Rangefinders: the workhorses of the street photographer. Rangefinder cameras or reflex cameras. Which one is better

I post new articles only there! Information from this resource is currently being transferred. I will report on the full transfer separately. I invite you to my new site. See you! 1. Section "About the project"— Instead of a preface — A little about myself — What will not be in my blog? - "The dream of a Soviet amateur photographer" 2. Search section "Dreams of a Soviet amateur photographer"— Looking for a "Dream" among scale cameras — Looking for a "Dream" among rangefinder cameras — M39 thread and C mount. We have the first candidate! - Medium format. Will the leader change? - Stage five. New leader - Kyiv-15 - NEWAnother change of leader. Now it's Zenit-16 3. Section useful information —

Smena-8M camera review and instructions

scale cameras We begin our search for the ideal. The search is best done systematically. Therefore, we will adhere to the accepted classification of cameras. And let's start with the scales.

A scale camera is a camera that focuses on a distance scale. The distance to the subject is determined visually or with the help of external devices. Further, by turning the focusing ring of the lens, it is necessary to combine the desired distance on the scale with a special risk.

In the USSR, many models of scale cameras were produced. Inexpensive, reliable, easy-to-use models were in steady demand. Smena-8M
My first camera was Smena-8M. Therefore, I will start the review cycle with it.

The Family of Changes in different indices is perhaps the most famous scalers in the Union. Shifts with indices 8 and 8M produced 21 million pieces. This fact is included in the Guinness Book of Records.

Smena-8M was produced at LOMO (Leningrad ...

Camera Zenit-E review and instructions

In the 60s, the Krasnogorsk Mechanical Plant adhered to the concept of two parallel lines of cameras.
One line was supposed to consist of high-end cameras for professionals, the second - from simpler and cheaper models - for the mass consumer.
In 1965 as professional cameras KMZ has already mastered the production of cameras with central shutters based on Zenit-4.
It's time to take care of ordinary amateur photographers.
In this segment, then there was already a successful model - Zenit-3M.
This camera was very good, and even went well for export. But Zenit-3M still had a number of shortcomings, which it was decided to overcome.
Firstly, the new camera had to get a constant-sight drop-down mirror. It was a breakthrough, because still ALL Soviet DSLRs, incl. high class - had a sticky mirror.
Secondly, they decided to integrate a light meter into the new camera. This was also a breakthrough, because. embed a light meter in budget model it didn't work before. D…

FED-5 camera review and instructions

You can see the list of all reviews and articles on the blog map. The line of FED cameras began with the pre-war model, which was simply called "FED" without a digital index.

Next came the FED-S, -2, -3, -4 and, finally, -5 models in several versions. After the fifth model, the classic mechanical line was interrupted. Further, Kharkiv residents released several interesting automatic rangefinder cameras. But this was already at the very end of the Soviet photographic industry.

With all due respect to the brand, I, as a collector, consider the FED mechanical line, after all, not very interesting. Here is something from the machines I will definitely have in the future and write a review. But for now I only have mechanics.

In the collection, in addition to the first model, I included only the fifth - the final classic.

The line developed without any special highlights. Already the 3rd FED model had implementation options - quite modern look. With a trigger platoon and a wide range of shutter speeds. The 4th model received a light meter.

What was new in the 5th? And very little on its own ...

September 25th, 2014 01:35 am

Under the cut, not about the advantages of DSLRs or rangefinder cameras, about this full internet written out.
I'm talking about how to shoot with a DSLR with a rangefinder lens, well, if it happened that way.

I made two vintage lenses to fit on a micro 4/3 system.
The working length of the micro 4/3 is 20 mm.
Any lens with a long working distance can be put on micro 4/3 through an adapter.
You can put it with a smaller segment, through an adapter with a corrective lens.
So they put lenses from the zeniths M42, M39 and Canon on Nikon.
I do not consider these cases, a bad Chinese lens in the adapter negates the quality of the lens glass.
The lens that I made has an M42 mounting thread and through an M42 micro 4/3 adapter it can be put on a micro 4/3 camera.
The problem is that adapters are made for lenses with a working length of 45.5 mm.
M42 threaded lenses are all 45.5mm.
My lens is 25mm. But this is not a problem, you need to cut off 20.5 mm from the adapter. there will be 5mm + 20mm of micro 4/3 working length and everything will fit together.
But I want to take pictures on a mirror Nikon with a 46.5 mm segment.
And I have a 25 mm lens, it needs to be brought close to the matrix.
The question arises. What to steam? Well, take a picture on a rangefinder camera with a short segment.
Do you know a lot of full-frame rangefinder digital cameras?
We do not discuss the advantages of a full frame.
I know, but I don't have them, and buying for this experience would be bold.
Trying to shoot in LIVE VIEW mode.
In this mode, the mirror is raised all the time, the image from the matrix hits the screen.
During shooting, only the shutter is released.
If the design of the lens and camera allows you to bring the lens closer to the matrix, then you can shoot.

The lens block was unscrewed by 15 mm, plus the working length of the lens itself is 25 mm, totaling 40 mm, but 46.5 is needed.
But the design of the lens shaft does not allow you to drown the lens block as much as possible.
And this can no longer be fixed for this lens.
Although, if it was my very good watering can and I would make it for my Nikon, it would be possible to find a helicoid of a smaller outer diameter.

I took a couple of shots, the lens is not a 28 mm macro focus and there is no enlightenment at all.
He is generally from the camera.

But as it is, in the end, you can shoot on a DSLR with rangefinder lenses in live view mode, and if you're lucky, then there will be infinity.

Good luck with photography.

At the beginning of 2004, a prototype rangefinder digital camera was shown for the first time at the RMA exhibition. It was the R-D1 model from Epson. It supported Leica M and Leica L lenses. The first camera of this type produced an image of 3008 × 2000 pixels, similar to the then sensory "DSLRs". The design of the camera is very similar to the classic film device. The only visible difference was the display on the rear panel. Epson R-D1 saves images in RAW and JPEG formats. The maximum sensor sensitivity is ISO 1600. The development of new digital devices was based on non-digital analogue technologies, including Special attention appealed to rangefinder cameras Nikon, Contax and some other models. So the characteristics of the first "rangefinder" are very good. Having set a high level, subsequent models could not be worse.

Excellent technical specifications allow classifying cameras of this type as professional devices. These cameras may well compete with SLR cameras. Their first advantage is that all the disadvantages associated with the mirror up system are absent. And this, in turn, improves the quality of the shooting. Another advantage is the compactness of the devices and the possibility of using a folding lens. Although difficulties arise when working with these cameras. They are especially pronounced when using a telephoto lens or during macro photography.

It is worth dwelling on the advantages and disadvantages of rangefinders in more detail. Adding to all of the above, among the advantages are the following:

1) less noise during shutter operation;

2) the time from pressing the shutter to opening the shutter is shorter than for mirror devices, since it is not spent on raising the mirror;

3) more opportunities to shoot fast-moving events;

4) at the time of the picture, the viewfinder remains open, so it is possible to quickly detect defects and retake the frame;

5) in some rangefinder devices, the viewfinder field of view is wider than that of the lens, so framing is more accurate and convenient.

The disadvantages include the following points:

1) since the accuracy of the rangefinder is not enough, working with long-focus lenses is difficult;

2) due to the lack of a TTL exposure meter, shooting by mistake can be done with the lens cap closed;

3) for interchangeable lenses, you usually need to select viewfinders;

4) difficulties arise when working with filters, since the photographer cannot see the image through the lens. Many inconveniences arise in the case of using polarizing filters.

Many companies are engaged in the production of rangefinder digital cameras. The most famous of them is Lecia. Well-known Sony and Canon cameras are still not produced in the field of rangefinder technology.

It can be argued that Leica produces some of the most significant and prestigious cameras in the world. In this article, we will learn a little more about the magnificent Leica M9. The camera costs a lot of money, but as the manufacturers promise, in return you are provided with excellent image quality. First of all, Leica is a camera, a rangefinder, not a SLR, let's find out what that means.

So, what is meant by the term "rangefinder camera"?

This interesting concept gained its popularity in the early days of photographic technology. Rangefinders are known for their high focus accuracy, image quality that is orders of magnitude better than other cameras, fantastic performance, and a lightweight, miniature body.

How does a rangefinder work differently from a normal SLR or mirrorless camera?

The principle of the device of the rangefinder camera is fundamentally different from conventional cameras. To focus the rangefinder camera, rotate the lens distance ring until the split image is aligned in the viewfinder window. Thanks to this system, the camera provides high quality pictures taken at the maximum focusing distance.

Today, the M9 is rightfully considered the best rangefinder of our time. This camera has prepared some remarkable surprises for us. This article lists all essential qualities that may interest you when purchasing.

(module Yandex direct (7))

The M9 is the smallest camera of its kind, yet it is very practical and handy.
The camera weighs less than any telescopic DSLR lens
It is very easy to control the camera, the camera is able to work in almost any shooting conditions.
The camera is very simple menu. The camera settings menu has been simplified as much as possible for the most convenient use.
Nothing compares to build quality
Leica is a highly intelligent camera, if necessary, the rangefinder is able to set the ISO value independently, depending on the situation and the position of the lens.
Easy navigation, simple menu and rational placement of the most necessary buttons. Everyone, even a novice photographer, will cope with camera control.
The camera is great for shooting outdoors and in natural light.
The Leica M9 rangefinder is compatible with lenses that have been produced since 1954. Fully compatible with any optic of its kind.
Image resolution is 18 megapixels
Depending on the lens used, ISO can be in the range of 80-3200. Leica users will not need to use large values ISO, but even with a high sensitivity, the pictures will be clear and bright, with good color reproduction and without loss of detail.
The 21mm f/1.4 and 50mm f/0.95 lenses are made specifically for Leica. With such bright optics, the camera will be able to shoot in very low light without having to increase the ISO.
Automatic exposure, contrast, sharpness and color compensation
Quiet and fast work focusing will allow you to shoot without creating unnecessary sounds, remaining unnoticed.

Digital rangefinder Leica M9. Video reviews

Conclusion

A world-renowned manufacturer whose ability to create amazing cameras is undeniable, Leica will never let down or disappoint its users. The creators of M9 promise you won't miss a single one important point when taking pictures, as the focus is instantaneous and very accurate. The Leica M9 is like every photographer's dream - a full-frame camera that can take truly amazing photos, the size of a compact camera.
Whatever it was, but for the rangefinder Leica M9 you will have to pay, no more, no less - more than 6,500 dollars.

INTRODUCTION

The choice of cameras today is wider than ever, and depending on the design, they are divided into several categories - from single-lens SLR cameras(SLR cameras) to the latest, so-called "mirrorless" cameras. One of these categories - rangefinder cameras - form the basis of the Leica-M line ("M" here is the initial letter German word Messsucher - rangefinder). Let's take a look at the pros and cons of these cameras.

DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT

Rangefinder cameras are usually much smaller than SLR cameras (in modern terms, DSLRs are digital single-lens reflex cameras). There are two reasons. Firstly, rangefinder cameras do not have a pentaprism in the upper part of the body and there is no rather bulky mirror mount, as well as the mirror itself, inside the camera. Secondly, the lack of a mirror allows the use of much smaller lenses for the same performance. The difference in weight is less significant (at least when it comes to Leica cameras, especially with chrome lenses). When small, the camera and lens can feel unexpectedly heavy due to the extensive use of brass in their manufacture. Leica lenses in black are slightly lighter, as their frames are made of anodized aluminum. The chrome and black versions of the camera itself weigh the same since both are made of brass. Rangefinder cameras from other manufacturers, such as Bessa by Voigtländer or Ikon by Zeiss, weigh noticeably less than "DSLRs", since these companies make camera bodies from magnesium alloy, and it is much lighter than brass. So, when comparing the size and weight of SLR and rangefinder cameras, the latter, as a rule, win, but not always.

INVISIBLE AND QUIET

It is believed that rangefinder cameras are less visible than reflex cameras: due to small size they are not so conspicuous, they are easier to hide. It really depends on the shooting conditions. Yes, there are situations where a smaller camera really allows the photographer to go unnoticed. But in other circumstances, you will be immediately noticed, as soon as you raise any camera. Rangefinder cameras are not only smaller than DSLRs, they are also quieter. Both of these "pluses" are due to the same reason - the absence of moving parts of the mechanism for raising and lowering the mirror, as well as moving parts between the camera and the lens (for example, a diaphragm repeater or a jumping diaphragm mechanism). Of course, a rangefinder shutter does not work as quietly as a petal shutter, the sound of which you can hardly hear even if you listen carefully, but it is certainly quieter than the shutters of SLR cameras. When shooting on the street, in a church, in situations where it is desirable to remain unnoticed, this advantage can be decisive.

SHOOTING IN LOW LIGHT AND CAMERA VIBRATION

The absence of moving parts in the design of the rangefinder camera provides it with another advantage in addition to compactness and noiselessness. Moving parts cause the camera to vibrate (due to inertia and other reasons), for example, the rapid acceleration of the mirror at the beginning of the movement (in SLR cameras) or its even more vibrating rapid deceleration when stopped. In most cases, such vibration does not affect the quality of pictures, since the fast shutter speed ( short exposure) cancels out this effect. However, when shooting in low light conditions, when you have to choose slower shutter speeds (or when the camera is equipped with a telephoto lens), camera shake can become a problem. If you compare rangefinder cameras with cameras of other (non-SLR) designs, the difference will not be so noticeable. Both the leaf shutter cameras and mirrorless cameras are practically not subject to vibrations.

The focusing process in rangefinder cameras, on the one hand, is similar to the similar process in SLR cameras, on the other hand, it is fundamentally different from it. In the first SLR cameras, focusing was carried out using special wedges of the viewfinder focusing screen. Image focusing in rangefinder cameras occurs according to a similar principle - by combining two parts of the image. However, this is where the similarity ends.

Looking into the viewfinder of a rangefinder camera, you see a bright, sometimes rectangular, spot with a double image in the center of the screen. Focusing of the lens is carried out by combining the contours of the images either inside the area (image blending method) or along its border (image splitting method). With this approach, you can clearly see whether your subject is in focus or not. Any uncertainty is excluded. This is a very accurate and fast (with proper practice) way of focusing.

In most modern SLR cameras, the place of the old focusing screens with wedges and microprisms has long been taken by matte ones. But even with fast lenses that make focusing much easier, precise focusing often requires the use of special focusing screens. The trouble is that such screens, when using slow lenses, become too dark for accurate focusing (however, in this case, the usual matte screen also loses brightness). Now, with autofocus, this is not as critical as before. But try in the twilight, when autofocus is ineffective or too slow, to focus the lenses of rangefinder and SLR cameras - and you will immediately feel the difference. Unlike DSLRs, rangefinder cameras provide a bright image in the viewfinder with a wide angle of view. Regardless of the aperture ratio of the lens, it retains brightness and covers the scene being shot as much as possible. The latter is ensured by the presence of framing frames in the viewfinder field of view, showing the boundaries of the frame for lenses with different focal lengths. The longer the focal length of the lens, the more outside the frame you can see. This is the main advantage of a rangefinder camera: it makes it possible to follow an object outside the frame and, having accurately guessed the moment when it appears in the frame, press the shutter release. The optical axes of the viewfinder and the lens are spaced apart, so when cropping (especially “close”) there are small mismatches. Some rangefinder cameras have parallax corrected, but still framing accuracy is better with SLR cameras. The solution here is simple: when shooting, you should leave a margin along the borders of the frame, and not crop “end-to-end”. Another minus of rangefinder cameras: macro and telephoto lenses are “contraindicated” for them. Wide-angle lenses for rangefinder cameras are far superior in optical performance to similar lenses for SLR cameras, however, the use of macro and telephoto lenses (unless special adapters such as Macro Adapter M or Visoflex are used) is limited to a focal length of 135 mm.

FOCUS AND FRAME

The fundamental difference between a rangefinder and a reflex camera becomes especially obvious in the approach to the most crucial moments of shooting - framing and focusing. If you look at the object through the lens when shooting with a SLR camera, then in a rangefinder camera, a separate viewfinder is used for this, aimed parallel to the optical axis of the lens. This has both its pros and cons. In the case of an SLR camera, you can estimate the depth of field using the aperture repeater, see what your camera "sees". But what happens outside the frame is hidden from you, which means that when shooting a dynamic plot, you can miss the so-called “decisive moment”. Also, if you are using a non-fast lens, you will have to put up with a dark image in the viewfinder. Some experience a sensation of "tunnel vision" when framing with SLR cameras, especially the viewfinders of digital SLR cameras with a "cropped" matrix (as opposed to full-frame digital or film SLR cameras). Finally, note that the viewfinder of a rangefinder camera remains fully open at the moment the shutter is released, which compares favorably with the viewfinders of SLR cameras, image
in which it is blocked at this moment by a raised mirror.

LENS QUALITY

Speaking about lenses (in particular, wide-angle ones), it should be noted once again that there is no need to calculate and build retrofocus lenses for rangefinder cameras, due to the lack of a mirror. Therefore, the dimensions of rangefinder lenses are much smaller than those of mirror counterparts. The image quality of these lenses, including long lenses, is usually better, often even much better. As you know, lenses with fewer lenses always provide best quality Images. One of the most common dilemmas is "zooms" (zoom lenses) versus "fixes" (fixed focal length lenses). However, in this case, this dilemma is irrelevant: rangefinder cameras do not have zoom lenses in the usual sense of the word. Two Leica lenses come closest to the definition of a “zoom lens” - Medium Angle Tri-Elmar (MATE) and Wide Angle Tri-Elmar (WATE). They do not implement a smooth change mechanism. focal length, but there are simply three fixed values of it. So these are not classic "zooms", but rather, "three" fixes "in one."

All of the above does not mean that other manufacturers cannot produce high quality lenses. Surely they can, but the line of modern lenses from Leica and Zeiss is really something beyond! First of all, we are talking about Leica lenses, in the design and production of which all the most Hi-tech– from aspherical and floating elements of the optical block to special, with maximum refractive indices, glass for lenses. Almost all aberrations have been corrected in both Leica and Zeiss lenses, but this has been achieved different ways. Leica engineers use lenses with an aspherical surface in the optical block to simplify the optical design and reduce the number of lenses in the block. Zeiss engineers go the other way. When it comes to build quality for lenses and cameras, probably no manufacturer has yet surpassed Leica: the mechanics of lenses and cameras from this company are at the highest level. While most manufacturers use plastics and other high-tech materials, Leica still builds its cameras and lenses the old-fashioned way - from metal.

THE SIMPLICITY OF THE CAMERA AND THE PROFESSIONALISM OF THE PHOTOGRAPHER

The ease of use of rangefinder cameras is undeniable. Most of these cameras are purely mechanical - focusing the lens, setting the shutter speed and aperture on them are carried out manually. If you do not understand the basics of photography, then these cameras are not for you. However, many prefer semi- and full-automatic machines to have direct, simple and operational control over their camera. Rangefinder cameras do not offer any "technological crutches" - the burden of creating photographic masterpieces falls solely on the photographer. This forms a special mentality in people who shoot with a rangefinder (or simply completely mechanical) camera. Some say that the "hands-off" of the camera allows them to fully concentrate on creating images. Is a rangefinder camera right for you? Only you can decide this.

CONCLUSION

Ultimately, choosing the right camera for you depends primarily on what and how you like to shoot. There is no single correct recommendation. Of course, if most of your photos are taken with a macro or telephoto lens, if you work in a studio or constantly use a large set of filters, you will be more comfortable working with an SLR camera. But in genre photography, landscape photography, and even general everyday photography, a rangefinder camera is hard to beat, and it's worth considering.

A retrofocus lens is a class of lenses characterized in that the distance from the front optical surface to the rear focal plane is greater than the focal length, which allows designing a short throw lens with a large working distance. The need for such lenses appeared in connection with the advent of SLR cameras.

We thank our colleagues for the interesting and useful material about rangefinder cameras.

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