I need help focussing at macro distances

[Alan Davenport]

when I get down in the macro range (<10'), I have a very hard time. To my eye there is a large range around the true focus point that all looks kind of the same.

Christopher,
A good way to achieve proper focus in these conditions, is to rack the focusing back and forth until you DO notice that it's obviously gone out of focus. Since the depth of focus is symetrical (for all practical purposes) you can just make a mental note of where it goes soft(er) in each direction, then set the focus midway between those extremes. Also, as someone mentioned as higher powered loupe may help somewhat.

[Capocheny]

Linhof used to make a focusing rail that was pretty sturdy. There are "slides" made as machine components that could be adapted. Most of these are stout enough for MLF (Mega Large Format).

Olympus also made one that was very decent... I don't know if it's still being made though. It, too, was very well built!

Cheers

[CXC]

Folks, I got my macro 8x10 transparencies back from the lab, and I am thrilled. This is definitely something I will be doing again, and again. I'm really pleased to have something to do indoors, in inclement weather.

I think I will take Ralph's advice and get a macro rail; not that my results require it, they are tightly in focus, no, simply because I am an equipment slut.

[Ralph Barker]

Folks, I got my macro 8x10 transparencies back from the lab, and I am thrilled. . . .

Cool. When do we get to see scans?