Re: [Leica] depth-of-field vf indicators?

[Lucien <lucien@ubi.edu>]

Ernest,

In Leica Pocket Book:

P 37

Leica M2:

The viewfinder is equipped with an optical depth on field indication
which comprises of a projection at the top and bottom of the frame.
These projections show the depth of field for a 50mm lens,
the top for f16, the lower for f5,6.
After focusing on the subject the approximate projection is superimposed 
on the subject immediately behind and in front of the point of focus.
If the separation of the images are still within the projection then
they will be acceptably sharp.
This feature was incorporated into the M3 in 1958.

Lucien


Ernest Murphy wrote:

> Years ago, I had a copy of a Leica book that explained how some M model(s)
> had visible in the viewfinder something that functions as depth-of-field
> (depth of focus?) indicators for two f stops, maybe f8 and f11. The idea
> was that you compared the distance between the double images of some
> out-of-focus part of your subject with the size of these two thingies to
> learn whether that out-of-focus part will, in fact, be photographed
> sharply.

> The book is long gone, but I've now got an M2 body with peculiar little
> extensions from the top and bottom of the bright rangefinder focus patch I
> see in the middle of the finder. The little extensions are two different
> sizes. I suspect these are what the book was talking about. Can anybody
> explain?