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If you love using classic cameras like me, chances are you'll have a viewfinder camera in your collection, one with no focusing aid. So how do you determine the distance to your subject, particularly when using a fairly wide aperture. Of course you could use the hyperfocal distance (discussed on my F8 and be there page). But sometimes you want to be that little more accurate, using a rangefinder would do the job of course, but who needs one, if you have two eyes and and at least one arm? You can be the rangefinder.
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Viewfinder camera and accessory rangefinder
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I discovered a website that allows you to make your own 'Human Rangefinder' card. The website asks for some measurements and, using triangulation, calculates a rangefinder card tailored to you and the lens you are using with it. Go to https://tomchuk.com/rf/ to create your own personal rangefinder.
So what do you do and how does it work?
First you need some basic biometric information, for that you need a tape measure, a credit or business card and an assistant.
Ask your assistant to measure the distance between the pupils of your eyes when you're staring straight ahead. Measure in cm. Then holding the card in your right hand extend your arm and hold the card directly in front of you, facing you. Measure from the bridge of your nose to the card in cm and make a note of it.
Second, get the camera or lens you intend to use the card with and keep it by you.
Third, go to https://tomchuk.com/rf/ . There you will see a simple table asking for basic information.
In the instance below I've used my Lineogon 35mm lens as the basis for my card so enter the following: Eye offset (the distance in cm between your pupils), arm length in cm. Select metres or feet then the focus distances marked on the lens, from closest to furthest, separated by commas. If you check the hyperfocal distance chart it will ask for some basic lens info and will create a chart. When you've finished, click on the card on screen and a pdf of your card will be downloaded.
So what do you do and how does it work?
First you need some basic biometric information, for that you need a tape measure, a credit or business card and an assistant.
Ask your assistant to measure the distance between the pupils of your eyes when you're staring straight ahead. Measure in cm. Then holding the card in your right hand extend your arm and hold the card directly in front of you, facing you. Measure from the bridge of your nose to the card in cm and make a note of it.
Second, get the camera or lens you intend to use the card with and keep it by you.
Third, go to https://tomchuk.com/rf/ . There you will see a simple table asking for basic information.
In the instance below I've used my Lineogon 35mm lens as the basis for my card so enter the following: Eye offset (the distance in cm between your pupils), arm length in cm. Select metres or feet then the focus distances marked on the lens, from closest to furthest, separated by commas. If you check the hyperfocal distance chart it will ask for some basic lens info and will create a chart. When you've finished, click on the card on screen and a pdf of your card will be downloaded.
Print the card out actual size. It should be the size of a credit card. I laminate mine to avoid damage or you could stick it to stiff card.
To use it:
Hold the card, horizontally, in your right hand, at arm's length directly in front of you. Close your right eye then align the 0 with the subject. Keeping the card still, swap eyes and you'll see that your subject is further right, check it against the distance on the card and transfer that information directly to the lens. It works and is surprisingly accurate.
What is the hyperfocal distance chart?
The chart is useful when your lens doesn't have DOF markings. It tells you which distance to focus your lens at any given aperture. On my chart, f4 will ask me to focus at 11 metres. The closest distance from that to be in acceptable focus will be half - so 5.5 metres, the furthest will be infinity. Obviously the smaller the aperture the deeper the DOF and the closer the zone of acceptable focus. F8 is perfect for general use, set your lens to 5 metres and you needn't worry about anything down to 2.5 metres.
So you have two ways to use your card. Good luck and enjoy.
To use it:
Hold the card, horizontally, in your right hand, at arm's length directly in front of you. Close your right eye then align the 0 with the subject. Keeping the card still, swap eyes and you'll see that your subject is further right, check it against the distance on the card and transfer that information directly to the lens. It works and is surprisingly accurate.
What is the hyperfocal distance chart?
The chart is useful when your lens doesn't have DOF markings. It tells you which distance to focus your lens at any given aperture. On my chart, f4 will ask me to focus at 11 metres. The closest distance from that to be in acceptable focus will be half - so 5.5 metres, the furthest will be infinity. Obviously the smaller the aperture the deeper the DOF and the closer the zone of acceptable focus. F8 is perfect for general use, set your lens to 5 metres and you needn't worry about anything down to 2.5 metres.
So you have two ways to use your card. Good luck and enjoy.
