Extension tubes move the lens away from the camera so that you can focus towards closer distances (like a macro lens); the trade off is that you lose distance/infinity focus so it's not much use for walking around with.

You could always try wrapping something around the lens barrel to give it more bulk?

Cheap screwdrivers have a habit of doing that, that's why they're a bit of a false economy. I use Wiha brand screwdrivers which I've bought from Micro-Tools, although I've recently been informed you can buy them cheaper direct from the manufacturer. You can get all the other lens tools you could ever want from Micro-Tools too.

Have you got a Helios 44 with an auto/manual switch? I'm actually selling one on eBay at the moment and they're quite rare - I've only ever seen them bundled with the "Moscow 1980" special edition Zenits. Earlier ones tended to be either preset (like my personal copy), then manual only, then auto only for the later ones. They're all good though - mighty sharp little lenses.

I'm in

Yes. Remove the back of the lens, slip a piece of electric insulation cable sheath over the pin (so there's only about 1mm showing at the end) and reassemble.

The plastic sheath from the cable will prevent the pin from popping up so the lens will act as a manual one. If you ever want to use it in "auto" mode (or sell it on) then the process is completely reversable.

Are we talking Helios 44M's here by chance? They tend to be auto only and I've converted lots of them now - only takes a minute or two at most.

In 30 years of taking photos I've never once had one printed larger than A4 (8x10 in film days), so most of what I have even now is completely wasted on me...

LINK

I've got some more goodies for sale for those who like their lenses manual and with a screw mount. There's a:

Super-Takumar 24mm f/3.5
Industar 50-2 50mm f/3.5 Pancake
Helios 44M 58mm f/2

All in excellent working order and from 99p / no reserve

I also bagged a nice bundle of cameras and lenses at auction this weekend, so next week's eBay auctions will feature some really nice and unusual goodies (once I've decided which bits I'll be keeping for myself of course!)

What you say is quite true John, a 36x24mm capture area *is* ideal if (a) you're using film and (b) you want to print at 16" x 12".

I'm guessing though that most of those shouting loudest about "Full Frame" have no desire to do either, if they did then there are plenty of cameras available on eBay from just a couple of pounds that can satisfy their desires...

Regardless of the focus I love the picture!

That 17mm Tokina looks like quite a nice lens on digital

Get yourself a cheap multimeter and you'll never have to wonder which battery's dead again.