Realist focusing (was Re: Stereo's Future)

[P3D Paul Talbot <ptww@xxxxxxxxx>]

Paul S. Boyer wrote:

> [Look at the way a Realist focuses!  The film is supposed to
> move in and out in back of the lenses!  Try watching that
> with a blank roll, and I think that you will agree with
> my decision not to bother repairing my Realist's rangefinder,
> because basically it is unnecessary when the focusing
> mechanism is so approximate, and one stops down for maximum DOF
> anyway.]

Keep in mind that the Realist rangefinder can easily lose proper
calibration, so if you've observed focus problems in pictures
taken based on the rangefinder, that could be the problem.
(I believe Realist repair specialists recommend using glue
on the adjustment screw to help keep it from slipping out of
adjustment.)  I don't think it is accurate to say "the focusing
mechanism is so approximate." 

Many folks rely on the hyperfocal setting or other focus rule
of thumb rather than a rangefinder.  As most of us know, many
stereo cameras do not even have a rangefinder.  I find the Realist
rangefinder useful, however, to determine focus for relatively close
shots that do not extend to infinity.

Paul Talbot


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