Min focus distance?

Splog

Splog

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Hi all, I hope one of you knowledgeable people can answer the following question:

If a lens spec states a minimum focusing distance, would this mean the distance from the front element of the lens or the focal plane of the camera :thinking:

Thanks...
 
From a physics reasoning, it's the distance from the object to where the object is observed, and therefore the sensor. Don't see why this logic is not applied to cameras that have always been so. Of course, I can't say for sure, so just why am I trying to answer your question?
 
It's the same for Canon. That's why while the 100/2.8 macro has a 30cm MFD, the working distance is only 15cm as the lens front element is 15cm away from the focal plane.
 
Hi Lucy:thinking:

Canon give the minimum focus dist for the 100mm macro as 31cm. I just tried mine with a tape and its about 15cm to the front element so it must be to the focal plane.

BTW you still doing the macro water drop collisions?
 
i remember it as from the focal plane...the film plane or the sensor...its where the circles of confusion are smallest....iirc

think of an enlarger in reverse
 
I've confused myself but I'm very sure my answer is completely wrong. Sorry for trying to jump the gun and being a smart ass.
 
The focal point will sit between the lens and the sensor. It must be measured from this point to the object.
 
on top of your camera you should have a little circle with a line through it,this is where your sensor is in your camera. if you were measuring for accuracy this is the point you would start from,to answer your question yes it is from this point to the front of the lens.hth mike. :thumbs:
 
8m32s said:
From a physics reasoning, it's the distance from the object to where the object is observed, and therefore the sensor. Don't see why this logic is not applied to cameras that have always been so. Of course, I can't say for sure, so just why am I trying to answer your question?
Click to expand...

and in focus
 
dinorock said:
on top of your camera you should have a little circle with a line through it,this is where your sensor is in your camera. if you were measuring for accuracy this is the point you would start from,to answer your question yes it is from this point to the front of the lens.hth mike. :thumbs:
Click to expand...

used to be a line with a circle..sort of like a ships plimsoll line...and was the film plane
 
Minimum focus distance (MFD) is from the focal plane of the camera to subject as others have said and minimum working distance (MWD) is from the end of the lens to subject.
 
Dogfish_magnet said:
Minimum focus distance (MFD) is from the focal plane of the camera to subject as others have said and minimum working distance (MWD) is from the end of the lens to subject.
Click to expand...

try not to get pollen on the lens:lol:
 
It's measured from the Focal Plane - always has been and always will be...
 
RJL2005 said:
Hi Lucy:thinking:

Canon give the minimum focus dist for the 100mm macro as 31cm. I just tried mine with a tape and its about 15cm to the front element so it must be to the focal plane.

BTW you still doing the macro water drop collisions?
Click to expand...

Hi Rhod ... It seems ages since I last did them, but I've got a few ideas for something different ;) so hopefully I'll get back to them :thumbs:
 
Thanks for the replies everyone, much appreciated :thumbs:
 
dinorock said:
on top of your camera you should have a little circle with a line through it,this is where your sensor is in your camera. if you were measuring for accuracy this is the point you would start from,to answer your question yes it is from this point to the front of the lens.hth mike. :thumbs:
Click to expand...

Never seen that, even though it's right in front of my eyes! Learn something new everyday :thumbs:
 
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