A rangefinder.....or do I remain with my Nikon F100?

[ballen.paul]

Hi,
I know that this is a very random thread, but I thought that it might be useful to get the advice of fellow Rangefinder Forum members, because I am sure that many of you had to make the same descision.

I 18 years, old and live in Johannesburg, South Africa. I have been brought up in a family that is very involved in the arts. My dad is quite a well known 'art' photographer by the name of Roger Ballen (www.rogerballen.com if you are interested).

From a young age, I was introduced to the art of black and white photography, and have been shooting for about 5 years now. I began shooting with a Canon EOS 300 which I began to find way to 'plasticky' and decided to get a much heavier and bukier Nikon F100, which I have really enjoyed using and mainly use the cheap but very sharp Nikon 50mm f/1.8.

Recently, I have begun to look into rangefinder, particularly Voigtlanders (R2A, because of the 35mm and 50mm framelines). Its seems like a beatifully built body and the lenses seem really nice. But I'm finding it difficult to make the final decsion of whether I should 'take the plunge' and buy one.

I know its not that expensive, but I cant figure out if a rangefinder is going to make a large contribution to my photography and whether using a rangefinder,changes you perspective on taking photographs. I know that it isnt the camera that makes the photograph, and I have been brought up knowing that, but it definately, helps you.

Any suggestions about what I do?

Thanks in advance,
Paul Ballen
[www.paulballen.blogspot.com] <-----some photographs are on this site

 

[leif e]

Why not keep the F100, a great camera, and look for a used rangefinder body/lens combo. I like my Canon P a lot, bought it cheaply. It has framelines for 100, 50 and 35. Great viewfinder. Lot of good lenses on the market - new Voigtländers and older originals, Leitzes and so on.
And; you can probably sell it for what you paid. Good luck!

 

[ocean7]

I second what Leif said. Why not keep your Nikon and at the same time try a Bessa? You'll then be able to see for yourself what it does to you. There are a lot of reasons why people move from SLR to RF so I believe you will have a lot of different points of view. From which you will conclude that it's all about personal experience!

I still have a lot of digital gear that I haven't used for months, but I'm not sure I am ready to sell it. I still need to see how I feel with a rangefinder in my everyday photographic life.

I must add that your work in your galleries is very interesting!

Cheers.

 

[KoNickon]

It's unanimous. Rangefinders are great, and you definitely should try them out, but an SLR is, let's face it, a more versatile camera. (Macro and telephoto come to mind.) And the F100 is a terrific camera. A Bessa R, a Canon P, maybe one of the Leica III series, all of which are M39 screw mount cameras, give you access to a lot of excellent lenses.

 

[Finder]

Yes, camera type does change the way I photograph. Sometimes is hinders it, and sometimes it helps. I find rangefinders are great for the way I like to work. But that does not mean you will like them.

Keep the F100 until you figure out the rangefinder works better for you. BTW, I use SLRs, TLRs, viewfinder, and view cameras. Each has their place.

 

[Dogman]

Hi, Paul.

What type of photography do you currently do? Others might disagree but, for me, a rangefinder is the classic "candid camera". It seems perfect for unposed people photographs. Not that it doesn't do other types of photography well, but it really excels at this.

SLRs are more versatile. If you have a wide range of interests and can make use of macro lenses, zooms and long telephotos, SLRs can cover the whole spectrum and also do pretty good for candid people pictures.

If you haven't used a rangefinder before, you might be daunted by the operation of focusing and framing compared to an SLR. I bought my first Leica M after years of using Nikon SLRs daily as a news photographer. I never got used to switching back and forth and eventually sold all the Leica gear because of the confusion. Years later, I started using Leicas and they work well for me.

Before jumping into trying something you may not like, can you borrow someone else's camera for a while? If not, how about locating a cheap used camera? An Olympus XA is a pretty fair little camera with a decent lens--but dim rangefinder patch--that can usually be found cheap. It's not in the arena of the Leica, Zeiss Ikon or Bessa but it will give you some idea of how a rangefinder operates and the uses to which you can put it.

Good luck.

 

[minoltist7]

I have 2 SLR bodies and enjoy them a lot.
but they have some drawbacks - bulky, heavy , and with big lens - somewhat intimidating to people.
It's good when you need to show off your equipment and make a statement - hey, I'm a photograph! But for candid shots RF is better suitable. So I consider Bessa as my second (actually fifth 🙂 ) camera, mainly for street photography.

ps. back to initial question. I would not get rid of SLR . as have been said, they are more versatile,
and in general, have more system options and accessories . SLR can be used in almost any shooting situations (portraiture,macro,lanscape,wildlife), while RF usability is more restricted to people and landscapes.

 

[oftheherd]

Interesting photos at the URL you listed!

As to your question, I am a little different that some in RFF. I don't vew 35mm RF cameras as the cat's meow. I don't even own an interchagable lens 35mm RF. I have a folder (Welta Weltini) that I rather like, and a Super Press 23 that I really like for its big negative.

My suggestion would be if you can afford to, keep the F100, try a RF and see if you like enough to keep. More importantly, do you wish to have both RF and SLR. You may note that many here have more than one type of camera, including TLRs and folders. And, they are used. There must be a reason for that, right?

Although cameras may have an allure to us because of looks, reputation or some other non-photographic reason, they are tools to get us a photograph we want. Only you can decide what works best for you in any given situation. I think you should experiment since you are now interested in RF, but don't give up you SLR until you are sure you can't stand the thought of a photo with them versus RF. And wait, you still have TLRs, folders, LF, fixed lens RF, and an array of other cameras to attract your attention. Try them as you are able to see if you like them, but don't fixate on them until you are sure.

Good luck in your search.

EDIT: BTW, I do also have SLR, and enjoy using them. Mostly some off-brands called Fujica and Yashica.

 

[pphuang]

As you can tell, cameras are a very personal thing. Only you can decides what's right for you. Buy used, and live with it for 6 months. If its not for you, you can sell without much of a loss. If you fall in love with the camera and the style of shooting, then God help you and your bank account 😀

 

[titrisol]

The F100 will serve you well for many years to come.
As it was said SLRS are best for telephoto and close up, but IMHO also for wide angles ( <20mm)

I think you'd better sell a kidney and keep the SLR 😉

 

[kalokeri]

First of all, welcome to rff, Paul.

If you like to try out wether a rangefindercamera can do something to the way you see the world or not, give it a try.

As Leif and Phillipe suggested you can start with a cheap one. After some time using it you will know if you like it or not. Maybe you have the chance to borrow or rent a rangefindercamera for a few days to get a first impression.

Considering a Bessa R2A is a good choice as are the CV lenses.

Thomas

 

[robert blu]

i have the F100 as well (and an FM2). Than I put a Bessa R beside (not too expensive) and now the RF set is completed with 12/35/75 mm lens. It is the most used because light (but I m getting old and do not like so much as years ago to tyravel with a large bag and many kgs) and simple to use. Results are excellent. But I still use the F100 for special occasin (need a tele) or sport photo, or some kind of landscape (again telelens). My suggestion is try to have them boh. A second hand bessa should be not to expensive.
rob

 

[mfogiel]

Paul,
do get a Bessa with the 35/2.5 lens. I know you are 18, so you have the muscles to lug your F100 around, but the RF is another story, above all it is a camera you will want to carry with you. For me the RF is a camera of choice in the 12-75mm range, beyond that and for macro, my FM3A takes over. An RF simply makes better images, for a number of reasons, you will see.

 

[vrgard]

I agree with some of the other comments about trying one out before you make any serious, long term commitments one way or another. My only further suggestion is to try something like a Canonet QL17 GIII rather than an Olympus XA. The XA has the small size advantage but is a bit more fiddly to use and I wouldn't want you to base your rangefinder decision on that. Welcome, good luck and let us know how things progress for you.

-Randy

 

[keithwms]

I have an F100; I have a bunch of RFs, they serve totally different functions. Working with a manual RF is different... on the whole it's not better and not worse, that's not the right way to think about it. It is a very different tool. For some tasks it is more appropriate than an SLR, while for other tasks the converse is true. They are complementary tools.

Sadly, fewer and fewer newcomers to photography are experiencing the differences between these tools- SLRs, RFs, TLRs, field and view cameras. Sounds like you are in a good position to get some new experience and explore the differences firsthand for yourself- that is great.

It's definitely good for your learning process to spend time with an RF and see if it doesn't give you a different perspective. It affects how you think about timing, how you think about your composition as part of a larger scene, how conscious you are of depth of field, how comfortable you feel using the camera in a street situation... many aspects to explore. Just realize that it is a different tool and give yourself time to learn how to use it.

I have some XAs and wouldn't really reocmmend them as starter cameras, they are a bit cramped for most hands. If you can, try out a 100% view bessa, r3a or such. There are a bazillion other options but that's what comes to mind for a beginner looking for a well-made but relatively inexpensive piece with a lot of potential to grow a good lens collection.

 

[MartinP]

Maybe a FED-2 or a Zorki-1 ? They are both cheap and easily available on the obvious auction-site, even with a cla.

 

[JNewell]

Echoing the comments above, an RF does fewer things well. *IF* your eye and brain work well with the direct viewfinder, the RF will do a few things much better than an SLR. IMO, however, the SLR will do everything at least passably. I'd be reluctant to sell the F100 to fund an RF. The advice about trying a Bessa is very good advice.

 

[Ororaro]

Well, I'm looking for an F100, so if somekind of trade for a Leica CL and 40mm lens is workable, send me a PM...

 

[gregg]

I pair my M6 using 35mm and 50mm lenses with a (gasp) D200 - a perfect combo for reporting and photo essays.

Sold my much loved F100 about 2 years ago after getting a DSLR and having the F100 sit in my bag unused too long.

Pairing an RF with a (D)SLR is a good choice if you have the funds. Light and quiet meets versatile and faster.

 

[ballen.paul]

Wow! I didnt expect such a response!
Thanks to you all for your advice. I really appreciate it!
I don't really intended selling my F100 at the moment, because I am really satisfied with the results that I am getting from it.

What happens if you want to use, say a 28mm lens on the R2A, how would you do it? I suppose you would need an external viewfinder, but then do you focus in the normal viewfinder?

How is the sharpness of Voigtlander lenses with comparison to Nikon lenses?

One of the problems I have with making this descision is because I live in South Africa, and I don't think its going to be very easy to get hold of one to try here. So I guess I will have to try it out next time I'm in the US.

Some of my work is on my blog ----- www.paulballen.blogspot.com

Thanks again,
Paul