Manual Focusing et al.

[Johan Smidt]

Hi Everybody,

Is there anyone amongst you that can please point me to where I can get some information about manual focusing vis-a-vis someone like myself wearing spectacles and not having the best of eyesight ?

Perhaps our revered magazine can cover the topic for us, even if just a few paragraphs ?

Many thanks,

Johan.

[amk1977]

Hi Johan,

Most camera models can be used with eye-piece magnifiers, which will enlarge what you see through the diopter, making it simpler to focus on your subject. The only drawback to using one, is that you don't get to view the whole frame, unless the magnifying eyepiece can be flipped out of the way, in which case you frame your subject as normal, then use the magnifier to ensure sharp focus.

If your camera has live view, you should be able to zoom in on the display screen which again will allow you to focus your lens precisely. I use the latter method if I do macro shots to fine tune the focus.

I hope that helps?

Regards,

Aaron

[Johan Smidt]

Many thanks Aaron - I'll speak to my camera shop's people to see what's available. The live view bit isn't an option as I've a Nikon D80 and do not foresee upgrading.
Take care - and good pictures, of course !

Johan.

[amk1977]

Originally Posted by Johan Smidt

Many thanks Aaron - I'll speak to my camera shop's people to see what's available. The live view bit isn't an option as I've a Nikon D80 and do not foresee upgrading.
Take care - and good pictures, of course !

Johan.

Hi Johan.

You're most welcome. The most practical solution for you will be to have an eyepiece that you can flip out of the way to frame the shot and then flip down to focus as I mention above.

Nikon manufacture such an item in the form of the DG-2 Eyepiece Magnifier. Its not cheap, at £85 from SRS Microsystems. It will also require a Nikon DK-22 adapter in order for it to fit on the D80.

Although its pricey, its much more unrestrictive than having a fixed magnifier on your camera, which may not allow you to frame your subject.

Happy Snapping!

Aaron