Nikon Nikkormar FT3 - Focusing

FOCUSING
Focusing is always done at full aperture with Nikkor
lenses. This gives the brigh test possible image on the
focusing screen for easy viewing and composing. It
also minimizes depth of field so the image snaps in
and out of focus distinctly.
The Nikkormat FT3 focusing screen consists of a
matte Fresnel field with a centra l 3mm¢ split-image
range finder
spot surrounded by a doughnut -s hap ed
1 mm -wide microprism for rapid , accurate focusing.
Look through the viewfinder and turn the focusing
ring
until the two halves of the central rangefinder
image coincide to form a single, sharp image, or until
the image in the microprism appears sharp and crisp.
This focusing screen
is suitable for subjects with both
straight lines and ill-defined contours. However, when
used with lenses having a maximum aperture smaller
than f/4.5, or in close-up photography, the range finder
spot is likely to darken. In this case, focus on the
surrounding matte field.
The lens can also be pre focused using the distance
scale engraved in both feet and meters on the lens
barrel. Line
up the black indicator line on top of the
milled ring opposite the camera - to-subject distance
as measured or estimated. Thi s technique is useful for
candid shots of elusive subjects when time does not
permit through-the -lens focusing.
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Microprism/split-image screen