How do they do that?

Focus is a critical element in any photograph. Have you ever noticed a picture
where everything seems to be in focus from the foreground to the horizon? The
trick is to use "hyperfocus." The September 1996  issue of "Popular Photography" gives
this explanation: "Simply put, the hyperfocal distance is the focusing point at
which the lens must be set to provide the maximum depth of field at any
aperture." (page 64).

Hyperfocal scales once were printed on lens barrels but those helps are rare
today. You could use a hyperfocal depth chart or remember the mathmatical
equation ("...square the focal length, take four percent of this figure and
divide the result by the f-stop") or use your Newton and Hyperfocus Calculator.
Simply fill in the lens focal length and the f-stop. The calculator will tell
where to focus your lens and it will also tell you how much of your scene
should be in focus.

For example, if you are using a 50 mm lens at f-11, the calculator will tell
you to focus on a point 30 feet away. Everything from 15 feet to infinity should be
in focus. The calculator will also allow you to play with the variables. If you
stop down from f-11 to f-22 the calculator will tell you to focus 15 feet away
and you should have everything from 7.5 feet to infinity in focus.

The Hyperfocus Calculator has been tested on the original Message Pads. Please
send "Bug Reports", suggestions and comments to JohnMcKeel@aol.com. Note: This
calculator only works with 35 mm cameras and since this program is "freeware"
the usual disclaimers apply. You are on your own but I'd love to hear from you.
I'm working on a number of photographic applications for the Newton. If you
would like to be notified, please contact me. If you would like a version of
this program for medium and large format cameras, please send your camera to me
<GRIN>.

Thanks to Ken Williams, Herbert Keppler and Popular Photography magazine.


