Which cameras focus properly?

BetterSense · Jun 2, 2011

One thing that infuriated me when I got into photography was that there was no standardization on which direction twisty-focus lenses should focus. Some people just don't seem to care, but I personally think it's a big deal.

All civilized cameras, including Leicas, focus to infinity by turning the lens clockwise (when viewed from the front) as God intended. Some cameras, on the other hand, focus toward infinity by turning the lens counter-clockwise (imagine!). I even have some 3rd party lenses for my Pentax cameras that focus different directions from the Pentax lenses!

Every now and then, I read about some camera system on the internet and wonder which way it focuses. For example, do Hasselblads focus properly like a Leica or are they backward like Nikons? It makes a difference to me. So, I think it would be good to list them for reference. I will start.

Proper cameras:
Leica M--clockwise to infinity
Olympus OM--clockwise to infinity
Canonet--clockwise to infinity
Mamiya 645--clockwise to infinity

Deviant cameras:
Pentax--counter-clockwise to infinity
Nikon--counter-clockwise to infinity

Others?

hpulley · Jun 2, 2011

Proper cameras focus with a bellows and a rail

bblhed · Jun 2, 2011

Your list is backwards, and the cameras you list as deviant are actually correct and focus the right way.

As you you twist to move the focus towards infinity you are moving the focus out like loosening a screw or bolt, remember "Righty Tighty, Lefty Loosey"?

Just saying, one mans deviant and all. Honestly, I just turn until I am in focus, and twist the zoom until I like the composition in the viewfinder.

CGW · Jun 2, 2011

I wonder about many things. This isn't one of them.

hpulley · Jun 2, 2011

Adjust focal length first, focus second yields sharper images.

Roger Cole · Jun 2, 2011

hpulley said:
Proper cameras focus with a bellows and a rail

+1!

Actually I was going to ask the OP if he put on a sock and a shoe and sock and a shoe or a sock and a sock and a shoe and a shoe, or maybe fasten then zip or zip then fasten or....

I concede that at least one person cares. I doubt the number is a lot higher than that.

alroldan12 · Jun 2, 2011

I noticed it the first time I held a nikon, but it wasn't a big deal to me (I was interested in getting an F4 at the time). I ended up using canons, and now an RZ, which has a rack and pinion focusing system. I did think that the nikon's focusing system was backwards; but it was because I had been using a canon.

Cheers!

Axel

Stoogley · Jun 2, 2011

hpulley said:
Proper cameras focus with a bellows and a rail

+1

Dude, sit back and enjoy a brew...

hpulley · Jun 2, 2011

Infinity is with the lens closest to the film, tighty righty ;-)

anikin · Jun 2, 2011

Just get a pinhole! End of the problem.

BrianL · Jun 2, 2011

I'm more concerned with the backwards movement of the controls to adjust the exposure using the built in metering on most cameras. Leica CL seems to be the only camera that intuitively has it right. Not sure about the M series but, suspect they are like most other cameras. Or how about the shutter release button. Being on the front means as you depress it, you are pushing against a surface with virtually no body movement, with it on op, you are pushing against nothing solid but your hold which is pushing up to offset it and hence greater chance of body movement especially with shutter releases that are stiffer. Or these electronic cameras that continue to default to some nonusable settings after each shot making you go through menu after menu to get back to the way you want to use the camera.

BetterSense · Jun 2, 2011

Can someone with experience with the following cameras chime in on focus direction?

Hasselblad
Mamiya 6/7
Bronica RF and SQ

Chris Lange · Jun 2, 2011

Hasselblad focuses opposite of Nikon and Pentax.

Bronica ETRS (and I assume SQ and GS-1) focuses the same as Nikon

Never really thought about it, just acclimated to whatever direction the camera required.

removed account4 · Jun 2, 2011

i don't turn my lens, but the body
so it is the opposite of what you say

Klainmeister · Jun 2, 2011

I use my legs to focus on infinity.

lxdude · Jun 2, 2011

Klainmeister said:
I use my legs to focus on infinity.

Must be a long walk sometimes!

Oh I get it now...you use your toes to move the focusing ring.

Bob-D659 · Jun 2, 2011

BTW, you don't push the shutter button, that's a good way to have a tilted horizon, you gently squeeze the shutter button. Personally, the type of focusing ring is much more important the the direction to turn to infinity, Scalloped metal is much preferred over a textured rubber sleeve.

JMcLaug351 · Jun 2, 2011

Ha ha ha, love the "Long walk to infinity" cuts down on the number or exposures I'd guess. What is the proper direction for focusing my enlarger? Is it up or down? I wish they would standardizw that.
JOHN

pbromaghin · Jun 2, 2011

Somebody sure has too much time on his hands.

Roger Cole · Jun 2, 2011

Bob-D659 said:
BTW, you don't push the shutter button, that's a good way to have a tilted horizon, you gently squeeze the shutter button. Personally, the type of focusing ring is much more important the the direction to turn to infinity, Scalloped metal is much preferred over a textured rubber sleeve.

Why the preference for metal over textured rubber? I've never really much cared either way, except that the rubber may in time come unglued.

Discoman · Jun 2, 2011

hpulley said:
Proper cameras focus with a bellows and a rail

+1

2F/2F · Jun 2, 2011

Yeah; there is no standard...except: On whatever camera, just move the thingy around until the pic is sharp where you want it to be sharp!

Lee L · Jun 2, 2011

Roger Cole said:
... may in time come unglued.

Same is true of photographers. :confused:

Lee

ic-racer · Jun 2, 2011

I actually agree with you. The Rollei SLRs are correct (Clockwise to infinity). But now that that is settled, what about aperture rings...

Oh yea, here is another backwards one: Shen Hao 8x10 camera. Screwing in the focus knob counterclockwise goes to infinity. This messes me up all the time.

Jeff Kubach · Jun 2, 2011

In the end does it matter!

Jeff

Which cameras focus properly?

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