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Leica Focusing Tab

Ken Mullinix · Sep 5, 2026 · 107 views

So the focusing knob for my 35mm Summicron developed a crack and then fell apart in my hand this morning. I can't find replacement parts online so I'm thinking I have two options. I can jb weld the pieces back together, or I can 3d print a new part. If I 3d print, I may design something that wraps fully around the barrel so that the next time I need to fix this, it does require any lens disassembling. Anyone have this issue with the Summicron? Mine is the "King of Bokeh" version. Made in Canada. I hear the German versions are better, being all metal.

Posted by Ken Mullinix — Click to open full size

2 replies

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thinbegin · 28d ago

I would keep the original design, if modeling a replacement. Well paid designers came up with the design that they offered, so that's worth considering. I'm betting they considered a variety of design options and decided this was the best. It's possible that was a cost-based decision, but somehow I doubt it, since it would not have been a huge price difference.

FYI, there are 3rd party replacements available, at various price points, based on materials used. (I'm a 3D print guy myself, so I'd be perfectly happy with a printed solution, but there are others available)

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Ken Mullinix · 28d ago

This turned into quite the project. The lens is back together and the tab is fixed, for now. I ended up epoxying the tab back together. The difficult part was getting infinity focus back. You can put the base plate anywhere you like through the travel of the helicoid, so that took a bit of trial and error. If it breaks again I'll make one in ASA. What 3D printer are you using? I've got a Bambu Labs P2S, and a Phrozen 8k. I doubt I'd print this is resin though.