f-stops and sharpness

[P3D Gabriel Jacob <jacob@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Dr.T writes

>I recommend that beginners use the sunny day rule at first.  It works!
>Here  is how the rule is applied with 100 speed film:
>
>Shutter	f-stop  Rating	Light Conditions
>-------------------------------------------------------------
>1/100   f22     +1      Extremely bright w/sand or snow
>1/100   f16      0      Sunny and bright, distinct shadows
>1/100   f11     -1      Weak sun, soft shadows, side light 
>1/100   f8      -2      Cloudy bright, no shadows
>1/50    f8      -3      Heavy overcast, bright shade
>1/50    f5.6    -4      Dark shade
>1/25    f3.5    -7      Bright interiors; Max exp. handheld

Is this from your Realist updated Instruction Manual? ;-)
I have question about the f-stops. I noticed that whenever
I set the camera on f8 or lower, the pictures are fuzzy.
I know this is supposed to happen due to the larger aperture,
so I try to avoid anything faster than f11. I take into
consideration the depth of field or focus for the subject.
Regardless of which method used, I still have to go higher
than f8 to get anything sharp. The question is then, if this
is so, why would anyone use anything below f11 (other than
for exposure), or am I missing something?

Gabriel


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