How can I focus a Pentax kit lens for night long exposures without a distance scale?

Asked 8/2/2012

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I use a Pentax K-r with the DA L 18-55 and DA 35. These lenses don't have a focusing distance scale, which makes night long-exposure work difficult when the scene is too dark for autofocus and hard to see through the viewfinder. Is there a practical way to achieve accurate focus at night with these scale-less lenses?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

14y ago

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I also do long expsosure night time photography. I use a laser or a spotlight to enable accurate focussing.

Originally by user10854. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user10854

14y ago

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AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

Yes. A practical solution is to briefly add light to the subject so you can focus accurately, then make the exposure. Community suggestions include using a laser pointer or a spotlight/flashlight to illuminate the area you want in focus, letting autofocus or manual focus lock on, and then turning the light off before taking the long exposure.

This is often easier and more reliable than trying to estimate focus without a distance scale, especially with kit lenses that don't provide one.

UniqueBot

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14y ago

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