To tab or not to tab? That is the question.

[pmu]

Hypotetical question: if you are a BIG fan of focusing tab with 35mm focal lenght, should you also try to get yourself a tabbed 50mm lens or can you live with non-tabbed version? I'm talking about 50mm summicrons.

I had Ultron 35mm for a couple of years and all the time I was just a little bit annoyed about it not having the focus tab. Now I'm happy again with my tabbed 35mm lenses. I have not used 50mm lenses so much that I can evaluate this by myself. I'm lost and confused 🙁

 

[mirrored]

You can clue your own tab too with Sikaflex or similar. I would make it from wood. It have a certain hobby to remove, but not much. If nice work, possible next owner like it too.


How Nikkor style tab would work? (Other picture)

 

[swoop]

Ha. This happened just the other day. I mounted my 50mm 'lux and reached for the tab, and it wasn't there. I guess it means I'm used to tab focusing as it was just instinct to reach for it.

But I do ok switching between the two. It's not a huge deal. But a tab on the smaller lenses absolutely helps.

I like how my 25mm Biogon has a small bump on it rather than a tab. Just by feeling where the bump is, it gives me an idea of the focal distance.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Certainly I prefer a tab or at least a 'bump' (as on my 50/1.5 C-Sonnar). Don't seem to mind with longer lenses, though.

Cheers,

R

 

[Al Kaplan]

I don't have as tab on my current (circa 1969) 50 but I hardly ever use the lens anyway. On my 35 Summicron I love the tab. I can set the distance "by feel" without using the rangefinder, or hold the camera and change the focus with one hand while holding a flash off camera in the other hand. I do the same thing with my tabbed 21mm Super Angulon.

I currently have one of those cable ties on my 50. It's better than nothing.

 

[rlouzan]

The late Sal DiMarco Jr had a pin added to his 50mm Summicron-m (1969-79 model.)

http://static.photo.net/attachments/bboard/008/008X7t-18369784.jpg</SPAN itxtvisited="1">

 

[Al Kaplan]

Cool picture of Sal's cameras! Complete with their "Schwalberg straps" too! Bob Schwalberg came up with the idea of the three piece strap. You could wear it over either shoulder under a jacket, yet still easily get to the camera without disrobing.

Now for The Big Question: How many of you folks would be willing to walk around and be seen carrying and using that gorgeous pair of Leica M2 cameras?

 

[peter_n]

To tab or not to tab?

To tab or not to tab?

Maybe it depends on the focus throw. With a short throw a tab may help. Not good for a long throw though, I would think.

 

[Tom A]

Sal had it on his 50 Summilux. The "pin" was actually a retaining screw from the back of an old stereo cabinet!
As for walking around with old M2's, gorgeous or not, I am game! Sal had a couple of M6's converted to take Leicavit MP's as well as a M4.
Gary Winogrand had a long pin attached to his 28 Elmarit -this way he could "prefocus" pretty close and just correct the final focus when he held the camera up to his eye.
My personal feeling is that tabs,bumps or pins are essential for lenses 50 mm or shorter. These are the focal length that I use the most and often use them in a "pre-focus mode".

 

[palec]

I really like the tab on vintage Elmar 50/2.8 (and I never had problem with infinity lock either).

 

[rlouzan]

Hi Tom,

I met Sal 10 years ago at Leica USA. He only had good words for you and Ted Grant.

Actually, I played with Sal´s 50mm Summicron (1969 - 1979 model) - he probably had several lenses modified.

Happy snaps,
Robert

Sal had it on his 50 Summilux. The "pin" was actually a retaining screw from the back of an old stereo cabinet!
As for walking around with old M2's, gorgeous or not, I am game! Sal had a couple of M6's converted to take Leicavit MP's as well as a M4.
Gary Winogrand had a long pin attached to his 28 Elmarit -this way he could "prefocus" pretty close and just correct the final focus when he held the camera up to his eye.
My personal feeling is that tabs,bumps or pins are essential for lenses 50 mm or shorter. These are the focal length that I use the most and often use them in a "pre-focus mode".

 

[rlouzan]

Hi Al,

I talked to Bob several times, he lived in near by Elizabeth, NJ. He used to carry a Konica Hexar AF, that he called his "Leica and a half"😎 - opinionated, interesting guy.

If I could only find some 1/2¨Chap Snaps, in Europe🙁.

Regards,
Robert

Cool picture of Sal's cameras! Complete with their "Schwalberg straps" too! Bob Schwalberg came up with the idea of the three piece strap. You could wear it over either shoulder under a jacket, yet still easily get to the camera without disrobing.

Now for The Big Question: How many of you folks would be willing to walk around and be seen carrying and using that gorgeous pair of Leica M2 cameras?