Hyperfocal Distance

[tomrice@netcom.com (Tom R. Rice)]

	I've received several inquiries regarding my rather
	off-hand remark re Hyperfocal Distance, so I thought
	the list members might not mind if I posted the real
	authority's answer: 

 
 	From the Leica Manual, 1951, by Morgan & Lester:
	------------------------------------------------

	"...Leica lenses carry an integral depth-of-field 
	calculator, engraved on the lens barrel.

	"...If the left-hand figure corresponding to the
	lens stop in use is placed at infinity, the right-
	hand figure will be opposite a distance exactly half
	that focused upon.  In this case, the figure opposite
	the index arrow is the _hyperfocal_distance_ for the
	lens aperture in question.  Its value is obvious--
	when a lens is focused upon the hyperfocal distance
	for the aperture in question, everything from half 
	that distance to infinity will be acceptably sharp.
	Thus the hyperfocal distance can be considered a
	fixed-focus setting for outdoor [or action] shooting."
		
	--------------------------------------------------

	That says it as well as anything.  The oft-held idea
	that a rangefinder camera is not good for action
	shots is wrong;  you just pre-focus using the above
	concept and forget about it.  


	Best wishes, trr  
-- 
"Start off every day with a smile and get it over with."  --W.C.Fields
Tom R. Rice  
tomrice@netcom.com     
CIS: 71160,1122