Using Focusing Tab

Peter · 07-06-2004

This may sounds strange. I am wondering how photogs with lenses like the CV 25mm and 35mm C focus with the focusing tab? Do you use only the index finger or with both the thumb and index? What should be the correct method when using lenses with focusing tab?

rover · 07-06-2004

I don't have either of those lenses, but on lenses that do have tabs I use both. It is second nature so I am trying to remember, I don't think I grip the tab, I just move it the way I want it to go with the appropiate digit.

Kris · 07-06-2004

I don't know about how others use the tab. The way I use it is by using only index finger. THe only lens with tab I have is the PII but even with lenses without tab, I only use my index finger to focus.

The exception is this Oly SP I have. The focusing tab is on the side instead of at the bottom! What a weird place to have focusing tab! The focusing ring is smooth so there's no grip for my index finger. The tab is just positioned at the wrong place for my handling style. Call me weird, but I dislike handling this Oly SP.

taffer · 07-06-2004

Kris I have the SP here now and I think the idea was to use the right thumb to pull the tab down and the index one to move it up, as it seems to be made in order to be used with that up-down movement instead of a left-right one...
I use that method also with my Canonets, but If you want me to be honest... I still prefer a 'gripable' focus ring, with the tabs I always end giving the camera an unwanted vertical or horizontal movement...
Just my 0.02 though...

Edit: woops, I meant the LEFT thumb, so many bangs against the wall have crossed my mind a bit

Doug · 07-06-2004

I like the tabs, giving me an overall feedback on where the lens is focussed. I've had my (tabbed) 35 Summicron since 1967... so it was familiar and welcome on the newer Voigtlander lenses.

I use only my left index finger on the tab. I think this would be very awkward for the common right-up vertical position, but fortunately I'm a left-up shooter so it still works great!

Kris, my Dad's old Petri 7s has its focus tab on the left, too, and I just use my left thumb for it.

Rich Silfver · 08-30-2004

I hate the tab/infinity lock on my 'cron 50 and wish I could take the darn thing off.

Kris · 08-30-2004

Richard, you wanna trade your 'Cron with my Nokton? It doesn't have infinity lock, one stop faster plus this girl is still young

Muahahahahahaha

Todd.Hanz · 08-31-2004

I use the tab on my 35/2 summicron, I like it because it gives me a point of reference for quick focus, it just feels right.

Todd

jdos2 · 08-31-2004

Tab felt "natural" to me, 35mm Summicron (ASPH).

I kinda miss it on my 50mm Summi.

Sorta silly to have one on my 90mm Elmar.

back alley · 08-31-2004

i don't mind the tabs.
and i don't miss them on the lenses that don't have them.
kinda odd...

Biber · 08-31-2004

When there is a tab I use my left index finger to focus, can't remember where I put my thumb though.

jdos2 · 08-31-2004

What I liked about the tab on the 35mm Summi was that it always was *there* when I brought my fingers up to the camera. It... It just was. No matter where it was, I didn't miss it, unlike the focusing ring itself, which is kind of skinny on that lens.

GeneW · 08-31-2004

I'm getting used to the tabs on my Summicron 40mm and CV 21mm. But sometimes when I switch to the CV 90mm my finger goes searching for the tab and I have to do a quick mental readjustment to a standard focusing ring.

The 40 and 21 are so short barrelled I think I'd have a hard time finding a focusing ring on them. The tabs make sense. I find both just a little stiff though. Is that normal?

Gene

SolaresLarrave · 08-31-2004

I miss the tab in my Summicron too... To think I hated it when I got my Hexanon.

I also disliked, very strongly, the infinity lock in the older 'crons. Some people go radical and clip them or get the spring out. I simply wasn't going to spend too much emotional energy, and since I don't do much infinity... it was all OK until I had to.

Another thing I learned to live with...

RML · 08-31-2004

I use the tab on my CV 25/4 by pushing it one way, and pulling it with the tip of my finger the other way. I never use two fingers to hold the tab.
I use the tab on my M-Rokkor 40/2 in the same way: one finger push 'n' pull.

pvdhaar · 08-31-2004

I use my indexfinger to turn the tab on the non-rangefinder-coupled CV 25/4. It's still easy to scale focus without looking at the lens barrel because it has got click stop detents at 1.0m 1.5m and 3.0 meters.

Russ · 09-08-2004

Quote:

Originally posted by Peter
This may sounds strange. I am wondering how photogs with lenses like the CV 25mm and 35mm C focus with the focusing tab? Do you use only the index finger or with both the thumb and index? What should be the correct method when using lenses with focusing tab?

I doesn't seem to affect me either way. I use the tab, if provided. Or the standard focus ring, when not provided....

Russ

peter_n · 09-08-2004

Unfortunately for me I find the tabs very awkward to use because of my prior SLR use. I have 21 & 35mm lenses for my M6 but neither have tabs, the 21 is a Kobalux f2.8 and the 35 is a CV f2.5 P1. Both great lenses, but they are not Leica lenses.

RML · 09-08-2004

Peter, I understand your predicament. I was an Eos shooter before I went RF all the way. It took me a while before I got used to the tab of the CV 25, but it came with practise.

I can still remember that I complained about the tab on the Rokkor 40, but now, after a few months, it's no longer ackward for me.

Russ · 09-09-2004

Yeah, my Vivitar ES (love it), Minolta Hi-Matic 7sII and Canon GIII QL-17 have the tab. My beloved Oly RC and all other RF's do not. Just doesn't seem to be an issue.....

Russ