 Danny C. Gleason |
How note exact DOF depths using newer cameras i was taught first on an older camera where both the aperature and the focus ring were on the lense. now adays they seem to have put the aperatures inside the actual camera. before, I was able to note the exact depths of the DOF by more or less aligning it to the distance markers on the focus ring. this might be a stupid question, but how is that possible with the newer cameras? atleast for canon, I know that some of the lenses have distance markers on the focus ring but does that mean then that you can use it same way as if the aperature settings were on the lense? thanks.
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Danny C. Gleason |
sorry I meant " How TO note..." anyways this might be worded wierdly, but hopefully someone wil be able to understand.
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Danny C. Gleason |
sorry I meant " How TO note..." anyways this might be worded wierdly, but hopefully someone wil be able to understand.
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doug Nelson |
Some lenses have minimal DOF markings. A Canon EF lens I saw has only the f16 mark, so that you can align the infinity mark with that, giving you max depth of focus at f16. Many photogs are disgusted with the makers for failing to include markings, especially on wide-angles. This omission is as inexcusable as charging extra for the lens hood that SHOULD come with the lens. For a photographer who cares about making a photograph, as opposed to setting the camera on some "Program" mode, I suggest either using older manual focus equipment, or going medium format. This is not to disparage the optical quality of newer cameras, just corporate corner-cutting and giving us less for our money.
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Kerry L. Walker |
What? Use manual focus or medium format? (I am currently bowing and scraping to you. Glad to see I am not the only one left.)
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Jon Close |
While I agree that Canon should include the lens hood instead of charging extra for it, people should realize that the failure to include a depth of field scale is due to technical contraints on autofocus lenses, especially zoom lenses. If it could be done without sacrificing AF performance at least one of Canon, Nikon, Minolta, Pentax, Olympus, Tamron, Tokina, Sigma, etc. would do so. Besides which, the DoF scales on manual focus lenses are only approximate, since DoF depends not only of focal length, focus distance and aperture, but on the final print size and desired viewing distance. There is a nifty freeware program, DoFMaster, that can print custom DoF scales for your lenses than you can use in the field. There is also a version that can be loaded in a Palm® hand-held device.
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Jon Close |
P.S. Canon realized early on that this would be a handicap for AF lenses and includes the DEP or A-DEP exposure mode on their EOS bodies. In this mode you focus on the farthest and nearest subjects you want included in the DoF, and the camera computes and sets the necessary focus distance and aperture (subject to the lens's maximum and minimum aperture limits).
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Danny C. Gleason |
thanks guys, so what do you recommend me getting, an older camera without an autofocus (which might be harder to find) or a camera like the Elan 7NE. I am an ameture, but serious about photography and eager to learn more. I am doing a lot of classes and reading a lot about it. and what would be the compatability for the newer lenses with an older camera. thanks.
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Kerry L. Walker |
It really depends on you, what you want from a camera, and how you plan to use it. For landscapes, you really can't beat a manual focus camera, and there are a few still being made, the Pentax ZX-M (inexpensive) the Nikon FM-3A (expensive for a manual focus camera) and the Leica R9 (priced in the stratosphere). However, if you like autofocus, which is great for everyday shots, go ahead and buy an autofocus camera and mainly prime lenses, many of which (but not all) still have distance scales.
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Danny C. Gleason |
i was just wondering, what do the pro's use. because you would think that they need this feature to do the work that they do, or have we all just become acustome to the newer technologies? but thanks ill look into those cameras
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Danny C. Gleason |
i looked at the nikon FM-3A and I looks really good, and sturdy. I read some reviews and they all were very possitive. except its like $500, and do you know if its common in cameras stores? and does it come with a lense? I don't know, but I sure looks good.
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doug Nelson |
I think pro quality prime wide angle lenses ought to have DOF scales. Maybe the "L" Canons do. Kerry is making sense here. If you don't want to go Medium Format (although the Bronica RF w 65mm lens can be had used for about $850) consider an autofocus body, maybe Canon. Newer AF lenses are every bit the equal of older lenses in optical quality, often even better. Look for a used top-of-the-line EOS 1 or 1n or 1v body, for the nice bright viewfinder and range of features. Buy a used 50mm f1.8 or f1.4. Many landscapes need a 50mm, not necessarily a wide angle. Here's an interesting possibility- adapters are available for using Leica R lenses on Canon EOS bodies. Of course, you can't autofocus, but with their excellent 28mm Leica R, you do the hyperfocal drill. (See my article on the Hyperfocal Distance Trick and its caveat). You also meter with the lens stopped down to your shooting aperture, but you get aperture priority automatic exposure. This Leica 28 sells for about $400. Mine is one of my favorites. Its a superb landscape lens. Should you decide to go digital later, you can use the Canon EF 50 and whatever Canon EF telephotos you choose, and maybe even the Leica 28, on a Canon digital body. Finally, if cost is a factor, and you must have NEW, a Nikon FM3A and the excellent manual focus Nikkor lenses will serve you well. If used will do, Pentax, Minolta, Olympus, Canon, Nikon all made excellent manual focus lenses that are REALLY cheap now. A good kit for what you do might be a 28mm, a 50, and a short tele in the 85 to 135 range. Nikon manual focus lenses can be used on their autofocus and digital cameras, but without metering. Pentax manual lenses can be used on their new istD's, WITH metering.
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Kerry L. Walker |
I agree with Doug. If you want a manual focus camera, don't discount used equipment. You can get a good used manual focus camera with lens (or lenses) for less than a good quality autofocus body. I have an old Olympus OM-2n that still works great, even though the finish is showing signs of wear. The older Nikon, Canon, Pentax and Minolta cameras were mostly metal (or all metal, depending on how old you want) with limited electronics so they don't break easily. With everyone selling their manual focus film cameras these days, these cameras are cheap!
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