Swing movements and focusing

[Kenj8246]

Pretty basic question, I'll admit, but I've been unable to answer my questions looking here and googling and experimenting.

I know the answer is gonna contain 'it depends' but how does one decide how much swing to employ? I understand the basic principle but am having difficulty/fun deciding how to decide. Also, when does one do the 'final focus' and say 'Ok, that's as good as it's gonna get'?

Thanks.

Kenny

 

[Roger Hicks]

Pretty basic question, I'll admit, but I've been unable to answer my questions looking here and googling and experimenting.

I know the answer is gonna contain 'it depends' but how does one decide how much swing to employ? I understand the basic principle but am having difficulty/fun deciding how to decide. Also, when does one do the 'final focus' and say 'Ok, that's as good as it's gonna get'?

Thanks.

Kenny

Dear Kenny,

Go about one quarter to one third of the way down http://www.rogerandfrances.com/subscription/camera movements.html

DO NOT use a too-powerful magnifier while checking focus. Remember that 6x is 24x30 inches/60x75 cm off 4x5 inch. Often 3x is sufficient.

Cheers,

R.

 

[Kenj8246]

Thanks, Roger. I only have a 4X loupe but am discovering that my 3.5 diopter reading glasses are usually sufficient. I would think this a good exercise for getting a feel for the size of the image circle and how much one has used up, too.

Kenny