How do you focus old viewfinder cameras without a rangefinder or split-prism?
Asked 10/1/2019
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I’ve picked up two older cameras—an Agfa Silette and a Welta Weltax—and I’m confused about focusing. Their viewfinders seem to be simple optical finders only, with no split-prism, microprism, or built-in rangefinder patch. Does that mean you’re expected to focus by estimating distance and setting it on the lens scale? Are there any practical methods or accessories that make focusing easier on cameras like these?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
6y ago
2 Answers
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None of these cameras is an SLR, nor is there an integrated rangefinder (some Silette models had a rangefinder, this one has not).
These cameras are indeed intended to be focused by using a well calibrated guess, a measuring tape, or an attached rangefinder accessory.
The manuals included depth of field tables.
Mind that the lenses are not very fast, and that these cameras were intended more for small casual prints than professional usage, so guesswork would often have yielded sufficiently accurate focus.
Also keep in mind that a lot of casual architecture or landscape shots could reasonably be taken by just using infinity focus (which could be reasonably well calibrated on a non-interchangeable-lens camera).
PS, if you want to experiment: The whole lens+shutter group can sometimes (do not force it if it is glued!) be easily dismounted from folding cameras without damaging anything, and can be adapted via a drilled-through M42 body cap + M42 helicoid to a modern DSLM. This often needs a lens disassembly tool (around 20 to 40 quid) - you want to get one anyway when tinkering with folding cameras, given the lenses tend to have haze issues and need cleaning inside-out. Also, if you ever happen upon a fitting lens hood, get it.
Originally by user58185. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user58185
6y ago
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Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes. On these cameras, the viewfinder is mainly for framing, not for checking focus. Since they are not SLRs and these particular versions do not have an integrated rangefinder, focusing is typically done by:
- estimating subject distance and setting it on the lens scale
- using zone focusing / depth of field markings
- setting infinity for distant subjects like landscapes
- using an external rangefinder accessory if you want more precision
This was normal for many older viewfinder cameras. Their lenses were often relatively slow, which gives more depth of field, so careful distance estimates were usually good enough for everyday snapshots and small prints. Manuals often included depth-of-field tables for this reason.
A practical approach is to stop down the lens (for example, around f/8 when light allows) and use zone or hyperfocal focusing so a useful range stays acceptably sharp. If you want exact distance, use a handheld rangefinder accessory and transfer that distance to the lens.
So no, you’re probably not missing a hidden focusing screen—these cameras were designed to be focused by distance scale rather than through the finder.
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