Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/08/31
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]> A whole bunch of stuff. but the following is completely wrong: > >The critical focus area of a 35mm SLR is typically a small spot in the > >center of the screen (possibly split image). You would have to move your > >camera around and check the different parts of the image for focus...as > >best you can. I don't believe you can accurately check critical focus > >outside the center of the screen. > Ha! How could you possibly think that only the center of a GG is focusable? > This is absurd. Use a tripod, DOF preview, and check and correct focus on > all parts of the image, on all parts of the GG. > Do you think the GG is bent? It is dead flat, exactly like the film, and is > focusable everywhere. > Anybody out there have a GG that only focuses in the center? Jim, I clearly said (and is even in your quote) CRITICAL focus. I use a loupe for critical focus with a ground glass on a view camera. I certainly don't have a split image viewfinder on my view camera! The focusing aids put on 35mm SLR screens are the same concept. I did not say you couldn't use any part of the 35mm screen for 'some kind' of focus, the focusing 'aids' in the center, at least for me, are going to give me a more accurate focus. Using GG only doesn't work with low light situations (for me at least), where the split image will give me far better focusing ability. Most of my work with 35mm is with existing light. > Perhaps what you are using is NOT A GROUND GLASS Ha! (couldn't resist ;-) right you are! I use a screen with a 'split doohickey' ;-) But I do believe, the rest of the screen is the same as a GG, is it not? Obviously, you and I have different needs, and styles of photography. Nothing wrong with that at all. We each have our own preferred methods to achieve the results we desire. It appears to me you are talking more about 'planned shots', even studio work, where given that, I completely agree...critical focus should (if warranted and important) be accurately checked in the camera. I always do that in the studio when using a view camera (though my view lenses don't have DOF preview)...tilted and swiveled etc., then it is very important. Thank you for a non-confrontational reply. Believe it or not, I do value (most of ;-) your opinions highly.