unusual DOF scale

[AgX]

At least I was puzzled when I first inspected it.

But maybe it seems common to you...

top-down:
distance scale
focus indicator / DOF indicators
apertures
shutter speeds


The chosen aperture is to be thought of at the middle mark of each of the two lines.
In this case:
11-8-5.6 and 5.6-8-11


I needed the manual to be sure on their meaning.
(I mean, they could have started at 8.... but this way it makes more sense.)


Found at Welta Penti II (similar at the other Penti models)

 

[miha]

Unusual indeed. The only reason I can think of is to get rid of too many numbers cramped on the tiny space to be replaced with these peculiar markings.

 

[AgX]

Yes. A good idea, once you are shure to read it.
Here it was used on a compact camera.

 

[RalphLambrecht]

Unusual indeed. The only reason I can think of is to get rid of too many numbers cramped on the tiny space to be replaced with these peculiar markings.

seems like a good solution.

 

[Jim Jones]

I've never noticed such a DOF scale before, but it is logical. When compared to three other 35mm cameras (Leica, Canon, and Praktica), the OP's f/number and dot sequence agrees fairly well

 

[AgX]

Thank you all. Now I will be more alert on this and see whether I come such scale across furthermore.


This scale is likely the most basic display one can achieve concerning DOF.
But we should not forget that the same time, also from Germany, came a display like this, with automatically moving indicators The other end of the scope:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/hectic/4302966430/

(Such was made both by Compur and Prontor.)

 

[ic-racer]

The Switars are unique; the DOF indicator dots automatically change as the aperture dial is rotated:

 

[AgX]

Thank you!
That is new to me.

 

[miha]

The Switars are unique; the DOF indicator dots automatically change as the aperture dial is rotated:

Ingenious!