i need 4x5 depth of field quick pointer

[Joanna Carter]

I thought you discovered the microtilt from looking at Merklingers maths tables? Science?

Indeed, I did discover the essential principles there and, taking those figures as a starting point, I then needed to experiment as to how to achieve the "theoretical" results.

Anyone can confirm this anyway - set up their camera with tilts zero'd and then just move between 0 degrees of tilt and 0.02 degrees of tilt (in actual fact just put a little bit of ressure on the camera should be enough to make it tilt a tiny amount). If you see a dramatic increase in depth of field, I'm completely in the wrong. If nothing really changes, welcome to 'science'

No, you can't "just" apply the micro-tilt to achieve the effect, there is more to it than that. How about organising a day workshop where folks can come and I will explain and demonstrate?

[timparkin]

Presumable the only other factors you can play with are aperture of focus point. Presumably, your microtilt should work at a fixed aperture so the only variable left is focal point isn't it?

Given that a tilted rear standard can be thought of a series of offset upright standards (see the diagram below) I can't see how a small 'microtilt' can possibly be anything other that tending towards a standard hyperfocal scenario?

Could you explain your procedure for getting this additional depth of field? Out of interest, if micro-tilt's enhance depth of field so much, why don't standard camera manufacturers include a tiny amount of tilt on their sensors to make the most of this?

[Joanna Carter]

Like I said, forget the diagrams and theory, you need to see it in action

[timparkin]

Like I said, forget the diagrams and theory, you need to see it in action

Just take me a couple of photos at 0 degrees and 0.2 degrees, the difference should be obvious? My guess is that you have discovered hyperfocal focussing on a view camera..

Tim

[uniB]

I always tilt my Chamonix by 0.2 degrees for perfect focusing, if I go too far - maybe to 0.4 degrees it all goes wrong and I have to resort to normal Scheimpflug focusing. I find that easier as it takes me about 6 hours to get the .2 of a degree of tilt from a wooden camera. Apparently it's much easier with an Ebony.

[dave_whatever]

I doubt very much that anyone without geared tilt can reliably and repeatably (and intentionally!) get a fraction of a degree of tilt. I wouldn't be surprised if manufacturing tolerances plus natural flex and expansion/contraction due to temperature and humidity account for more than these fractional movements anyway.