pico Posted August 13, 2014 Share #1 Posted August 13, 2014 Advertisement (gone after registration) Another thread discussed lenses with focusing tabs and it reminded me of an issue that I do not think was addressed - focus assists. I would like to know if others with dexterity issues perhaps due to trauma, arthritis, or ulnar neuropathy (a common thing among performance bicycle enthusiasts) would appreciate some additional focusing assists. Here are snapshots of two that I made. The above is a modified Hasselblad focus lever on the large Canon f /0.95 lens. It not only helps move the focus ring, but keeps my hand away from the viewfinder window. I should find a way to make one that folds away for bag carry. 35mm Summilux with an assist to make it possible to focus using any part of the barrel rather than the tab. Additional ideas from our readers would be greatly appreciated. My left hand is disadvantaged due to trauma and nerve damage. Only two digits halfway work, and the thumb moves only from the first knuckle. I am sure I am not the only one with such issues. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted August 13, 2014 Posted August 13, 2014 Hi pico, Take a look here Focus Assists. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
pgk Posted August 13, 2014 Share #2 Posted August 13, 2014 http://www.digoliardi.net/35mm-focus-assist.jpg 35mm Summilux with an assist to make it possible to focus using any part of the barrel rather than the tab. Additional ideas from our readers would be greatly appreciated. Underwater camera manufacturers make lots of gear rings that look very like the grip ring in your second link (above). Some will even build custom rings although generally rings are only available for lenses suitable for underwater use. That said this includes a lot of lenses of shorter focal length - but not Leica M for obvious reasons. However a search on the web will probably soon tell you what rings are available and many older manual focus rings can probably be bought for very little. Rings can often be adjusted as they use a clamping arrangement and for simply adding a focus grip, many may fit more than just the lens they were intended for. I seem to remember that blnk rings were available which could be machined to fit a lens - and gear rings can be sourced today which can also be machined if you have a local machinist who will do such a thing. See this link as an example http://ikelite.com/accessories/ports/index.html 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted August 13, 2014 Share #3 Posted August 13, 2014 There is the Leicagoodies Steer. http://www.leicagoodies.com/steer.html Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pico Posted August 13, 2014 Author Share #4 Posted August 13, 2014 There is the Leicagoodies Steer. http://www.leicagoodies.com/steer.html Yes, I have one on the 75mm Summilux. It is very good. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pico Posted August 13, 2014 Author Share #5 Posted August 13, 2014 PGK! That is a terrific resource. You made my day. Thanks so much. Funny surprise from my doctor a few months ago concerning my useless left hand little finger, "You would probably be better without it." Very seriously considering it. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mirekti Posted August 14, 2014 Share #6 Posted August 14, 2014 I found 135APO's long focus throw sometimes a bit limiting. Do you think the steer would help it? Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pico Posted August 16, 2014 Author Share #7 Posted August 16, 2014 Advertisement (gone after registration) I found 135APO's long focus throw sometimes a bit limiting. Do you think the steer would help it? Not likely because it would make the throw a bit slower. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
simplynate Posted April 24, 2015 Share #8 Posted April 24, 2015 Hello, would be curious to know if such a product would be useful to people wanting a tab/lever on other lenses besides the 50 Summicron? I've been using this on my 90 Summicron APO and it works wonderfully. I am going to be trying it on the Noctilux as well, but would love feedback from other users who have done DIY tabs for their own lenses. Which lenses are you adding tabs to? Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
spydrxx Posted April 25, 2015 Share #9 Posted April 25, 2015 (edited) Ordinarily I rarely think about these things, but I've had a system on an old Ricoh I've had since the 1950s which allows for really fast manual focusing. When I got a CV 35 Color-Skopar, I found that I was always grabbing the aperture selection ring instead of the focusing one....so I rigged up the "slip-on" device shown below, and now find focusing almost instantaneous. Not as pretty as say a Summaron with the finger catch below....but definitely functional. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Edited April 25, 2015 by spydrxx 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/232159-focus-assists/?do=findComment&comment=2804406'>More sharing options...
farnz Posted April 25, 2015 Share #10 Posted April 25, 2015 Hello, would be curious to know if such a product would be useful to people wanting a tab/lever on other lenses besides the 50 Summicron? I've been using this on my 90 Summicron APO and it works wonderfully. I am going to be trying it on the Noctilux as well, but would love feedback from other users who have done DIY tabs for their own lenses. Which lenses are you adding tabs to? Nate, I use a Leicagoodies Steer on my f/1 v4 Noctilux (with the built-in hood) and it definitely helps. Unfortunately the diameter of the lens is a little too big for the Steer and the Neoprene ring used to 'lock' it in place didn't last long. I have lashed it up with leather thread in place of the Neoprene ring and it's been working fine for a few years now. The focus action on my 0.95 Noctilux is smooth enough so I don't lever assistance. Pete. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tobey bilek Posted April 25, 2015 Share #11 Posted April 25, 2015 Two big advantages to the big lever are handicapped assist and the ability to set focus more easily for fast shooting. Other than that, the traditional way is to start at infinity & turn clockwise. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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