Focus tab or no focus tab?

[Pindy]

I use a 35 Summilux ASPH and love the tab. I rented a 50 Summilux ASPH and loved it but think the smaller, lighter Cron is going to suit me better. Between the v4 and v5 Crons, would you take the tab over the ring? Don't care? I probably need to rent a v5 current Cron to really know, but I'm guessing it would be difficult to not have the beloved focus tab if my fingers expect it to be there. I borrowed a 90 ASPH and didn't like the focus ring nor the stiffness of the turn.

[damien.murphy]

Depends on how you use a 50, if you ask me. A 50mm is the lens I use for contemplative shooting and don't mind/ miss a focus tab, whereas I shoot quickly unfolding street-type events with a 35 and for that I definitely prefer a focus tab.

[Pindy]

That's a perspective I hadn't considered.

[rbrooks]

I liked the tabbed version

[rogerzilla]

This probably goes against the grain of Leica lore, but a tab doesn't work too well on a tripod - at least, one with a large baseplate.

[jsrockit]

I'm a fan of tabs on lenses with short focus throws... if it has a long focus throw, the tab annoys me.

[horosu]

No tabs for me. Switching between aperture and tab is a nightmare I feel (maybe because I work in manual mode but do not use a lightmeter).

[retnull]

Tabs are great. For a year I used my tabbed Summicron exclusively, and by the end of the year I was able to focus just by knowing where the tab should be.

[sanmich]

a lot depends on the lens size.
Imagine focusing a summicron 35mm without a tab...
Imagine using one on a 90mm...

also, there are quite some differences between tab types: convex, concave, small lever that you pinch between your thumb and finger.

I think I had a v. IV cron 35mm with a round tab, which is nice since it allows you to keep the syme type of contact with your finger along the throw.
The cron asph has a concave tab which is very well designed with an angletowards the front.
The Hexanon-M 35mm has a tab which I find less ergonomic.
the best is really to try them for a while. The idea of renting is certainly good...

[alun severn]

The tab on my V4 35/2 seems perfect to me and life without it is unimaginable. The tab on my 28/2.8 ASPH by comparison seems too shallow and my finger often slips out of it when focusing over the longer focus throw. On the other hand, I never really got on with the tabbed version of the 50/2 I had and swapped it for a later untabbed.

I think the use of tabs is highly personal but I think the overall design and ergonomics of the lens also plays a huge part. And as another poster has said, generally they work better on shorter lenses and even better on those designed to have a short focus throw.

[Pindy]

Nuanced and reasoned replies, all of you. Thanks. Some renting will take place. I think the 50/2 is my next purchase, which is reputed to be a short-throw focus. I'll do my best to find a tabbed and current model to try out.

[umcelinho]

Depends on how you use a 50, if you ask me. A 50mm is the lens I use for contemplative shooting and don't mind/ miss a focus tab, whereas I shoot quickly unfolding street-type events with a 35 and for that I definitely prefer a focus tab.

well said.

[35mmdelux]

I like them with and without focus tabs. You get used to it. No big.

[semilog]

I like tabs. I even have one on my 35/2.8 Biogon-C.

[sepiareverb]

DAG put a tab on my latest version 50/2 and I absolutely love it. Quite reasonable cost. I would say to avoid the flat tab version unless you can give one a try. I had that 50/2 for a while and really disliked that tab.

[sleepyhead]

I like them with and without focus tabs. You get used to it. No big.

ditto for me.

[hexiplex]

Tabs are great. For a year I used my tabbed Summicron exclusively, and by the end of the year I was able to focus just by knowing where the tab should be.

This is so true, my second version Summicron has an aperture tab as well as a focusing tab and both of them really help me with focusing and changing aperture. By feeling where the tab is I can determine what f/stop I am at.

[myM8yogi]

I too fell in love with tabs after using the 35 cron ASPH extensively with an M8.
Now I have added tabs to my ZM21/2.8 and even my CV35/1.2. Would not be without them!

[DougFord]

I like tabs. I even have one on my 35/2.8 Biogon-C.

can you post a pic of the lens?
who performed the work/cost?

[semilog]

can you post a pic of the lens?
who performed the work/cost?

I did, with high-tech double-sided sticky tape :-). Works perfectly, and matches my Gen 4 50mm Summicron in ergos as well as contrast/sharpness.

http://semilog.smugmug.com/Other/35-Biogon-C-test-photos/i-rWbVBQS/0/S/_4291945-S.jpg

http://semilog.smugmug.com/Other/35-Biogon-C-test-photos/i-fQf46cP/0/M/_4291944-L.jpg

[sc_rufctr]

^^^^ Cool idea. Well done. Were did you get the TAB from?

I have an 21mm SA with a tab and it's brilliant. That lens lives on my M4-P.
I've always thought it would be good on my DR Summicron. I don't use it much for close focus stuff so I think it could work.

[semilog]

Got mine from Heavystar (http://www.heavystar.com/servlet/StoreFront) via the 'bay, for about $15. I hear they are sold out now. Shoulda bought 3 of them.

[DougFord]

thanks for the update.
So there's no filing required to fit the tab, just double-sided tape to secure it?
The back of the new focus tab is hollow and it fits over the existing bump?

[semilog]

^---- yes, right. There was a bit of molding flash on the underside of the tab that had to be excavated with a hobby knife so that the bump on the ZM focus ring would fit under the tab. The result is really nice, smooth and with just the right amount of throw for street shooting.

[bfffer]

Got mine from Heavystar (http://www.heavystar.com/servlet/StoreFront) via the 'bay, for about $15. I hear they are sold out now. Shoulda bought 3 of them.

i love focus tab...
to bad they are sold out now...
i would love to add one for my 50lux v2

[rulnacco]

I like the focusing tabs on my wide to normal lenses. I can tell by the position of the tab where I'm focused--I can actually focus without putting the camera to my eye when I'm out street shooting.

For example, on my rigid Summicron, when the focusing tab is at the six o'clock position, I know it's focused at 7 feet. So I can twiddle the tab slightly to either side before I bring the camera up to eye level if I need to grab a quick shot.

The infinity locks, however, can be a bit of a pain in the same circumstances.

[akitadog]

Hi,

Regarding the focus tab, personally I like it very much on my 35 Cron. however my 50 summilux and the 90 Elmarit M don't have one. I guess you have to learn to shoot with and without. On the Cron's I find it very fast to focue, but these lenses typically have a short focus throw. On the Summilux the focus throw is much longer and a tab probable wouldn't work any way. likewise for the Elmarit m.

Regards,

Akitadog.

[jsrockit]

I did, with high-tech double-sided sticky tape :-). Works perfectly, and matches my Gen 4 50mm Summicron in ergos as well as contrast/sharpness.

http://semilog.smugmug.com/Other/35-Biogon-C-test-photos/i-rWbVBQS/0/S/_4291945-S.jpg

http://semilog.smugmug.com/Other/35-Biogon-C-test-photos/i-fQf46cP/0/M/_4291944-L.jpg

Anyone know where to get these (in stock)?

[lam]

I'm just bumping this because HeavyStar (http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-x-Leica-M-Camera-Lens-Focusing-Handle-Mint-/360422287511?pt=US_Viewfinders_Eyecups&hash=item53ead7a897#ht_500wt_1056) has one available at the moment, I just got one.

[jsrockit]

Anyone else sell these?

[lam]

They've relisted them, again..
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=360430450267#ht_500wt_1314

Mine should be coming today, i'll post pics when I attach it!

[lam]

I'm thinking i'm going to need to source some black double sided tape.
But for now, it feels oh-so-good to have a tab again, coming from the Cron-C, Nokton, and Pre-asp 35mm..

So much better, even though it has a rather long focus range.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7019/6790792903_a7b2b37b33.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davelamnet/6790792903/)
Leica M6 + Summicron 50mm f2 Type III with Ghetto-tab® (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davelamnet/6790792903/) by lamlux.net (http://www.flickr.com/people/davelamnet/), on Flickr