Newbie - question on off-center focusing

[dshooter]

Hi everyone,

I am new ... just bought Bessa R3A + 40mm f/1.4 and still on the way. I have been an SLR users for years and have not tried rangefinder before. I have one burning question with regards to focusing on a subject that is off-center. How do you do that with rangefinder?

I understand that the center part of the viewfinder is where you see the two images become one in order to focus. But, what if the subject I want to focus is off-center. Do you do focus-recompose just like in SLR?

Appreciate your help in sharing with me the technique.

Thanks and best rgds,
dshooter

 

[like2fiddle]

Yes, just like an SLR, focus on the main subject, recompose if you want to, and shoot.

 

[dshooter]

Thanks Roger for the quick reply. Appreciate that. Am looking forward to give it a try when I receive it.

 

[gdi]

You do introduce error into focusing when you swing the camera to recompose, compared to focusing a DSLR with the edge of the ground glass or a n AF point at the outside of the frame.

Usually DOF will accommodate the swing and you don't see any problem, but this argument is commonly presented by RF bashers in other forums. I alter my technique and avoid pivoting the camera when shooting with a fast lens at close distances - never causes a problem...

 

[dshooter]

That makes sense. I will remember that.

The other thing I want to ask is ... when I am shooting a portrait, how do I know that I will focus on the eye(s) ?

 

[gdi]

That makes sense. I will remember that.

The other thing I want to ask is ... when I am shooting a portrait, how do I know that I will focus on the eye(s) ?

If it is a fairly straight-on portrait, just align the two images of the eye (VF and Patch) so they become one. If you mean that the subject is at the edge of the frame and you are shooting closeup and wide open, try focusing and shifting the camera sideways (rather than swinging it) to recompose - that's usually enough to compensate.

 

[dshooter]

Will try that. Thanks much.

 

[underground]

Focusing on your subject, then composing the shot!
Doing this will give you more accurate results consistantly rather than relying on aperture to make up for miss focus.