[ChrisPlatt]

Many older cameras have dim, misaligned or non-working rangefinders.
A scale focus, zone focus or autofocus camera is often a better choice.

Chris

[pingflood]

Many older cameras have dim, misaligned or non-working rangefinders.
A scale focus, zone focus or autofocus camera is often a better choice.

Chris

Yeah, a lot of them have faded badly. Leicas seem to hold up very well (even the 1935 III I had was decent), but Yashica Lynx rangefinders tend to be so dim they are almost unusable which is a shame since the cameras are so good. I know some places sell beamsplitter glass which can be used to fix an older RF with some effort though, so if you're handy that is always an option.

And Digitalis, I'm waiting for the Mark V which will have 4 Direct Print buttons.

[PGillin]

I've had some issues with my rangefinder's patch lately, it's fairly dim. What is this about repairing it?
(Also, I thought they were made dim, I didn't realize it was an effect of age)

[Ratmagiclady]

Yeah, some of these RF patches will desilver, or tarnish, or sometimes just get dirty.

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Last edited by Ratmagiclady; 05-04-2010 at 06:08 PM.

[ziggy7]

Just cut a piece of black electrical tape about 1/8" square, and put it in the center of your rangefinder window. It makes it much easier to focus. You can find detailed instructions here:

Brighten your Rangefinder

[eurostar]

I lust after rangefinders, but my kind of photography don't justify it, and also processing film is a problem for me that live in the mountains. And digital rangefinders are way to much pricey for me.

Yet, the idea of buying an Epson with 15-28-50 Cosina Voigtlander every few months creep up my mind, and I must fight to keep the credit card in the pocket...

[mickeyobe]

It is very beautiful. It is well designed. It feels good in the hand. It is almost silent. It is a pleasure to use. It is the ultimate. After 56 years it still works perfectly.






Mickey

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Last edited by mickeyobe; 05-06-2010 at 10:38 PM.

[Bart]

Poor people smell like sour milk.

Sure you're in the right forum?
Quite a statement!

[stevebrot]

Poor people smell like sour milk.

Sure you're in the right forum?
Quite a statement!

Yes, I was wondering about that one as well. Movie quote? Attempt at sarcasm?

Steve

[mickeyobe]

Poor people smell like sour milk.

pingflood,

That kind of discriminatory, derogatory remark is cruel, callous and uncalled for.

Mickey

[24X36NOW]

None. Before I had an SLR camera, I dreamed of an SLR camera. Now that I have an SLR camera, I don't want any other kind. They can keep rangefinders, EVILs, etc., because there's nothing like looking through the lens.

[Digitalis]

None. Before I had an SLR camera, I dreamed of an SLR camera. Now that I have an SLR camera, I don't want any other kind. They can keep rangefinders, EVILs, etc., because there's nothing like looking through the lens.

ohh yeah there's nothing like looking through a dim SLR viewfinder at dusk and wishing you had a faster lens than f/2.8 - Rangefinders have the brightest viewfinders in Christendom and it's doesn't matter how fast/slow your lens is. and you can hand hold rangefinders consistently at shutter speeds one stop even two stops slower than is possible with SLR camera, they don't have that damn mirror flapping up and down all the time. Which means there is less vibration..and the flange distance is HALF that of most SLR's 23.5mm Vs 45.2mm which means a 35mm f/1.4 is half the size it would be for a SLR design.

there are plenty of advantages of rangefinders, sure they will not suit everyone..and rangefinders are pretty limited when you really look at it...no telephoto lenses over 135mm f/4 - and they are pretty much useless for macro work. But when it comes to small size and discretion they my be matched but they will never be beaten.

[stevebrot]

@digitalis...Don't forget the noise factor. I have two Yashica Lynx and the Copal leaf shutters on both are almost silent. In regards to viewfinders, there is also the aspect that you can see things as they move into the frame.


Steve

[mickeyobe]

digitalis,

Don't forget the annoying features of rangefinders;

1. Parallax. And it could never be completely overcome.
2. Limited range of interchangeable lenses.
3. A separate, auxilliary viewfinder was usually required when a lens was changed.
4. How many pictures never were because the lens cap was not removed?
5. Thumbs, fingers or neveready case flaps in front of the lens.
6. Foreign substance on the lens.
7. Inability to see depth of field.
8. Too dim superimposed image.
9. Misalignment of rangefinder and lens due to complicated focusing mechanism.
10. On older R/F's separate viewing windows for focus and shooting.
11. Awkwardness of using polarizing filter.
12. Camera's rangefinder was often useless when a different lens was used.
13. Annoyingly, a part of the lens was sometimes visible in the viewfinder.

There may be more but it is late and I am tired.

BUT I would gladly take the worst viewfinder/rangefinder ever made over today's impossible, ill conceived LCD screens.

Mickey

[sealisthenewbeaver]

First roll of tmax from the Yashica Electro 35 GSN. -> Love it.