Yashica Twin Lens Reflex Guide - Focal Press January 1964 Page 12 / 55
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Focusing
The second purpose of the reflex finder -obtaining the best possible definition- is at the same time one of the most
important aids to obtaining good results.
The less experienced user of the reflex screen is apt to accept all too hastily, a seemingly sharp impression of the image for
satisfactory definition. There are, however, different degrees of sharpness and you can make use of these very differences
to find the best possible setting.
Turn the focusing knob to and fro while observing how the main object to be focused becomes more and more sharp up to
a point beyond which it again loses definition.
At this "beyond" stage reverse the movement of the focusing knob. Slowly narrow down the degree of to and fro
movement of the focusing knob until you unmistakably arrive at the point of the very best definition.
You encircle, as it were, the point which you want absolutely sharp by going over and over again its neighbourhood, all of
which will appear reasonably sharp. Before or beyond the point of maximum definition the image still appears sufficiently
sharp, but do not be deceived by this fact: the image is not good enough for enlarging.
When watching the screen at waist level, swing the built-in magnifying glass into position by pressing the front flap of the
reflex hood inwards. This helps to check critical sharpness. The camera is best raised near to the eye when using the
magnifier.
When you have finished with the magnifier, lower it again. If you keep it in front of the screen you may get excellent
definition, but are apt to lose sight of the picture as a whole.
The frame finder cannot be used for focusing. Generally the best way is to use first the reflex finder for focusing and then
change over to the frame finder for viewing.
This procedure is unsuitable for photographing moving subjects. The frame finder is, however, more effective with zone
focusing methods (p.49). These ensure that all subjects within a certain depth of field will be recorded sharply. Zone
focusing is, in fact, preferable to any other method when dealing with rapidly moving subjects in front of a reflex camera.
It is almost impossible to catch and shoot fast motion when your attention is fixed on the mirrored image that shows
directions and movement the wrong way round. With a frame finder it is quite easy to follow everything and keep the
other eye on the subject before it comes into the field of the finder.
Alternatively, for action shots, you can pre-focus the camera at a distance at which the subject will be at a given moment,
or focus on a spot which the subject has to pass.
With subjects liable to react self-consciously (e.g., children), focus on some object which is the same distance from the
camera as your real subject, but in a different direction. When the range is found, swing the camera round and shoot.
Shooting
Practise the following operations first with an empty camera until you can do them practically automatically.
1. Transport the film.
2. Select shutter speed.
3. Select aperture.
a. Cock shutter-on models with film transport wheel only.
4. Focus and determine picture area to obtain a sharp picture and the view you want.
5. Release the shutter gently.
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