S3 2000 Pre-focus Tips

[dave lackey]

WEll, the S3 is now loaded with a new roll of Tri-X 400...I am getting better, or so the lab says, haven't picked up my last roll of Tri-X after processing so, I don't know.

What did occur to me though, is with the 50mm lens and said film, how can I go about setting the focus and covering most everything I shoot with the DOF covered? Those grandkids are just too fast to use a focus wheel all the time!😛

 

[Keith]

I would suggest pushing the TRI-X a stop or two or using Neopan 1600 so you can shoot at smaller apertures and maximise the depth of field available. 🙂

 

[furcafe]

(a) Learn how to focus faster or get the grandkids to slow down 😉

(b) Zone focus: look @ the DoF scale on your focus helical & you'll see that f/5.6-8 or smaller (easily usable outdoors w/Tri-X) gives you plenty of DoF. After you've been shooting a while, you'll probably be able to previsualize DoF @ typical working distances (you can help the process along by messing around w/an SLR using the DoF preview or a full-frame dSLR).

 

[VinceC]

Practice outdoors in sunlight using 400-speed film and f/11 or f/16. They key is to keep practicing to focus on moving kids. Once you get used to it, you shoot in darker situations and indoors and still get good shots. (Have them pose a few times holding still with the lens wide open at 1.4 and a 2-inch depth of field. Results can be eye popping!)

 

[dave lackey]

Okay, been trying some pre-focus tips with my granddaughter this evening...man, does she move fast! Will finish the roll this weekend and see if it works!

Good news on the last roll of Tri-X...I nailed every exposure! Now, to get in a rhythm...

Thanks guys,