Learning a Rangefinder

tuco · 08-12-2011, 09:37 PM

Originally posted by Nando

Can you imagine a doing street photography with something like this?
Me and the Monster! | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

BTW, that's not me in that photo.

All I was saying is that by going up to a MF rangefinder, one will be giving up an some advantages that come with a 35mm rangefinder - primarily the small size factor.

So you've never shot a medium format camera then?

Nando · 08-12-2011, 09:43 PM

Umm... Like I said in my previous post, I have two medium format cameras along with a large format camera. So yes.

Nesster · 08-13-2011, 01:37 AM

It's true - many modern rangefinders are McCameras

but there are some more petite ones. And I'd go with the petite, even if vintage. The advantages of the pov and larger film size are why I'd go for one of the 120 cameras over 35mm, if I were to be spending $1000+....

stevebrot · 08-13-2011, 08:16 AM

Originally posted by Nando

...advantages that come with a 35mm rangefinder - primarily the small size factor.

Not always quite so small, nor light for that matter. See my previous post. The main advantage from my perspective is handling and smaller lenses. Those characteristics carry over (more or less) to the MF rangefinders.

In regards to MF rangefinders and size...the Fuji 6x9 in your link is an extreme example. Perhaps you might follow up with a link to a 2x3 press camera with coupled rangefinder and 120 holder such as the Mamiya Press?

In regards to larger cameras and street shooting...apparently you are unaware of the various forum members who shoot street with non-traditional tools. Rense uses a Pentax 6x7 with WLF. Nesster uses various MF folders. A few others prefer MF TLRs (go figure). And then, of course, there is the Holga (not here of course

).

Steve

(...and yes, people have used press cameras for street...)

Last edited by stevebrot; 08-13-2011 at 08:29 AM.

Nesster · 08-13-2011, 09:06 AM

...honestly though, a range finder would just slow me down. I don't know, I get along without one. I'll take the Kiev next time I'm in Manhattan to see how it does.

tuco · 08-13-2011, 10:28 AM

Originally posted by stevebrot

In regards to MF rangefinders and size...the Fuji 6x9 in your link is an extreme example. Perhaps you might follow up with a link to a 2x3 press camera with coupled rangefinder and 120 holder such as the Mamiya Press?

Steve

I've never seen that Mamiya press camera before, wow, what a rig.

That M7II I got is just about as easy to shoot as any manual focus 135 camera. With aperture priority, it mostly comes down to focus for the speed of the capture. Sometimes that rangefinder is really fast and easy to focus and other times more difficult if you are focusing on something that is made up of random patterns.

Here is another weight comparison for the record. My K1000 + SMC A 50mm f1.2 + neck strap weights 1000g. Is that too big for "street photography"? For an insignificant 360g more you could shoot the M7II + 65mm lens. And actually the M7II is easier to hold with its size and molded hand grip it has.

stevebrot · 08-13-2011, 11:05 AM

Originally posted by tuco

I've never seen that Mamiya press camera before, wow, what a rig.

...and not that expensive either for the basic kit. I also like the idea of the back that supports the format range from 6x4.5 through 6x9. (6x4.5 might be a little cumbersome, however, unless shooting portrait orientation.) On the subject of monster rangefinders, a local guy offered me his Koni-Omega for a couple hundred dollars. He used to use it for doing Christmas photos of dogs and cats at PetsMart. I passed...too much camera, even for me!

Steve

**ChrisPlatt** · 08-13-2011, 12:30 PM

Sure, everyone loves a bigger negative, but 35mm is almost always preferable for most types of action photography including street shooting.
Besides reduced size and weight 35mm cameras usually have the advantage in automation, hand-holdability, lens speed, depth of field, etc.

Chris

frank · 08-14-2011, 05:58 AM

Originally posted by Nesster

...honestly though, a range finder would just slow me down. I don't know, I get along without one. I'll take the Kiev next time I'm in Manhattan to see how it does.

Got my ZI yesterday, finished one roll before the Sun went down, I have to agree that I was much slower than when I'm using an LX

It looks pretty though:

**Rense** · 08-14-2011, 06:13 AM

Originally posted by Nando

Can you imagine a doing street photography with something like this?
Me and the Monster! | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

To be honest? Yes! I love shooting streets with my pentax 67. No RF, of course, which makes it even more hilarious. If I would have been in London, last week, with those riots, and I'd been shooting with my 67, the people would have thought the army was mobilised and they armed themselves with mortars or tanks. Thinking of the mirror of the 67.....

Nothing beats a P67 for street photography....

**Rense** · 08-14-2011, 06:17 AM

Originally posted by Nesster

...honestly though, a range finder would just slow me down. I don't know, I get along without one. I'll take the Kiev next time I'm in Manhattan to see how it does.

Jussi, what Kiev do you have? A 35mm RF, or one of those MF beasts? Considering a 35mm, but don't know if I should get me a 4(A) or a earlier version (3A, or even a 2...)

Nesster · 08-14-2011, 09:01 AM

I have the Kiev 4 Contax clone, one with a selenium meter built in. It is a hoot to play with, makes me think while I'm shooting. I could see getting used to it....

a couple of 'street' shots from the first roll with the Kiev:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/53503-cool-let...ml#post1575799

But: I went to a camera show this morning, and walked out with a Zeiss Super Ikon 532/16, from 1938 so it has the uncoated 80/2.8 Tessar... and it's in beautiful shape cosmetically and operationally. Now that is what I call a camera

tuco · 08-14-2011, 07:15 PM

Originally posted by ChrisPlatt

Sure, everyone loves a bigger negative, but 35mm is almost always preferable for most types of action photography including street shooting.
Besides reduced size and weight 35mm cameras usually have the advantage in automation, hand-holdability, lens speed, depth of field, etc.

Chris

By your understanding then anyone who shoots a prosumer-grade dSLR or FF dSLR with a zoom lens should stop it and pick up a small 135 film camera for their street photograhy because they are shooting a rig which most are dimensionally larger and weigh more in that class than the MF rangefinders some of us have here on the forum.

**ChrisPlatt** · 08-14-2011, 09:16 PM

Okay, but will you tell them for me? I'd rather not be the one who gets clocked with their oversized cameras...

Chris

tuco · 08-14-2011, 11:10 PM

Originally posted by ChrisPlatt

Okay, but will you tell them for me? I'd rather not be the one who gets clocked with their oversized cameras...

Chris

No, I think its best that you do just so you can experience that wtf are you a size-challenged nut case moment.

08-13-2011, 10:28 AM	#66
tuco Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Pugetopolis Posts: 11,026	Originally posted by stevebrot In regards to MF rangefinders and size...the Fuji 6x9 in your link is an extreme example. Perhaps you might follow up with a link to a 2x3 press camera with coupled rangefinder and 120 holder such as the Mamiya Press? Steve I've never seen that Mamiya press camera before, wow, what a rig. That M7II I got is just about as easy to shoot as any manual focus 135 camera. With aperture priority, it mostly comes down to focus for the speed of the capture. Sometimes that rangefinder is really fast and easy to focus and other times more difficult if you are focusing on something that is made up of random patterns. Here is another weight comparison for the record. My K1000 + SMC A 50mm f1.2 + neck strap weights 1000g. Is that too big for "street photography"? For an insignificant 360g more you could shoot the M7II + 65mm lens. And actually the M7II is easier to hold with its size and molded hand grip it has. Last edited by tuco; 08-13-2011 at 10:45 AM.

08-14-2011, 05:58 AM	#69
frank Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,202	Originally posted by Nesster ...honestly though, a range finder would just slow me down. I don't know, I get along without one. I'll take the Kiev next time I'm in Manhattan to see how it does. Got my ZI yesterday, finished one roll before the Sun went down, I have to agree that I was much slower than when I'm using an LX It looks pretty though: Attached Images

08-14-2011, 11:10 PM	#75
tuco Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Pugetopolis Posts: 11,026	Originally posted by ChrisPlatt Okay, but will you tell them for me? I'd rather not be the one who gets clocked with their oversized cameras... Chris No, I think its best that you do just so you can experience that wtf are you a size-challenged nut case moment. Last edited by tuco; 08-14-2011 at 11:23 PM.

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08-12-2011, 09:37 PM	#61
tuco Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Pugetopolis Posts: 11,026	Originally posted by Nando Can you imagine a doing street photography with something like this? Me and the Monster! \| Flickr - Photo Sharing! BTW, that's not me in that photo. All I was saying is that by going up to a MF rangefinder, one will be giving up an some advantages that come with a 35mm rangefinder - primarily the small size factor. So you've never shot a medium format camera then?

08-12-2011, 09:43 PM	#62
Nando Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Sault Ste. Marie, Canada & Coimbra, Portugal Posts: 82	Umm... Like I said in my previous post, I have two medium format cameras along with a large format camera. So yes.

08-13-2011, 01:37 AM	#63
Nesster Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: NJ USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 13,072	It's true - many modern rangefinders are McCameras but there are some more petite ones. And I'd go with the petite, even if vintage. The advantages of the pov and larger film size are why I'd go for one of the 120 cameras over 35mm, if I were to be spending $1000+....

08-13-2011, 08:16 AM	#64
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Nando ...advantages that come with a 35mm rangefinder - primarily the small size factor. Not always quite so small, nor light for that matter. See my previous post. The main advantage from my perspective is handling and smaller lenses. Those characteristics carry over (more or less) to the MF rangefinders. In regards to MF rangefinders and size...the Fuji 6x9 in your link is an extreme example. Perhaps you might follow up with a link to a 2x3 press camera with coupled rangefinder and 120 holder such as the Mamiya Press? In regards to larger cameras and street shooting...apparently you are unaware of the various forum members who shoot street with non-traditional tools. Rense uses a Pentax 6x7 with WLF. Nesster uses various MF folders. A few others prefer MF TLRs (go figure). And then, of course, there is the Holga (not here of course ). Steve (...and yes, people have used press cameras for street...) Last edited by stevebrot; 08-13-2011 at 08:29 AM.

08-13-2011, 09:06 AM	#65
Nesster Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: NJ USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 13,072	...honestly though, a range finder would just slow me down. I don't know, I get along without one. I'll take the Kiev next time I'm in Manhattan to see how it does.

08-13-2011, 11:05 AM	#67
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by tuco I've never seen that Mamiya press camera before, wow, what a rig. ...and not that expensive either for the basic kit. I also like the idea of the back that supports the format range from 6x4.5 through 6x9. (6x4.5 might be a little cumbersome, however, unless shooting portrait orientation.) On the subject of monster rangefinders, a local guy offered me his Koni-Omega for a couple hundred dollars. He used to use it for doing Christmas photos of dogs and cats at PetsMart. I passed...too much camera, even for me! Steve

08-13-2011, 12:30 PM	#68
ChrisPlatt Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rockaway Beach NYC Posts: 7,694	Sure, everyone loves a bigger negative, but 35mm is almost always preferable for most types of action photography including street shooting. Besides reduced size and weight 35mm cameras usually have the advantage in automation, hand-holdability, lens speed, depth of field, etc. Chris

08-14-2011, 06:13 AM	#70
Rense Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Zetten - The Netherlands Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,050	Originally posted by Nando Can you imagine a doing street photography with something like this? Me and the Monster! \| Flickr - Photo Sharing! To be honest? Yes! I love shooting streets with my pentax 67. No RF, of course, which makes it even more hilarious. If I would have been in London, last week, with those riots, and I'd been shooting with my 67, the people would have thought the army was mobilised and they armed themselves with mortars or tanks. Thinking of the mirror of the 67..... Nothing beats a P67 for street photography....

08-14-2011, 06:17 AM	#71
Rense Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Zetten - The Netherlands Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,050	Originally posted by Nesster ...honestly though, a range finder would just slow me down. I don't know, I get along without one. I'll take the Kiev next time I'm in Manhattan to see how it does. Jussi, what Kiev do you have? A 35mm RF, or one of those MF beasts? Considering a 35mm, but don't know if I should get me a 4(A) or a earlier version (3A, or even a 2...)

08-14-2011, 09:01 AM	#72
Nesster Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: NJ USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 13,072	I have the Kiev 4 Contax clone, one with a selenium meter built in. It is a hoot to play with, makes me think while I'm shooting. I could see getting used to it.... a couple of 'street' shots from the first roll with the Kiev: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/53503-cool-let...ml#post1575799 But: I went to a camera show this morning, and walked out with a Zeiss Super Ikon 532/16, from 1938 so it has the uncoated 80/2.8 Tessar... and it's in beautiful shape cosmetically and operationally. Now that is what I call a camera

08-14-2011, 07:15 PM	#73
tuco Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Pugetopolis Posts: 11,026	Originally posted by ChrisPlatt Sure, everyone loves a bigger negative, but 35mm is almost always preferable for most types of action photography including street shooting. Besides reduced size and weight 35mm cameras usually have the advantage in automation, hand-holdability, lens speed, depth of field, etc. Chris By your understanding then anyone who shoots a prosumer-grade dSLR or FF dSLR with a zoom lens should stop it and pick up a small 135 film camera for their street photograhy because they are shooting a rig which most are dimensionally larger and weigh more in that class than the MF rangefinders some of us have here on the forum.

08-14-2011, 09:16 PM	#74
ChrisPlatt Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rockaway Beach NYC Posts: 7,694	Okay, but will you tell them for me? I'd rather not be the one who gets clocked with their oversized cameras... Chris