Focusing "charts"

[Histon]

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Hi. For many years with large format cameras, and also with the Leica iiiG I used to use at work in the 1970's, we always had some focusing charts to use. The other day I was in a church doing a close up in fairly dim light. Every now and then the sun would shine through the window onto my subject. Peak focus on live view helped, though I had to be quick to catch the 10 seconds of sunlight! It took me back to the old focus charts we used to use. Various sizes from A4 (or Foolscap!!) down to postcard size.

So I went hunting to see what is available now, and found these test sheets supposedly for Canon/Epson printers. I printed some out at postcard-ish and A4 size on my HP printer, and laminated them too. Will be trying them out this weekend.

Here is where I got them if anyone one would find them useful.

"Focusing" charts

[a.noctilux]

Hello Richard,

may I ask how to use this chart ?

[Histon]

On 8/12/2020 at 7:02 PM, a.noctilux said:

Hello Richard,

may I ask how to use this chart ?

Hi. I just place them at the correct point in the "scene" I want to focus on. Last week I was using the M240P in fairly low light to take a picture of a stone cross. So the rangefinder found it a bit tricky as the stone was rather plain. Placing one of the charts (or a smaller print of one) exactly where I want the point of focus makes it much easier to use the rangefinder. Only good for static subjects I suppose. Other methods of course are focus-peaking, or the Leica/Olympus "EVF" which goes into the hot-shoe.

I've used these patterns a lot with 5x4 and (gulp!) whole-plate cameras in the studio. Also sometimes a ruler made from a black and white printout (the sort of thing you see on archaeology digs or even crime scenes).

Finally there is a phone app called "Focus Chart" so you could place your phone in the scene to focus on the chart on the screen.

 

Edited August 24, 2020 by Histon