Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/10/30
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]SP wrote: >I bought a used, mint Noctilux last week, latest 1.0 version, and ran a >roll of Koday Royal Gold 400 through it this week The subject was 3 feet >from me and all of the pictures of same were blurry. If this was not due >to incorrect focusing in the M6 viewfinder, was this because I am >unaware of the true minimum focusing distance at f 1.0? IOW, what is the >true minimum and maximum depth of field allowance at f 1.0? Thanks!>>>>>> Hi SP, At that distance <<<The subject was 3 feet from me and all of the pictures of same were blurry.>>>>>> the depth of field is about "nada!" :) Like nothing, el zippo! :) With the Noctilux you have to be very much aware of what you are trying to accomplish as the depth is so limited at f 1.0, you and your rangefinder have to be perfect. One does not just pop to f 1.0 and shoot away like they are on a Summicron at f 8.0. You'll find a learning experience is necessary to find where to focus and exactly on what for the maximum effect of the lens. When you are working at extreme close-up or as close as the lens can focus, you are in a somewhat...."macro-like" situation without any depth at f 1.0. However, if you find at f 1.0 and at a farther distance from the subject than you were in your initial experience and still experiencing "out of focus," then you might consider having the lens and camera checked for range finder inaccuracy. It doesn't take much to be out of focus at f 1.0, trust me. Been there done that! It's not a pleasant scene. :) <<<<was this because I am unaware of the true minimum focusing distance at f 1.0?>>>>>> Actually no! Here's something for you try as part of the learning curve. Turn the lens as far as it can go against the closest point of focus, now look through the viewfinder / rangefinder moving back and forth with your body and focus on something.... a person's eye for example, particularly with a highlight. Once you have that in perfect focus ....shoot!! Do this several times and when you have the film developed you'll appreciate how little depth there is at the closest focusing point. This will also assist in future picture taking as to what happens when you work at f 1.0! Particularly at clsoe-up! hope this helps as it's a wonderful lens and allows you to shoot where others fear to tread! Have fun and you'll get better with it. Ted Grant This is Our Work. The Legacy of Sir William Osler. http://www.islandnet.com/~tedgrant