[Leica] Re: TID>Minilux w/Hyperfocal Distance

["Leonard K. Nicholson" <nicleok@sdllc.com>]

Dear Mr. Cook:

Thanks for your kind thoughts:

Bud Cook wrote:
> 
> Thanks again.  Very astute of you!  I'll look again at the Minilux
> manual:-)
> Best Regards,
> Bud Cook

This feature in the Leica Minilux also has the advantage that another
opticial rule of thumb applies.  Since the distance indicated in the
method is the hyperfocal distance, then the depth of field will extend
from approximately (1/2) of the hyperfocal distance to * (infinity).
Lets look at the examples: 

        •	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. According to the manual Depth of field is
5.18m - *.
According to the approximation rule, the near depth of field would
extend from 13/2= 6.5m.

        •	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. According to the manual Depth
of field is 3.23m - *. According to the approximation rule, the near
depth of field would extend from7/2= 3.5m.

        •	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 - *.
According to the approximation rule, the near depth of field would
extend from 5/2= 2.5m.

        •	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 -
*. According to the approximation rule, the near depth of field would
extend from 3.5/2= 1.75m

As you can see from the above examples, its easy to approximate the near
point of the depth of field -- just divide the distance indicated by 2. 
While it won't be exact, its in the ball park!

I think that its a very handy feature that the Leica Minilux indicates
the huperfocal distance for a particular F - stop.  And I do not know of
any other point and shoot camera which does it.  Do you?

Now for the big question -- why did Leica not document this feature?  I
would have thought that this would be extremely useful for landscape and
travel photos where one would want to capture as much detail as
possible.

With every good wish, I am,

Sincerely yours,

- -- 

Leonard K. Nicholson                         <mailto:nicleok@sdllc.com>
Operating Manager

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