Laser Tape Measure - Suggestions

[Lust4Life]

I've just purchased the Cambo WDS system and for critical work I'm thinking of purchasing a Laser Tape Measure.  Use is of course to set my focus on the lens.

In searching for such a device I'm finding numerous devices that can become very expensive and most of which are bulky.

Anyone already come up with a device that was reasonable in cost, hopefully less than $300, small and compact, easy to use that worked in ideally both feet and meters?  (I've got to teach myself to start thinking/seeing in meters!)

Thanks,
Jack

[jonstewart]

Anyone already come up with a device that was reasonable in cost, hopefully less than $300, small and compact, easy to use that worked in ideally both feet and meters?  (I've got to teach myself to start thinking/seeing in meters!)

Thanks,
Jack
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=142609\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Not really an answer but,

The cheaper ones don't necessarily work particularly well! I have one atm that is consistently between 5 and 20 cm out measuring  about 10m distances.. I wonder how that scales up!

I'm now thinking of a more expensive one, so I'll be reading this thread!

[Henry Goh]

Depending on the furthest you intend to measure, Leica has a few models to choose from.  Search for them on Ebay.

I use it for shooting with my Hasselblad 903SWC

[Mike W]

you know, I never thought about it! this would be a very helpfull tool for me...

keep us posted!

[Streetwise]

I've just purchased the Cambo WDS system and for critical work I'm thinking of purchasing a Laser Tape Measure.  Use is of course to set my focus on the lens.

In searching for such a device I'm finding numerous devices that can become very expensive and most of which are bulky.

Anyone already come up with a device that was reasonable in cost, hopefully less than $300, small and compact, easy to use that worked in ideally both feet and meters?  (I've got to teach myself to start thinking/seeing in meters!)

Thanks,
Jack
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=142609\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Interesting post. I had always assumed that with the Wide DS and lenses, that you pretty much leave it on infinity since most things are beyond 20ft. Alternatively, I've also put the infinity mark on whatever aperture I'm shooting at - f/ll for instance- to try to get the best depth of focus that I can.

For "critical work", what distances are you working with? I'm curious to know what peoples' approach is to the whole infinity thing and if they leave the lens cranked all the way, or put the infinity mark on the aperture setting, or physically measure the scene, or what?

Dave

[Mike W]

I leave the infinity-mark aligned with the f/16 mark most of the time. Only when the main subject if further away (eg a skyline over a empty field) I put the lens at infinity.

Works for me....

Oh, and I use a hasselblad 903SWC most of the time.


 

Interesting post. I had always assumed that with the Wide DS and lenses, that you pretty much leave it on infinity since most things are beyond 20ft. Alternatively, I've also put the infinity mark on whatever aperture I'm shooting at - f/ll for instance- to try to get the best depth of focus that I can.

For "critical work", what distances are you working with? I'm curious to know what peoples' approach is to the whole infinity thing and if they leave the lens cranked all the way, or put the infinity mark on the aperture setting, or physically measure the scene, or what?

Dave
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=142641\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

[nik]

I had a similar question for my horseman a few weeks ago and posted elsewhere and got expensive options in reply - $300 or so. After a bit of surfing I came across the Stanley FatMax, it's $100 US and works great upto about 100 ft, works in metres, ft  at the touch of a button and even measures cubic and square for calculating room volume sizes - if you need... It's a great new tool.

-Nik

I've just purchased the Cambo WDS system and for critical work I'm thinking of purchasing a Laser Tape Measure.  Use is of course to set my focus on the lens.

In searching for such a device I'm finding numerous devices that can become very expensive and most of which are bulky.

Anyone already come up with a device that was reasonable in cost, hopefully less than $300, small and compact, easy to use that worked in ideally both feet and meters?  (I've got to teach myself to start thinking/seeing in meters!)

Thanks,
Jack
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=142609\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

[mmurph]

After a bit of surfing I came across the Stanley FatMax, it's $100 US and works great upto about 100 ft, works in metres, ft  at the touch of a button

I agree, great tool.  I use the same one.

Works great inside for almost all distances. Good outside up to about 20 meters, which is enough.

I prefer critical focus at exactly the point I want, as I use selective focus and wide aperatures often.  

This thing is dead on with my helical scales, as seen on the ground glass. You can set things like "2.47 meters" pretty well without using the GG.  My only small quibble is that it measures from the base, or back, not the front of the unit. You can change it to the front, but it always defaults back to the base, so it is easiest just to do it their way.    

Best,
Michael

[TimothyHyde]

I use my Leica bowhunting rangefinder.  Any hunting catalog will have selection with  a large variety of features and prices.  Here is Cabellas:

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/common/s...inder&noImage=0

[Jost von Allmen]

Hi Jack
Since I've purchased my ALPA SWA last spring, I've been using the
BOSCH DLE 50 Laser Distance Measure
with great success for focussing the lenses accordingly.
It's light, small, very accurate, user friendly and cost me about $150.
Measures can be switched between US- and european standards.
Hope this helps

[j.miller]

The current line-up of Leica Disto™ laser distance meters are great. I have found the Disto™ A3 to be quite nice, as it the smallest in the line, and plenty accurate for critical focus  / depth of field calculation. It has a measuring range of 0.05 m/0.16 ft up to 100 m/325 ft, and typical accuracy of ± 1.5 mm/ ± 0.06 in.

I had originally bought a Fotoman rangefinder for use with Alpa 12TC, but found the constant (re)calibration was bothersome. Since picking up a Leica Disto™ A3 a almost a year ago, I find the Fotoman rangefinder stays in the camera bag. Once you get in the groove with a laser distance meter, it is quite easy and quick to get accurate focus.

You can check out Leica.com for more information.

I also found this interesting comparison to Stanley laser distance meters. Link to comparision PDF download..

Regards,

[Henry Goh]

The current line-up of Leica Disto™ laser distance meters are great. I have found the Disto™ A3 to be quite nice, as it the smallest in the line, and plenty accurate for critical focus  / depth of field calculation. It has a measuring range of 0.05 m/0.16 ft up to 100 m/325 ft, and typical accuracy of ± 1.5 mm/ ± 0.06 in.

I had originally bought a Fotoman rangefinder for use with Alpa 12TC, but found the constant (re)calibration was bothersome. Since picking up a Leica Disto™ A3 a almost a year ago, I find the Fotoman rangefinder stays in the camera bag. Once you get in the groove with a laser distance meter, it is quite easy and quick to get accurate focus.

You can check out Leica.com for more information.

I also found this interesting comparison to Stanley laser distance meters. Link to comparision PDF download..

Regards,
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=143019\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Would you mind sharing how much you paid for the Disto A3?  Thanks.

[j.miller]

I paid $269 from a local geo / surveying supplier in my area. If you locate a dealer through the Leica Geo-Systems website, you can find a number of suppliers in your area.

Regards,

Jordan

Would you mind sharing how much you paid for the Disto A3?  Thanks.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=143026\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

[rljones]

I've used this one, Bosch DLE50:

http://www.bosch-pt.com/productspecials/bl...tails/index.htm

[Mort54]

One thing that bothers me about the Leica and Bosch and Fatman models is that they don't have a viewfinder for accurately placing the beam on a specific point. For those of you with these models, has this been an issue at all? Is the beam bright enough to see the spot on the target?

A number of the so called "hunting" rangefinders provide a viewfinder with a crosshair, which seem ideal. However, I have read that many (and maybe most) of the hunting type rangefinders aren't accurate under 20 meters. Can anyone recommend one of the hunting-type rangefinders that they have successfully used at shorter ranges?

[Jost von Allmen]

One thing that bothers me about the Leica and Bosch and Fatman models is that they don't have a viewfinder for accurately placing the beam on a specific point. For those of you with these models, has this been an issue at all? Is the beam bright enough to see the spot on the target?

A number of the so called "hunting" rangefinders provide a viewfinder with a crosshair, which seem ideal. However, I have read that many (and maybe most) of the hunting type rangefinders aren't accurate under 20 meters. Can anyone recommend one of the hunting-type rangefinders that they have successfully used at shorter ranges?
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=143146\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

The laser projects a bright red dot. It's visibility outdoors depends on the surface and reflectivity: my BOSCH DLE 50 (which doesent't have a viewfinder) on a sunny day on a bright surface is only detectable up to about 8m (25feet). Now that range is already of good use and obviously extends much in the shadow and the lower the light level is.

Jost von Allmen

[j.miller]

One thing that bothers me about the Leica and Bosch and Fatman models is that they don't have a viewfinder for accurately placing the beam on a specific point. For those of you with these models, has this been an issue at all? Is the beam bright enough to see the spot on the target?

A number of the so called "hunting" rangefinders provide a viewfinder with a crosshair, which seem ideal. However, I have read that many (and maybe most) of the hunting type rangefinders aren't accurate under 20 meters. Can anyone recommend one of the hunting-type rangefinders that they have successfully used at shorter ranges?
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=143146\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

I have found the Leica Disto™ A3 to be adequately visible up to 35-40 ft. It seems that my visual acuity at those (and greater) distances is the issue, not so much whether or not the laser dot is "there". I have worked with some assistants and 1st AC's who have better eyes than I do, and they have not problem seeing the A3's dot out to 50 ft or so.

I borrowed a friend's Leica RangeMaster CRF 1200 (he's a wildlife photographer, and avid golfer), and found it to be quite useful. After looking into the accuracy specifications of the these monocular laser range finders, they only seem to hold approx 1m / 1yd accuracy up to 400 yds. In using the CRF 1200 with my Alpa 12TC, I found it usable (and accurate) for architectural and landscape / cityscape applications. I did not try it much closer than 25-30 ft. It is worth dropping by your nearest hunting / sport optics dealer and give it a shot. If I get a chance, I will give the CRF 1200 a test, from 50 ft and closer, next a tape measure, and see what I come up with.

Even without a viewfinder on the A3, as long as I keep my bubble levels consistent, I have not found  there to be any issues getting accurate measurements. It takes a little getting used to, but with some practice, it becomes quite natural.

Regards,

Jordan

[Lust4Life]

WOW, I had no idea this topic would generate so much interest and excellent comments.  Thanks to all.

As reading these comments, I've wondered if there is any danger to persons in your field of view than may stare back at the laser beam?

Say you're in the square in Venice, want to get an accurate distance for focus on a structure, person is standing in front of structure and as you're taking a reading the "dot" passes over their eyes.  Any risk to the person in front of the structure?

Jack

[jonstewart]

WOW, I had no idea this topic would generate so much interest and excellent comments. 

Jack
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=143363\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

I'm even beginning to feel like I need one of these gizmo's!    
J

[Jonathan Wienke]

WOW, I had no idea this topic would generate so much interest and excellent comments.  Thanks to all.

As reading these comments, I've wondered if there is any danger to persons in your field of view than may stare back at the laser beam?

As long as the laser is in the 5-milliwatts-or-less category, no. Some tests have been done with individuals sheduled for eye removal due to cancer, where they stared directly into the laser beam at close range continuously for several minutes with only minor effects on their retina. Given the normal blink/aversion reflex and the momentary nature of the laser exposure you're talking about, the risk of injury is nil. If you're shooting in the dark, the person's night vision may be lost for a few minutes (which is why pointing lasers at planes is strongly discouraged) but actual injury is not something you really need to worry about.