[rcreek]

That's a nice mod which I'd be eager to emulate. However, I searched heavystar's items on eBay and couldn't find anything called a "focus tab." Do they call them something else?

Yes. They call it a "leica lens focusing handle"

 

[Vickko]

Look here: Item number: 200580475472

Leica M Camera Lens Focusing Handle Mint No Reserve

 

[cinemakyle]

Any idea if these can be modified to work on other lenses?

 

[filmfan]

I will give this a bump for that last question.

 

[klapka]

I have modified mine too. Much better in use.
Here is "how to" discription.

 

[Moriturii]

Here is my question though, is it like "one size fits all"? I'd like to pop a focusing tab on my Hexanon-M 50mm lens, but how would I know if the shape of the potential focusing handle will fit the shape of the lens barrel?

 

[klapka]

Well, no. It has some definite size. I have put similar tabs on some of my other lenses:

It has some tolerance especially when mounted on a 2-side adhesive tape.

Though it seems a little small for my 75mm Heliar.

 

[Joe AC]

Well, no. It has some definite size. I have put similar tabs on some of my other lenses:

It has some tolerance especially when mounted on a 2-side adhesive tape.

Though it seems a little small for my 75mm Heliar.

Any idea where to find these? Heavystar seems to be out.

Thanks
Joe

 

[mdwsta4]

Picked up some of Heavystar's focusing tabs for my 50mm summicron. I prefer the tabs although I found the ones he sells don't have the exact same curvature as the lens. Using double sided tape I just mashed the tab on there and sandwiched everything between some heavy objects overnight so it held together. So far after a few day's use everything appears to be working well.

Oh, and if he's out of stock on ebay, try to contact him directly. That's what I did and he posted up another set and emailed me the link to the auction.

 

[B-9]

Bump, can anyone confirm if heavy star is still selling these?

Edit: Shot over an email, these are still very much available. Maybe easier to acquire them through email.

 

[Ken Ford]

Bump, can anyone confirm if heavy star is still selling these?

Edit: Shot over an email, these are still very much available. Maybe easier to acquire them through email.

How did you get hold of him? eBay messaging is driving me crazy - it will only let me send a message related to a specific auction.

 

[johnamazement]

Does anyone know if these replacement focus tabs are available anywhere in Europe?

 

[MiniMoke]

Only on ebay.....

Heavystar sells them in pairs and I got some, they are on the way - so I won't need one of them.

If interrested, PM me - the price without postage was EUR 19.75 (for 2 bits of plastic....).

What if we share?



Just another question - is the Minolta M-Rokkor as easily converted as the Summicron-C? just unscrew the rear nut and separate the lens?????

 

[johnamazement]

Thanks MiniMoke, PM sent.

I assume the earlier Rokkor lens for the CL (that's the one I've got) is the same construction as the Summicron as they're an identical design. Not sure about the later CLE version though.

 

[MiniMoke]

Now I've gone and sold my 40mm M-Rokkor... silly me.

And I'm stuck with the second Cron focussing tab as I didn't have time to instal it.

Anyone interrested? PM me!

 

[Dante_Stella]

Two questions:

1. On lenses that have native focusing tabs, what is the focus distance at which the tab is a the bottom (facing the mounted lens)?

2. Does Scotch mounting tape come off lenses? The reason I ask is that you usually use heat to remove these - something to be very cautious about with lenses. If you used dental floss to split it, does a mild solvent like Goof-Off get the adhesive off?

Thanks
Dante

 

[yossarian123]

I've got mine in front of me.

1) straight down, focus is at 1.5m (to be precise, it's pointing at the 1 in 1.5)
2) I used goof off and floss on my M9 to remove a Thumbie mounted with 3M double sided tape). No problems at all, I just used it very sparingly.