Focusing without the viewfinder?

[teasider]

Hey everyone ,

Im using the nikon x8 super zoom , And I have a problem with focusing.

I tried using the method of zooming in all the way (tele) and adjusting the eye piece, but I cant reach the level of focus. I turn the eye piece until its almost out of place and the other way , until its tight on the camera itself.

I was wondering if theres a way to use the split focus system to insure a focused image. AND if I do choose to mesure the distance (unlikely) where do I need to start? the film cartidge? the start of the lens ?

Thanks again!

[mattias]

you measure from the film plane/gate. why is it unlikely? it's by far the easiest, fastest and most accurate method in most cases. use a metal tape measure for short distances and eyeball it for longer, after a while you'll be able to eyeball the short ones too, i use my arm when i'm not sure. not in 35mm but for super 8 and 16 it works fine.

/matt

[teasider]

Ya I guess your right, altough,...

What if I mesure the distance, but the focus split isnt aligned? again I mention that I cant use the viewfinder. (its always blurry.)

So should I go by the split focus sytem or strictly by distance mesure ?

Thanks.

[mattias]

the tape measure never lies, but you might want to verify lens collimation first. just shoot a cart with different focal lengths and different distances measure by tape and see what turn out sharp and what doesn't. this is a good idea with any camera anyway.

/matt

[The Daywood]

Though the 3 or 4 inch difference won't matter that much on 8mm, you should always measure from the film plane. This is noted on the side of any camera by a circle with a vertical line through it.

Also note the measurements on the lens...Make sure if you measure in feet, you don't set to meters!!!! I've had many students do that on their 8mm and Filmo 70 16mm shoots. Blurry as hell in some cases...Big difference between 10 feet and 10 meters!!!

[Jim Carlile]

If you really can't use the viewfinder at all, the tape measure will work. Or, you can set the lens to wide angle all the time, and set the focusing ring to, say, maybe 8 feet or so. That way everything will always be in focus, all the time. (that's what most movies and TV shows do nowadays...it's all wide angle, lazy ass..no focusing necessary)

You'd have to check the lens specs for sure in the back of the manual-- the hyperfocal distance changes depending upon the f/stop setting-- the smaller the number, the more in focus.

Have you tried focusing to infinity when you set the lens to telephoto, and then adjusting the eyepiece? If the lens itself is out of adjustment no focusing method will give you good results.

You can try the tape measure method, but it really depends upon the accuracy of the lens markings. It can also make you go crazy. For closer distances it's really the only way, if you're in a critical low light situation and aren't using wide angle focal lengths.-- but who does that any more? (don't tell me-- probably the same guys who make positive release prints...

[mattias]

You can try the tape measure method, but it really depends upon the accuracy of the lens markings

sure, but why would those be less accurate than the viewfinder? there's no guarantee that a sharp viewfinder image gives you sharp results. the infinity focus calibration system is dangerous with an aerial image finder btw. if the camera focuses beyond infinity for some reason you can still line up the prisms by overcompensating the diopter. if you have a ground glass finder it's more accurate, but it assumes that the groundglass is in the right place. in my opinion shooting a test is the only way to verify, regardless of focusing method. the old 35mm cameras where you look at the projection on the film with a periscope, that's accurate focusing for you. :-)

/matt

[Jim Carlile]

You're right. The only way of knowing is to test-- I have a feeling his camera might need some repair, because his viewfinder should clear up a little no matter how the lens is focused...