[RF Technique] Focusing technique for Rangefinders

[Redsun]

Hi guys
im pretty new to rangefinders and have a question regarding focusing
lets say i want to compose a picture with the subject at the side of the frame

as you know,the rangefinder's focusing patch is in the center
how should i focus on said subject then?
how would you guys focus in this kind of situation?

thanks

 

[virtualme78]

Aim the patch at subject, focus then compose. That's pretty much what I would do unless I need to take the shot really quick, I'll use zone focus.

 

[Redsun]

Aim the patch at subject, focus then compose. That's pretty much what I would do unless I need to take the shot really quick, I'll use zone focus.

oh ya i tend to use zone focus for smaller apertures
i was just wondering if the subject would be oof i do the recompose method using large apertures
Maybe i should borrow a digital RF to try it and see the results

 

[virtualme78]

I think it'll happen sometimes for wider apertures like f1.2 or 1.4 depending on how much you move to recompose but I might be wrong so please pardon me if i am..... I'm still a newbie to RF... maybe the masters can shed some light.

 

[Redsun]

I think it'll happen sometimes for wider apertures like f1.2 or 1.4 depending on how much you move to recompose but I might be wrong so please pardon me if i am..... I'm still a newbie to RF... maybe the masters can shed some light.

i see
no prob.Im very new to rangefinders too
Still in the learning process

 

[virtualme78]

Hey Jon,

that's brilliant! If you are taking picture of a person, do you use the same technique to focus on the eye?

I focus on the subject using the left side of the focus patch for a subject I want to place on the left side of the frame or the right side of the focus patch for a subject I want to place on the right side of the frame, then recompose. I use the left or right edge of the focus patch to try and limit triangulation error as much as possible.

 

[Redsun]

I focus on the subject using the left side of the focus patch for a subject I want to place on the left side of the frame or the right side of the focus patch for a subject I want to place on the right side of the frame, then recompose. I use the left or right edge of the focus patch to try and limit triangulation error as much as possible.

i see
thanks for the tips!

 

[virtualme78]

Hey again....

Thanks for sharing that.... i'll definitely keep that in mind the next time i shoot!

Yep, if I want to place the person off center in the frame I use the same trick! It's standard practice to focus on the closer eye when taking portraits, but of course not a fixed rule.



You're welcome!