This mini article is sharing custom designed focus tab lever 3D models for few Voigtlander lenses from Vintage Line series.
Cosina released series of modern Voigtlander lenses with excellent optical and mechanical performance encased into vintage style shape. Focusing ring is equipped with detachable focusing pin resembling the one used on older lenses.
Many photographers prefer to have consistency across lenses in Leica M mount that are typically having curved thumb focusing tab lever. Of course there are Voigtlander type II versions of same lenses with that type of focusing tab lever, though some may want to keep type 1 lens and looking for modification options.
There are many aftermarket solutions, though most of them I saw are designed for straight cylindrical focusing rings. Vintage Line Voigtlander lenses have angular geometry of focus ring, so it took some time to precisely measure then prototype and design custom 3D model.
You'll need to find low profile bolt with same thread as original focusing pin. I usually find one taken off from one of very old broken Japan made lenses I repaired in the past.
The 3D printed focus lever feels great and brings that focusing comfort and feeling similar to when operating another lens with similarly shaped knob. So far I designed models for:
- Voigtlander 21mm F3.5 Color-Skopar type 1 M mount
- Voigtlander 28mm F2 Ultron type 1 M mount
- Voigtlander 35mm F2 Ultron type 1 M mount
Do you think this CAD will work for summicrion 40mm f2 by chance?
ReplyDeleteNo, it will not work with Summicron 40mm F2 due to cylindric surface of Summicron. This 3D knob model for Voigtlander lens is specifically designed for cut cone shape and is also tilted correspondingly.
DeleteHowever if you tell me the exact diameter of focusing ring of Summicron 40mm F2 I can cut the pre-designed 3D model to fit cylinder of particular diameter.
Thank you for your willingness to help! It would make my Summicron 40mm useable again if I am able to print and attach a focus tab!
DeleteI did some rough measurements, the outer diameter of the focus ring is precisely 48.0mm. The screw hole diameter is ~2.15mm. The distance of the edge of the screw hole from the outer edge of the outer focusing ring (side away from M mount/body) is 2.3mm.
Also as you mentioned, this lens outer focus ring surface does not seem to be tapered or cut-coned (visual inspection).
Would you also be willing to share the CAD / STEP file in case I need to make some minor adjustments on something like Solidworks or Onshape? Thank you SOOOO much, this would be huge help if I’m able to get this lens to a useable state, it was a gamble purchase recently as a gift to my wife along with a Lieca CL. Thanks again in advance for your help.
Hello, you are welcome. I've posted file Leica_summicron_40_F2_knob_v1.stl into CV 21mm F3.5 page on Printables. Please give it a try and let me know if it works. I'm 3D modelling in Blender, that does not support CAD/step filtes. With Blender you can also import and modify any .stl file.
DeleteBrilliant, thank you! Will be a few weeks before I get access to a 3D printer again but will post back on how/if it fits when I’ve got it printed.
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