Leica Focotar question..

[Robbie Bedell]

I have three of different models of the 50mm 4.5 Focotar lenses. All three have a very small screw located in the barrel near the threads. I am wondering if this small screw might be a set screw so it can be loosened to move the orientation of the f-stop index toward the front of the enlarger for ease of viewing. Does anyone have any knowledge of this? I really do not want to loosen any of the screws on my lenses unless I am sure of what I am doing. Thank you! Robbie

 

[Patrick Robert James]

I think that holds the rear group/aperture mechanism.

What enlarger do you have? If it is a Focomat 1c you can unscrew the helical and move it to where the numbers are lined up how you want.

 

[Hilo]

Robbie, good question !

I never saw that hole with the small screw (after 35 years of using them, pffft). I will ask a friend who worked for Leitz repairing everything they made for photography. He will know.

Patrick, wouldn't you be messing with the automatic focus set-up when you change the position of the helical? Maybe I misunderstood what you meant . . .

---

Ok, I spoke with my friend. He says to take apart the lens you need to use the spanner on the rear ring, and you must unscrew this tiny screw to further disassemble the lens. And yes, should the aperture numbers not sit in front when you put it back together you can turn the lens barrel and then fasten this tiny screw . . .

This was him explaining on the phone: "just unscrew it and turn the barrel so you see best the numbers . . . "

I didn't, but I think you can safely do so, if you want. I do think all this has a direct relation with the extension ring and the aperture stopper of the Focomat 1c. Different story for the Valoy II . . .

Michael

 

[Robbie Bedell]

Thank you Patrick and Michael.

Yes, I am using the 1c. I really do not NEED to change the index, as the lens that's on there now (a Focotar 2) is only about 3/4 inch from being right in the front, so I can live with that. But as Michael said, after these many years I too just noticed the screws and wondered if that's what they were. I am still wary to mess with it!...so I guess I won't..But one question Michael...Did your friend say to just loosen the set screw and turn and nothing else will change? If it is that simple I will try it on a separate lens and see how that works..

I AM a bit reluctant to mess around with the setting of the helical. This particular enlarger is set perfectly so I don't want to mess with the focus.

I guess the bottom line is that I was just curious if all 50 4.5 Focotars have this little adjustment. A Kodak 50mm Enlarging Ektar I recent acquired seems the have the same feature. I will have to look at some of my other enlarging lenses to see it they have the same.

Thank you very much guys!! Robbie

 

[Patrick Robert James]

Good to know.

Patrick, wouldn't you be messing with the automatic focus set-up when you change the position of the helical? Maybe I misunderstood what you meant . . .


Michael

You would have to set the lens back in focus, but that wouldn't be all that hard. You wouldn't need to adjust the autofocus mechanism at all. You would have to readjust the little stop to hold the helical in place. Not a big deal. At any rate, it isn't necessary given the info you provided!

 

[Hilo]

. . . But one question Michael...Did your friend say to just loosen the set screw and turn and nothing else will change? If it is that simple I will try it on a separate lens and see how that works..

Yes, I think this is what he meant, but I am never 100% sure of myself when it comes to understanding stuff like this. Anyway, he knows I have two left hands, so him suggesting I can just try it out tells me there's not something critical to upset . . .

Patrick, yes of course, I see your point about the stopper !

 

[Robbie Bedell]

Well, I tried to loosen the screw on a spare first version 1 Focotar that I have. The screw was socked in pretty well. I got it loose and turned it several turns..at that point the lens mount was not about to rotate and I did not want to go any further. I know my own incapabilities. If the screw were to come all the way loose I would slip and the screw would fly away never to be seen again. It is very tiny. So I tightened it back and left it. I would suggest no one try this unless you are a Leica certified repair person!

 

[John Koehrer]

There's an entire dimension full of lost socks(none matching) and screws.

 

[~andi]

I think the set screw holds the outer lens barrel in place on the Focotar-1 (the original, not the Large Front Element one). This outer barrel is like a jacket for the actual barrel which is just a tad larger than the lens diameter. Its also used for setting the aperture. Theres a tiny ball and a spring in there for the click-stops. I don't think you can rotate the aperture scale to a different position, maybe 180 degrees, but I'm not sure. Its been a while since I tinkered with it (couldn't get it back together again, and gave up on acquiring the lens-repair skill through self-education

 

[Robbie Bedell]

'There's an entire dimension full of lost socks(none matching) and screws.' John, what you say is wise and true...

Andi, You confirm my inadequacies...When you write 'tiny ball and spring' that is when I put down the tools and head for a cold beer instead! I am so glad I did not delve deeper into ay of mu lenses!

 

[Ronald Moravec]

NO NO NO. They are not aligned. If using on other than focomat, put a stop under the lens so it does not screw in so far.