Rangefinder Toughts from a Long Time SLR User

Lamar · Mar 14, 2014

Went back to shooting an SLR for a week (3 rolls in a Nikon F) and it felt big and loud, but I didn't feel limited in what I could shoot like I do with the RF....... 400mm wide open with confidence I would get a focused shot, using 35mm and 24mm lenses I focused and framed < a meter without worry. I think which one I grab depends on what I'll be doing. Even though it's not much smaller the size and weight advantage does make a difference in favor of the RF and I'm pretty sure I can focus a little faster with the RF system now.. It's easy to see why the SLR took sales away from the RF's though. If I could only have one system it would be an SLR system.

Xmas · Mar 14, 2014

post 70 or so hot news pros carried a Nikon F motor drive 5cm /1.4 and a pro rangefinder with a high speed 35mm eg Canon P and /2 or Leica M and /1.4.

They used the best tool for the circumstances.

If you have a trapped needle rangefinder today you need to compare it with a trapped needle SLR they were high volume auto cameras.

A pro camera like a Nikon F can be compared with a Nikon SP, similar release, similar shutter.
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Lots of people think the last pro 35mm rangefinder system made was a Canon 7.

When I see Buce Guilden in the street he has a FM2n with a fast 28mm and a Leica M with 28mm cron (/2) - as well as his flash gun. Never asked him why he has two cameras.

Richard Jepsen · Mar 14, 2014

If you can live with a limited focal length spread, no zooms, and the Leica 90mm close-up lens, then its all about weight........a rangefinder wins that argument.

Lamar · Mar 14, 2014

One thing I forgot to mention..... RF's look better too.

Paul Howell · Mar 14, 2014

Lots of people think the last pro 35mm rangefinder system made was a Canon 7.

I think the M7 is still in production, after the Canon 7 there was the M 4, 5, and 6, the Zeiss rangefinder discontinued last year, then the 90's Knoica M, perhaps not up to Leica standards but I would think it was pro level as well. If I had deep pockets I would look for a M6 with a drive, 28, 50, 90 and 135mm lens set.

Tom Duffy · Mar 14, 2014

I think there are some advantages to the SLR with 50mm and greater lenses. To me the real advantage of the Leica M was always always the quiet shutter. Surprised that no one has mentioned the most important reason for carrying a Leica RF. Anyone carrying a Leica RF is transformed into a Babe magnet.

cliveh · Mar 14, 2014

Tom Duffy said:
I think there are some advantages to the SLR with 50mm and greater lenses. To me the real advantage of the Leica M was always always the quiet shutter. Surprised that no one has mentioned the most important reason for carrying a Leica RF. Anyone carrying a Leica RF is transformed into a Babe magnet.

I've yet to meet these Babes.

Jim Jones · Mar 15, 2014

Xmas said:
. . . Lots of people think the last pro 35mm rangefinder system made was a Canon 7. . .

I bought a Canon 7S for its f/1.4 lenes and backup to a Leica M2. The Leica was better in most ways, and its Summicron better than the Canon lens except on those rare occasions when f/1.4 was really necessary.

Rangefinder Toughts from a Long Time SLR User

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