mickjazz Posted October 27, 2017 Share #1 Posted October 27, 2017 Advertisement (gone after registration) I have a variety of 50mm summicrons, M and screw mount. Until a few months ago all had infinity locks. Then I acquired a collapsible M mount lens that had the lock removed. Being a compulsive Leica person of course I wanted the lock replaced but found the parts are not easy to find. Don Goldberg told me he used to have boxes of the 3 part lock but none for a few years. I started using the lens without the lock and I prefer it not having to unlock for focusing. I can see why users removed the locks. I guess it devalues the lens but I don't care. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted October 27, 2017 Posted October 27, 2017 Hi mickjazz, Take a look here Summicron Infinity Lock - To Have or Not . I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
luigi bertolotti Posted October 27, 2017 Share #2 Posted October 27, 2017 Matter of taste... I use regularly 2 of my Summicrons 50 (1963 / 1980) : old with the lock, new with no lock but black lever only (maybe the kind sometimes referred to as "tiger claw" ?) : don't care of the lock in itself, but like to operate not directly on the barrel... have the feel (real or not) of a finer control of RF coincidence... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Geschlecht Posted October 27, 2017 Share #3 Posted October 27, 2017 Matter of taste... I use regularly 2 of my Summicrons 50 (1963 / 1980) : old with the lock, new with no lock but black lever only (maybe the kind sometimes referred to as "tiger claw" ?) : don't care of the lock in itself, but like to operate not directly on the barrel... have the feel (real or not) of a finer control of RF coincidence... Hello Luigi, I think the translation should read "tiger's paw" (The tiger's foot.) instead of "tiger's claw" (1 nail on 1 toe.). If you look at it: It does look similar to an entire foot, with a number of toes. Best Regards, Michael Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
luigi bertolotti Posted October 27, 2017 Share #4 Posted October 27, 2017 Claw or Paw ...I meant THIS kind of focus lever... 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! 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/278175-summicron-infinity-lock-to-have-or-not/?do=findComment&comment=3383244'>More sharing options...
Michael Geschlecht Posted October 27, 2017 Share #5 Posted October 27, 2017 Hello Luigi. Nice photo. Tiger's paw. Don't you see all of those toes on the paw? There is not only 1 claw there. Best Regards, Michael Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
spydrxx Posted October 27, 2017 Share #6 Posted October 27, 2017 I have several LTM lenses from which I removed the infinity lock (not Leica lenses), making them smoother to operate and a little more accurate to focus at greater distances. I initially unscrewed the push-down lock & spring, but it felt unnatural, so in the end, I replaced them, but filed down one ear of the "U" the lock has to pass over before falling into position. Initially a little bit of trial and error, but I really like the end result, it is smooth throughout the range and the lock button is intact which also keeps the good looks. I don't recommend this trick on an expensive lens or one which you might one day try to sell, as it will surely dvalue it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikemgb Posted October 27, 2017 Share #7 Posted October 27, 2017 Advertisement (gone after registration) I'm glad I read this thread, I have a Nikkor 35mm LTM with a fiddly infinity lock that just bugs me, I'm now going to remove it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mickjazz Posted October 28, 2017 Author Share #8 Posted October 28, 2017 I have one of those w-nikkors and the lock bothers me too. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
david strachan Posted October 28, 2017 Share #9 Posted October 28, 2017 I don't mind the lock. It's good to use when changing lenses. I try to work with Leica quirks; but I understand those that don't like them. ... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
schattenundlicht Posted October 28, 2017 Share #10 Posted October 28, 2017 I would tend to not removing the infinity lock from LTM lenses, because it takes the load off the focusing helicoid when unscrewing/ re-attaching the lens. I feel better not overloading 85 years old mechanical parts. May be overpoitective ;-) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikemgb Posted October 28, 2017 Share #11 Posted October 28, 2017 I would tend to not removing the infinity lock from LTM lenses, because it takes the load off the focusing helicoid when unscrewing/ re-attaching the lens. I feel better not overloading 85 years old mechanical parts. May be overpoitective ;-) I would never remove the lock from a Leica lens, they are designed well and I like having them. The Nikkor lock is cheesy though and often hangs up instead of releasing. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
CJJon Posted October 28, 2017 Share #12 Posted October 28, 2017 I have a lock on a 35 Summaron and I like it. I did have Youxin CLA it and the lock is so smooth now that I hardly know it is there. Pre-CLA the focusing ring was stiffer and sometimes there would be a lag when I tried to disengage. So, perhaps it might need maintenance? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doug A Posted October 28, 2017 Share #13 Posted October 28, 2017 Another benefit of the lock on an LTM camera is that it makes it easy to start attaching a lens - point the lock at the RF window nearest the shutter speed dial and the thread catches right away. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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