Determining subject distance for DOF

DSLRnovice · 05-25-2018, 09:22 AM

Years ago I saw a small plastic device that worked like the focusing aid in rangefinder cameras. You would look through the lens and turn the ring until 2 images became 1. Then it would show the distance much like the scale on prime lenses.

Today all I can find is expensive and bulky rangefinders used for hunting and golfing. Also they are meant for greater distances. Any suggestions for landscape use?

BWG · 05-25-2018, 09:32 AM

If your lens has a DOF scale, focus it on your subject and the scale will tell you the distance.

tuco · 05-25-2018, 01:21 PM

I was looking for one too. I couldn't find one but I didn't look too hard. My GX617 has no focus mechanism except a DOF scale on a helicoid. If you find a nice compact one, post a link.

Sagitta · 05-25-2018, 01:49 PM - **1 Like**

They have some cheap under $20 ones over on Wish. Wish being Wish, YMMV as far as quality goes.

Rangefinder | Wish

**WPRESTO** · 05-25-2018, 04:16 PM - **1 Like**

Out of curiosity I did a search on EBAY and came up with about a dozen assorted double-image type mechanical rangefinders including a never-used one made for 4X5 press cameras and a couple vintage Leica units selling for upwards of $350. HOWEVER, there were several Voigtlander accessory shoe rangefinders that are probably the most recently manufactured and least likely to have horrible dirt on the windows, lenses and prisms. Try a search on EBAY for "Voigtlander accessory rangefinder."

Not a Number · 05-25-2018, 06:40 PM

Widen the search to "accessory rangefinder" under Cameras and Photo and you get a lot more options such as Leitz or Leica units.

Many external focus lenses have distance scales on them.

05-25-2018, 09:22 AM	#1
DSLRnovice Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 145	Determining subject distance for DOF Years ago I saw a small plastic device that worked like the focusing aid in rangefinder cameras. You would look through the lens and turn the ring until 2 images became 1. Then it would show the distance much like the scale on prime lenses. Today all I can find is expensive and bulky rangefinders used for hunting and golfing. Also they are meant for greater distances. Any suggestions for landscape use?

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05-25-2018, 09:32 AM	#2
BWG Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Monterey County, California Posts: 100	If your lens has a DOF scale, focus it on your subject and the scale will tell you the distance.

05-25-2018, 01:21 PM	#3
tuco Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Seattle Posts: 7,610	I was looking for one too. I couldn't find one but I didn't look too hard. My GX617 has no focus mechanism except a DOF scale on a helicoid. If you find a nice compact one, post a link.

05-25-2018, 01:49 PM - 1 Like	#4
Sagitta Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Maine Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,949	They have some cheap under $20 ones over on Wish. Wish being Wish, YMMV as far as quality goes. Rangefinder \| Wish

05-25-2018, 04:16 PM - 1 Like	#5
WPRESTO Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Massachusetts Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 33,572	Out of curiosity I did a search on EBAY and came up with about a dozen assorted double-image type mechanical rangefinders including a never-used one made for 4X5 press cameras and a couple vintage Leica units selling for upwards of $350. HOWEVER, there were several Voigtlander accessory shoe rangefinders that are probably the most recently manufactured and least likely to have horrible dirt on the windows, lenses and prisms. Try a search on EBAY for "Voigtlander accessory rangefinder."

05-25-2018, 06:40 PM	#6
Not a Number Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 5,181	Widen the search to "accessory rangefinder" under Cameras and Photo and you get a lot more options such as Leitz or Leica units. Many external focus lenses have distance scales on them.