THE CREATIVE CORNER

One of the problems with most subminis is that they have a fixed focus lens with the distance set at around 10 feet. While this works fine for most shots, it can sometimes be difficult to get distant objects in focus. Many submins solve this problem by using such a small aperture, like f8 or f11, that everything is in focus. But for subminis with fast lenses, like f3.5 or f2.8, the distant objects are not in focus when the camera is used wide-open. The manufacturers solved this, in their minds, by having a variable aperture lens. If a distance object is the subject, just stop down to f8 and everything will be in focus. True, but what to do in low light when stopping down might not be an option?

Some manufacturers put in focusing lenses, like the Mamiya 16. Others sold "distance" lenses, like the Minolta 16 II. This was a negative diopter lens that changed the point of focus to the horizon. While it's' difficult to put a focusing lens on a non-focusing camera, it's pretty easy to put a "distance" lens on a non-focusing camera. Most submini makes sold filters for their cameras. All you need to do it take one of these and add a "distance" lens to the front of a UV or 1A filter. A little epoxy or silicon glue will do the trick.

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