Is there an "easy" way to determine depth of focus scale for a lens of certain focal length?

-- joe zarick (jza1058168@aol.com), December 05, 2001

Answers

A convenient Java app (with thanks to Bob Atkins):

http://bobatkins.com/photography/technical/dofcalc.html

Of course, if you mean for out in the field, I can't help you.

-- (pocoveit@yahoo.com), December 05, 2001.

The Rodenstock pocket Depth of Field and Scheimpflug calculator works with any format to 8x10 and any focal length lens at virtually any magnification ratio. Fits your shirt pocket.

-- Bob Salomon (bob@hpmaretingcorp.com), December 05, 2001.

I can confirm Bob's suggestions - the Rodenstock calculator is really useful if you prefer a methodic, analytical approach - and for a beginner, the results calculated referring depth of field or amounts of standart angles for Scheimpflug applications can be quite instructive (or surprising :)!
Please note that your camera should have precise scales for extension as well as swing and tilt if you want to employ the calculator to its fullest potential. A small ruler for measuring image distances on the groundglass eases the use of the Rodenstock tool further.

-- Stefan Dalibor (dalibor@cs.fau.de), December 05, 2001.

Bob Wheeler's Vade Mecum running on your PDA is, in my opinion, the most veratile solution. Depth of focus, tilt calculations, bellows factor, etc. all in your hand.

-- Dave Schneider (dschneider@arjaynet.com), December 05, 2001.