Questions about a Canon III

[Pirate]

When using a Rangefinder outside of the set focus lines in the viewfinder... when using an external viewfinder, how do you tell when things are in focus?

I'm buying a Canon III with an 85mm lens with finder and hood.

How do you tell when it's in focus with a lens and finder like this?

Thanks,
Chris

 

[harry01562]

The external finder is just for framing the pic, the focusing must be done with the camera VF, turning the lens through its range. All of the Canon 85mm lenses were fast, so focusing in reasonable light should be easy, even with the small VF on a model III.
So, the steps are simple in a fixed, static situation, like a landscape, and a bit trickier with faster moving objects. If possible, use a smaller f-stop for a wider depth of field, and zone focus the lens using the distances on the lens barrel.
Good luck with the combo, should be very good for candid portraits.

Harry

 

[Pirate]

Thanks for the reply. Zone focusing is what I was hoping to avoid. I could just set the distance and learn the view lines and close the aperture like you're saying. There's also a 135 lens I want for this camera so if that's my only choice, I guess that's what I'll do.

Thanks.