Focusing a Kiev with the lens barrel?

Cybertrash · May 1, 2015

I recently bought a Kiev 4 (contax copy) with a 50mm Jupiter 8m lens. The lens is attached to the cameras internal focusing helicoid and can be focused with the focusing wheel on top of the camera. I did however notice that the lens can also be focused by turning the lens itself which also turns the focusing helicoid and the focusing wheel. According to the instructions the camera should be focused with the wheel, but I sometimes find that turning the lens is quicker. Is it possible to damage the camera by focusing this way?

summicron1 · May 1, 2015

No. Those things are built like tanks. Focus away!

Xmas · May 1, 2015

Confirmed either method is ok with internally mounted lenses.
Some externally mounted lenses can be focused with the focus wheel but most need you to use the focus ring on the lens.

tessar · May 1, 2015

I found the Jupiter-12 35/2.8 can also be focused with the wheel (I like the wheel) but then I found several posts on the web warning against this, so I now use the focusing ring.

gone · May 1, 2015

I'm quite a fan of the wheel myself. Sorry, I couldn't resist :}

klop · May 3, 2015

My old contax camera manual states that the 50mm and 35mm lenses can be adjusted with the focus wheel but for the longer length lenses it says to focus with the barrel of the lens because the difference in ratio can damage the camera if you focus with the wheel.... Sounds to me like it would be ok.....

klop · May 3, 2015

Contact III users manual, page 23, paragraph 2 states... "It is extremely important to note that when using long focus lenses the focussing must be done by adjusting the ring on the lens and not by turning the usual focus wheel on the camera. the gear ratio of the mechanism is so high that turning the usual wheel may damage the mechanism"

benjiboy · May 5, 2015

I have a Contax not a Kiev but it will not damage it focusing either with the 50mm or wide angle lenses with the wheel if the infinity lock doesn't drive you crazy in the meantime as it does me .

Cybertrash · May 9, 2015

Thanks for the answers everyone, I shall go forth and focus my 50mm lens however I like from here on now

Focusing a Kiev with the lens barrel?

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