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Re: Syntax preferences

Subject: Re: Syntax preferences
From: Dick Margulis <margulisd -at- comcast -dot- net>
To: "TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com>
Date: Tue, 23 Aug 2005 15:38:06 -0400


Rachel Rawlings wrote:


Right and left are relative terms, and fairly unspecific when talking
about rotation--especially when you bring in cultural norms.

Turn the /focus ring/ *clockwise* to sharpen focus on *distant* subjects.
Turn *counterclockwise* to sharpen focus on *near* objects.

Where the italics for "focus ring" would indicate that there's a
glossary or exploded-view definition for it, unless it's been described
on the same page.



Without the picture, clockwise and counterclockwise are meaningless. There are a few reasons for this. One is a question of cultural literacy. I'm not positive that every young person today knows what the words mean (depending on what sort of timepiece was on the wall when they were in elementary school).

But the more important reason that affects all of us is that the terms depend on which way you are holding the camera. Do you set the camera on your dining room table with the instruction manual open in front of you and work through the controls? If so, clockwise and counterclockwise are relative to your view facing the front of the lens. Have you familiarized yourself with the manual and now you're taking pictures, with the camera in front of your face? The clockwise and counterclockwise are the opposite of what they were when you were studying the manual.

The reason I bring this up is not to discuss the specifics of focusing a camera but just to remind everyone that there are always subtleties of language to watch out for, no matter how long we've been at this game.


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References:
Re: Syntax preferences: From: HBacheler
Re: Syntax preferences: From: Rachel Rawlings

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