Lens distance markings?

sewebster · 12-23-2010, 06:06 PM

Just got a new lens, and I'm trying to fully understand the distance markings. I understand the general DOF scale, but what is the small orange mark just left of the central line, and why is the f/8 number also orange, along with the 10'/3m numbers? Seems like maybe it's some sort of hyperfocal indicator, but I don't understand it.

Ira · 12-23-2010, 06:10 PM

My M42 Super Takumar 35mm 2 also has the 8 a different color.

And my guess is that's because it's the mid-aperture for the lens.

No important or sexy reason other than that.

goddo31 · 12-23-2010, 06:35 PM

Originally posted by sewebster

... but what is the small orange mark just left of the central line, ...

I think this mark is for focusing with infra red photography.

BTW, I'm not sure about the other stuff, hence snipping your quote.

rhodopsin · 12-23-2010, 07:10 PM

Originally posted by sewebster

Just got a new lens, and I'm trying to fully understand the distance markings. I understand the general DOF scale, but what is the small orange mark just left of the central line, and why is the f/8 number also orange, along with the 10'/3m numbers? Seems like maybe it's some sort of hyperfocal indicator, but I don't understand it.

Small orange mark is for infrared focus.

Aperture ring at 8, distance at 3m/10', is hyperfocal setting for lens; everything from 1.5m/5' to infinity will be in focus.

sewebster · 12-23-2010, 09:50 PM

Originally posted by rhodopsin

Small orange mark is for infrared focus.

Aperture ring at 8, distance at 3m/10', is hyperfocal setting for lens; everything from 1.5m/5' to infinity will be in focus.

Awesome, thanks. I didn't clue in to the infrared thing at all, neat.

macTak · 12-23-2010, 10:16 PM

Originally posted by rhodopsin

Small orange mark is for infrared focus.

Aperture ring at 8, distance at 3m/10', is hyperfocal setting for lens; everything from 1.5m/5' to infinity will be in focus.

Yup. Some Pentax lenses had this and others didn't. Do keep in mind that the hyperfocal number (and DOF readout) apply only to 35mm film and are different on APS-C

12-23-2010, 06:06 PM	#1
sewebster Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Vancouver, BC Photos: Gallery Posts: 544	Lens distance markings? Just got a new lens, and I'm trying to fully understand the distance markings. I understand the general DOF scale, but what is the small orange mark just left of the central line, and why is the f/8 number also orange, along with the 10'/3m numbers? Seems like maybe it's some sort of hyperfocal indicator, but I don't understand it.

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12-23-2010, 06:10 PM	#2
Ira Inactive Account Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Coral Springs, FL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,216	My M42 Super Takumar 35mm 2 also has the 8 a different color. And my guess is that's because it's the mid-aperture for the lens. No important or sexy reason other than that.

12-23-2010, 06:35 PM	#3
goddo31 Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Perth, Western Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,576	Originally posted by sewebster ... but what is the small orange mark just left of the central line, ... I think this mark is for focusing with infra red photography. BTW, I'm not sure about the other stuff, hence snipping your quote.

12-23-2010, 07:10 PM	#4
rhodopsin Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Deep Forest Posts: 643	Originally posted by sewebster Just got a new lens, and I'm trying to fully understand the distance markings. I understand the general DOF scale, but what is the small orange mark just left of the central line, and why is the f/8 number also orange, along with the 10'/3m numbers? Seems like maybe it's some sort of hyperfocal indicator, but I don't understand it. Small orange mark is for infrared focus. Aperture ring at 8, distance at 3m/10', is hyperfocal setting for lens; everything from 1.5m/5' to infinity will be in focus.

12-23-2010, 09:50 PM	#5
sewebster Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Vancouver, BC Photos: Gallery Posts: 544 Original Poster	Originally posted by rhodopsin Small orange mark is for infrared focus. Aperture ring at 8, distance at 3m/10', is hyperfocal setting for lens; everything from 1.5m/5' to infinity will be in focus. Awesome, thanks. I didn't clue in to the infrared thing at all, neat.

12-23-2010, 10:16 PM	#6
macTak Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Photos: Gallery Posts: 759	Originally posted by rhodopsin Small orange mark is for infrared focus. Aperture ring at 8, distance at 3m/10', is hyperfocal setting for lens; everything from 1.5m/5' to infinity will be in focus. Yup. Some Pentax lenses had this and others didn't. Do keep in mind that the hyperfocal number (and DOF readout) apply only to 35mm film and are different on APS-C