Re: [APML] 35 mm Camera & Focuser

["John C. Mirtle" <spampit@shaw.ca>]

Alan,

 --- Serge Theberge <serge.theberge@wti.on.ca> wrote:
> - John also suggested to consider getting the 6x30 Lumicon "critical focus
>magnifiers" which can be mounted on the Olympus viewfinder by gluing the
>Lumicon to the metal frame of the eyeguard, thus enabling it to be
>fixed to the camera.


> I'd like to ask if anyone has used the above-mentioned magnifier, and
> your impressions of it. Also, will attaching it in this manner in any
> way hinder other uses of the camera? Pics?
>
> Thanks,
> Alan
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
    I have been using this system since the late 80's. There is no
modification to the camera at all, I use a simple mod that allows the
Lumicon magnifier to stay attached to the camera without having to hold it
in place. The magnifier is visible at http://www.lumicon.com/6x.htm - just a
lightweight plastic 6x finder. (cheap) I picked up a rubber viewfinder
eyeguard for my OM1 that had a metal frame, and glued the frame to the front
of the magnifier. After that I followed Lumicon's focusing procedure. It
simply clips on when you need it and slides off when you are done focusing.
    I must have shot at least 1000 prime focus shots this way, success is
over 80% for well focused tech pan shots. Many failures are due to the
camera sitting on the focuser crooked, few are the fault of the focuser.
Some people say that this system isn't reliable or accurate enough. Others
say it can't work because your eye can accommodate focus shifts. The
magnifier has crosshairs, which gives your eye a reference point to focus
on. For _me_ the system works well. Your mileage will most certainly vary,
but hey - you are only gambling $20!! You decide - I have plenty of examples
at http://members.shaw.ca/jmirtle/astro.htm . Anything shot prime focus
without a cold camera was focused with the magnifier.

John Mirtle
Calgary, Ab. Canada

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