dreamsandart
Well-known
Just wondering how many folks here are using Nikon rangefinders along with other rangefinders; Leica, Canon... and how they find using both systems?
VinceC
Veteran
I've used Nikon alongside Kiev (actually, the Kiev led me into Nikon). Haven't used Canon or Leica. I didn't want to get involved in multiple types of mounts and liked the idea that the Nikon RF controls echo the Nikon SLR controls.
I've just started with a Nikon rangefinder. I shot with Leica for years but don't have one now.
I also have a Zeiss Ikon on order. I expect to use it the most down the road.
-Rob
I also have a Zeiss Ikon on order. I expect to use it the most down the road.
-Rob
dreamsandart
Well-known
As for myself, I've used Leicas 'since the beginning' and just got an SP limited. Its a really wonderful camera but have not used it enough to get the hang of Nikon Rangefinder use yet. I'm wondering if its going to be worthwhile and if I can justify having fun with both systems. On the Nikon plus side I love the true 1:1 flare-free finder (great with both eyes open unlike the M3s slightly less than life-size magnification), its exceptional built quality, its a really beautiful camera 
, and the new 35/50 Nikkor lenses are tops (haven't done a side-by-side to say they are 'better' than my 35 Summicron/Summilux or the 50 pre-ASPH Summilux but am very impressed so far).
On the positive AND negative side I like the handling as well as my Leicas but will it become second nature in use as my Leicas? Besides the fact 'I want it', is a second system worth having? Maybe time will tell, but fishing for thoughts and experience here.
, and the new 35/50 Nikkor lenses are tops (haven't done a side-by-side to say they are 'better' than my 35 Summicron/Summilux or the 50 pre-ASPH Summilux but am very impressed so far).On the positive AND negative side I like the handling as well as my Leicas but will it become second nature in use as my Leicas? Besides the fact 'I want it', is a second system worth having? Maybe time will tell, but fishing for thoughts and experience here.
furcafe
Veteran
I'm a (minor) collector as well as a user, so Nikons are only 1 of many 35mm & medium format RFs I shoot with. I don't find switching between systems to be a big problem. Since all RFs operate pretty much the same way, it only takes a minute or so to adjust, ranging from zero when using a Contax RF to perhaps an extra minute for an oddball like the B&H Foton (or 1 of the 120 folders where I have to remind myself to cock the shutter). The only RF system I haven't been able to use easily is the Voigtlander Prominent, though I'm sure if I used nothing else for a few days I'd get used to it, too.
I have more of a transition problem when using SLRs along w/the RFs (mainly the "surprise" of the mirror blackout for the 1st few shots). In fact, I enjoy using a variety of cameras. Shooting w/only 1 system would be extremely boring & they're mostly just toys, anyway. If I absolutely need to minimize distractions, e.g., I'm being paid for a shoot, I'll make sure to use broadly compatible "operating systems" (e.g., a Nikon RF w/a Contax RF or a Leica w/an appropriate Contax RF-Leica adapter so that the focus direction is the same).
I have more of a transition problem when using SLRs along w/the RFs (mainly the "surprise" of the mirror blackout for the 1st few shots). In fact, I enjoy using a variety of cameras. Shooting w/only 1 system would be extremely boring & they're mostly just toys, anyway. If I absolutely need to minimize distractions, e.g., I'm being paid for a shoot, I'll make sure to use broadly compatible "operating systems" (e.g., a Nikon RF w/a Contax RF or a Leica w/an appropriate Contax RF-Leica adapter so that the focus direction is the same).
dreamsandart said:
N
Nikon Bob
Guest
No problem switching between Nikon. Leica, Fed, Kiev, Contax and other fixed lens RFs. Using an SLR or digital is easy too. Variety is fun.
Bob
Bob
MikeL
Go Fish
I use both, although I can't say that lately. My M4 has been collecting dust. Occasionally I'll bring out the VC 35mm Nokton for low light with friends and family, but as Raid probably noticed the Beast has seen little use. Switching between systems hasn't been much of a problem. Spend enough time with either and it's like riding a bike. It helps that with slow stuff I use the thumb wheel.
The main draw for me is the 1:1 finder. Is miss the patch definition, brightness, and parallax correction on the M4, but it's hard to go back to the 0.72 finder. I've played around with the M3, I tried the magnifier. Nothing helped.
I kinda miss using the pre-asph summilux for it's smoothness, but the Millenium 50 is more lens than I know what to do with. I'll never sell the M4 and summilux, but the VC 35mm Nokton will likely go at some point.
The main draw for me is the 1:1 finder. Is miss the patch definition, brightness, and parallax correction on the M4, but it's hard to go back to the 0.72 finder. I've played around with the M3, I tried the magnifier. Nothing helped.
I kinda miss using the pre-asph summilux for it's smoothness, but the Millenium 50 is more lens than I know what to do with. I'll never sell the M4 and summilux, but the VC 35mm Nokton will likely go at some point.
Last edited:
back alley
IMAGES
i discovered that i am more comfortable using only one mount.
having the contax, the nikon and m mount cameras was not for me.
i think i would have eventually gotten used to the handling of the nikon/contax but it was a bit much for me with gloves on.
having 2 completely different cameras but with the same mount (zi/r4m) seems to very much agree with me.
joe
having the contax, the nikon and m mount cameras was not for me.
i think i would have eventually gotten used to the handling of the nikon/contax but it was a bit much for me with gloves on.
having 2 completely different cameras but with the same mount (zi/r4m) seems to very much agree with me.
joe
It's a nice finder isn't it. Glad to hear you're enjoying using this fine piece of equipmentdreamsandart said:
I've only used Nikon RFs so cannot compare to other RF systems, but like some (most?) others here I do have Nikon SLRs that I use a lot. Couldn't imagine being without either system now
Jon
Last edited:
BillBingham2
Registered User
I have a Nikon S2 system and a Leica system. I use both, but not at the same time. I've never had a big trouble switching from system to system. Not sure why, perhaps it's because when I was High School I shot with lots of different formats and systems in addition to my own.
B2 (;->
B2 (;->
Tom A
RFF Sponsor
I mainly use M's for my shooting, but as a change of pace I have a "accumulation" of Nikon Rf's. The M's have been a mainstay for close to 50 years. The Nikon's are a more erecent affliction. The fact that you have a longer "throw" on the focus and that they turn "backwards" forces me to think and plan the shot a bit more. I also find that due to the long "throw" it is easier to get precise focus, particularly in close and wide-open situations.
As for other "systems" - several Nikon F's and 3 Leicaflexes (a Standard 1, a Standard 2 and a black paint SL Mot. The "flexe's" are mainly used as close up cameras with either a 60 Macro Elmarit, a 100 Apo-Macro 2.8 and for a more long view, a 180 Apo-Telyt f3.4 as well as shared ownership of a 400/560 f5.6 Telyt.
There is also a Fed with a 53/f2.8 and a Periflex III stuck in the cabinet.
Yesterday I got a "Kalimar 66" with three lenses from a friend. Nice grey paint and matching case as well as a wide 52mm lens and a short tele 135/4. Now I have to go out and get some 120 film! Oh. I almost forget, a Bessaflex with a 50/4 Macro Takumar.
As for other "systems" - several Nikon F's and 3 Leicaflexes (a Standard 1, a Standard 2 and a black paint SL Mot. The "flexe's" are mainly used as close up cameras with either a 60 Macro Elmarit, a 100 Apo-Macro 2.8 and for a more long view, a 180 Apo-Telyt f3.4 as well as shared ownership of a 400/560 f5.6 Telyt.
There is also a Fed with a 53/f2.8 and a Periflex III stuck in the cabinet.
Yesterday I got a "Kalimar 66" with three lenses from a friend. Nice grey paint and matching case as well as a wide 52mm lens and a short tele 135/4. Now I have to go out and get some 120 film! Oh. I almost forget, a Bessaflex with a 50/4 Macro Takumar.
b_en
User
I use both nikon rf and leica m and nikon f. Right now the nikon rf stuff is being used and leica m is on standby-this will change again I'm sure. The F stuff is for telephoto stuff.