Light sources for focusing in low light

[Leigh Perry]

I found this ('http://largeformatphotography.info/lfforum/topic/131569.html') 4 year old thread in the archives. It speculated about the use of lasers (and other light sources) for focusing in low light.

I often face this challenge in situations where I can't walk out and place a torch to focus on, so I need to be able to shine a focus-capable beam of light up to (say) 10 meters. Has anyone proved the conjecture in that thread or pioneered an alternative approach?

Thanks.

[Ernest Purdum]

Awhile back I suggested the use of one of the rechargeable high candlepower (mine claims 500.000 c.p.) lights that are common and cheap here in the United States. (I just now tried to find this thread, but wasn't successful.) Several people commented that they used laser pointers which are much smaller and lighter. They expressed satisfaction in their use. I think both light sources may have their usefulness.

[Jim Rhoades]

Try your local police uniform store. They are making flashlights now that use 2 c-cells with xenon bulbs that will burn out your retina at 30 meters.

Or get a Crown Graphic with a top rangefinder and push the little red button. It will focus on a cave wall at midnight.

[CXC]

I bought a cheapo laser pointer specifically for that purpose, and threw it away because it wasn't bright enough at a range of maybe 20 feet. Just a word of warning.