Underwater Focus Distance

[Ces1um]

So I have a lomo lc-a+ and the krab underwater housing, along with some 1600 iso film. I'm going down South soon for some snorkelling and plan to shoot a few photos while underwater. As you may know, the lc-a+ is zone focused with measurements at 0.8m, 1.5m. 3m and infinity. The krab housing does not allow me to make any changes to the focus zone once the camera is inside of it. I'm wondering which zone I should use? 0.8 m is obviously far too close but I'm thinking either the 1.5m or 3m may be the better option. Right now I'm leaning towards the 1.5m for photos of my kids, or nearby fish. It's unlikely I'll shoot blindly at the seabed and if I do, I'll likely dive down to it. What's your opinion? 1.5m or 3m?

 

[ic-racer]

I'd setup the flash for 1.5 meters and then focus the camera the same.

 

[jim10219]

I'd do 3m. 10ft seemed about as close as most fish would let me get to them. But my guess is it doesn't matter which you choose, you'll wish you chose the other once you're down there. That's usually how this stuff goes.

 

[Ces1um]

I'd setup the flash for 1.5 meters and then focus the camera the same.

No flash. I wonder if I should set the meter for 800 iso for use with 1600 iso film. Give myself a stop of extra exposure?

 

[jim10219]

No flash. I wonder if I should set the meter for 800 iso for use with 1600 iso film. Give myself a stop of extra exposure?

Maybe. But all that depends on the clarity of the water, your depth, and the sun. When I was snorkeling in Cancun two decades ago the sun was so bright and water so clear, I probably could have gotten away with 200 ISO film, if I had brought a camera. But that stuff can change from day to day. So it might be best to just figure out the details once you're there and keep your options open.

 

[Ces1um]

So it looks like the disposable waterproof cameras all have focus set for between 1-3m. There must be some logical reason for picking that focus point. I'm thinking I'll shoot it at 1.5 meters.