Focusing Ring rubber grip

StanMac

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I acquired an ME with a Pentax-M 50mm f/1.4 on it. The lens is in quite good condition other than the rubber grip on the focusing ring is missing. No replacements found on the fleaBay site. Can someone point me to a source for an OEM replacement or suggestions for a substitute, even a repurposed material.

Thanks for any assistance you can provide.

Stan
 

AgX

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If you think of an pyramide-structure surface, I don't think there is a public source. I once found in a DIY store rubber sheet off a 3m wide roll with a linen structure surface.
But why not cut a strip out of a rubber tube from a bike? But of course, with all of these improvised solutions you yield a seam, which has to be carefully lined-up.
Though with bike tubes if you are very lucky, you might even get an apt tube section that in one piece might be pulled over the barrel.
(But the bike tubes I come across these days have moulded seams and thus no longer an even surface.
 
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Kino

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StanMac

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Yes, I saw those but was hoping someone here might know of an OEM source. I could get one of those listed on fleaBay and cut it the appropriate length and contact glue it in place. I just don’t want it to look like something cobbled together.

Another thing that crossed my mind was to cut a strip of tan leather for a custom-made look. Or look for a broken Pentax 50mm and salvage the grip. Lots of choices to pursue.

Thanks for piquing my brain to think a bit harder for solutions.

Stan
 

Kino

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I would contact KEH and see if they have a trashed lens to sell you for the rubber.
 
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StanMac

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Kino said:
I would contact KEH and see if they have a trashed lens to sell you for the rubber.
Click to expand...

Thank you Kino! Good idea.

I have sent an inquiry to KEH and will inquire with a few other used gear sellers.

Stan
 
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mrosenlof

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I have a Hasselblad 120mm lens with that problem. I just pulled the rubber ring off and use the bare metal. Not as pretty, but still works fine.
 

John Koehrer

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Sometimes you can find a vacuum cleaner belt with a similar width but larger diameter. Out comes the knife & contact cement.
Haven't done it but Mcmaster-carr may have something in their catalog or the bay searching for rubber drive belt.

It's easier to cut to diameter than width because the tighter diameter or the belt makes it more difficult to get a knife in there.
 
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StanMac

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I sent a Pentax KX to Eric Hendrickson for a CLA and mentioned I needed the rubber grip for the 50mm f/1.4. He looked in his parts bin and will be sending me a replacement focusing grip when he returns the KX. Thanks for all the suggestions, gentlemen.

Stan
 
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Kino

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Nice! OEM is always the best when possible...
 
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