Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/08/20
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]
Q. What is the best Point and Shoot camera?
I like the Leica Minilux, but then I also like the Contax T2 and the
Olympus * Stylus, the Olympus * Stylus Epic, Minox ML, and the Minox
LX.
The Contax T speaks for itself as its features are very well known.
The Minox ML must be range focused or set the hyperfocal distance for a
selected aperature. Ithas a neat little leather case for the belt which
can be worn at all times, and its polycarbon body is practically
indestructable. I used a Minox ML while sailing in all kinds of
weather).
The Minox LX must also be range focused or set to its one and only
hyperfocal distance, but it has the advantage of being able to be taken
anywhere because of its size. It is truly an unobtrusive camera.
The Olympus * Stylus is inexpensive enough to be brought in otherwise
dangerous situations such as for example those situations where you
would want to or are actually required to where protective eyewear or
where you would otherwise not want a very nice camera to go.
The Olympus * Stylus epic is a little more expensive than the plain
stylus, but it has many, many more features and a faster lens.
BUT if I had only one chance at a point an shoot camera -- it would be
the Leica Minilux, without question.
The Leica Minilux is a terrific camera. It also has a unique and
undocumented feature of being able to set hyperfocal distance at any
Aperature.
The rule of thumb is to align the Green AF Dot of the focus dial with
the selected Aperature selected by the White Function Selector.: this
sets a manually selected distance which just so happens to be the
hyperfocal distance for the selected aperature.
Lets look at the examples:
• Set Aperature to F 4 by moving the Function Selector to F4, then
align the Green AF Dot of the Focus Dial to the selected apperature: the
distance indicated is *. Depth of field is 11.78m - *.
• Set Aperature to F 5.6 by moving the Function Selector to F5.6, then
align the Green AF Dot of the Focus Dial to the selected apperature: the
distance indicated is 13. m. Depth of fiield is 5.18m - *.
• Set Aperature to F 8 by moving the Function Selector to F8, then
align the Green AF Dot of the Focus Dial to the selected apperature: the
distance indicated is 7 m. Depth of field is 3.23m - *.
• Set Aperature to F 11 by moving the Function Selector to F11, then
align the Green AF Dot of the Focus Dial to the selected apperature: the
distance indicated is 5 m. Depth of field is 2.31m - *.
• Set Aperature to F 16 by moving the Function Selector to F16, then
align the Green AF Dot of the Focus Dial to the selected apperature: the
distance indicated is 3.5 m. Depth of field is 1.63m - *
The exception to prove this rule occurs when you set the Aperature to
F2.4 -- you cannot align the Green AF Dot to the selected 2.4 aperature
so just set the distance manually to * (note the Green AF Focus dot
follows at F4): depth of field is 18.78m - *.
Pretty neat stuff!
Comments anyone?
- --
Leonard K. Nicholson <mailto:nicleok@sdllc.com>
Operating Manager
STRUCTURED DEVELOPMENT LLC
2323 West Bainbridge Street
Suite 100
Kenner, Louisiana 70062-4108
Tel (504)468-9400
Fax (504)467-8571 <mailto:admin@sdllc.com>
<http://www.sdllc.com>
______________________________________________________________________