Digital BW, The Print

"Mike Kirwan" <mkirwan@...> wrote:
>
> ... I do miss the aperture and depth of field indicators on modern lenses.


There are a number of printed tables that provide DOF info.  For Example, Leica publishes PDFs for its lenses that include DOF charts, and that information is applicable to all full frame 35 mm lenses.

Go to http://en.leica-camera.com/service/downloads/lenses_for_rangefinder_cameras/  
and select the focal length.  I've shown how to download the PDFs at http://www.paulroark.com/Lens-DOF.JPG

A sample of the DOF charts is shown at http://www.paulroark.com/DOF-24mm-f11.JPG 

For the Canon lenses I've marked for DOF, all I need is the f/11 mark. (I think f/11 is a good compromise of DOF and sharpness, so that is what I often use.  I can make good enough estimates for other f-stops if needed.)  For example, for any 24mm lens, when the focus ring is set to infinity, the Leica DOF chart tells me that, at f/11, the DOF goes to as close as 1.7 meters.  Where the 1.7 meter point is on the focus ring, I mark the lens.  I mark the lens on the other side of the center mark at an equal point. 

These marks, of course, use the usual circle of confusion standard that is appropriate for a snap-shot, in my view.  So, I'll only take about half that distance as actually sharp enough to work with.  But, if one shot is with the lens set to infinity and one with the lens set with infinity at the f/11 mark on the lens, each frame will only have to cover half the distance.  

So, this "one mark on any lens" gives me all I need to know. I've actually marked Canon zoom lenses with 3 marks.  That gives me the guides I need for the entire range. 

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com