[Leica] was R28/2.8. NOW easy focusing!

[Ted Grant <tedgrant@home.com>]

tmlee wrote:
> Can anyone of U who has the R28/2.8 assist............
> Do U find it hard to focus ? I mean I find that it doesn't 'snap' into
> focus quite as visibly as the R50....... I find it a wee bit trying to get it in
> focus, especially in poor lit conditions.......

> Is this a trait of wideangle lenses, or is my R28 screwed up or is it just my eyes failing<<<<<<

Hi TM,
Wide angle lenses on any R camera are difficult to focus for some folks.
However, a little trick I learned many years ago that can make a major
difference after a few tries.

When we focus from the normal rest position of the lens, at the infinity
mark, to a closer point, it is more difficult to see the "snap IN focus"
effect.  But, if as you put the camera to your eye, you twist the lens
to it's closest focus point, when you look through the viewfinder
everything will be completely a blur.

Now start to focus from the completely out of focus view and you'll find
a different eye action occurring as things begin to "pop into focus"
from all blur. It takes a bit of practice but it can make a major
difference if you're having trouble focusing.

Now if you're focusing at infinity or near there, the difference wont be
quite as obvious, but it does make a difference on close to medium objects.

I would also suggest not to fiddle the focus ring back and forth trying
to make it more in focus,  it's best to screw the focus ring to nothing
but complete blur and start over again focusing.

This works very effectively if you practice, as I've used this method
for many years.

I trust it works as well for you as it has for me.
ted