Are Rangefinders Still the Best Tool for Steet Photography? - The Nikon D5000

[nightfly]

What if you wanted to go wider, say 28-35mm equivalent? The 50 field of view is a bit too tight for street for me. Are there some good lenses that will get you there that aren't giant?

 

[emraphoto]

24mm f2.8 is a charm
20mm f2.8

 

[andredossantos]

TLR's are my preferred cameras precisely because of the waist level viewing and how discreet it is. I'll always prefer them and will never sell my rolleis.

Heresy I know but I'm considering dumping all my 35mm gear and buying a DSLR. It's pretty neat that swivel out screens are a new feature. I've been pondering this question for the past couple days so I enjoyed the OP.

 

[peterm1]

I do not find much difference between camera types and happily switch between Leica M's, Leica LTMs and digital SLRs depending on my mood. Someone mentioned TLRs - I have not used one for this purpose but must admit that the waist level viewing method is potentially interesting. I used a Nikon SLR with waist finder recently and was pleasantly surprised at the sense of 3D that it gives compared with an eye level prism finder or rangefinder.

 

[Sparrow]

I do not find much difference between camera types and happily switch between Leica M's, Leica LTMs and digital SLRs depending on my mood. Someone mentioned TLRs - I have not used one for this purpose but must admit that the waist level viewing method is potentially interesting. I used a Nikon SLR with waist finder recently and was pleasantly surprised at the sense of 3D that it gives compared with an eye level prism finder or rangefinder.

Yes, but then you have skill and talent, where are the photos Nikon thing?

 

[peterm1]

Yes, but then you have skill and talent, where are the photos Nikon thing?

Very kind of you to say so, I would not have thought of myself as such - I still learn every day.

I don't have any shots from the Nikon yet.

When I say sense of 3D I mean through the finder of course just to clear up any potential for misunderstanding.

On considered reflection though, perhaps its because when shooting with a waist level finder thru an SLR somehow the shallow DOF of a fast'ish lens is more apparent than when viewed in other ways(like through a prism finder) and perhaps you just would not get that with a TLR as you are not viewing through the taking lens. Not sure as I have never shot with a TLR.

 

[NickTrop]

I'm doing it on the cheap....D40 ! - same size camera, but that articulated screen is tempting!....where's that piggy-bank gone! 😀

Dave - if interested, look for one of the Nikon refurbed ones from the early production runs. I bought mine for $470 (body). That's 'round D40 price, though you'll have to spring for a lens.

You can, however, shoot with a Nikon AF lens, like the 50 f1.8 AF. They'll meter but not auto focus. This camera has a "rangefinder" mode that's supposed to help with manual focus. Don't have any old Nikon glass (first Nikon) so I can't testify to how well it works or not. But the old Nikon class is pretty cheap with the 50 AF's going for around $50 or so, used.

 

[NickTrop]

When it comes down to it, just about anything will do - with the understanding that when we buy a digital camera body, we are in a sense buying the film. The D300/90/5000 family presents about the best you can get in crop-sensor (emulsion) and will allow you to take color photos in light that you simply wouldn't have considered ten years ago.

True. The low light capabilities is something I'm discovering since getting this thing... Agree in full. If you pixel peep? Yes, disappointment. If you just look at the picks like a normal person? They're fine. I won't flame you, they're better it pains me to say than (gulp) high speed film, esp. color.

Below is an example, taken at dusk.

 

[NickTrop]

Gordon is the one that get's it! but I understand you starting a thread wishing to justify the D5000 as a good street camera. To me street photography & B&W go hand n hand & as far as comparing B&W images from a digital camera I seriously doubt the D5000 can even or top the RD-1.

Shoot color, Photoshop it. Lots of good stuff out there - tutorials, emulation programs, plug ins etc. 1/2 my digitals or more are converted. Exposure 2 by Alien Skin is quite good too though pricey.

 

[Sparrow]

Shoot color, Photoshop it. Lots of good stuff out there - tutorials, emulation programs, plug ins etc. 1/2 my digitals or more are converted. Exposure 2 by Alien Skin is quite good too though pricey.

So why are you posting this poor stuff in support of your case?

 

[NickTrop]

What's "poor" about it? Composition and boring subject matter not withstanding, there's no "pride of authorship" with these. They're just snaps. I think I've taken around 100 frames since I got the thing. For black and white, I would defy you to tell the difference in a print. For the lower light one, that would have been a grainy mess with Fuji 1600 given the lighting conditions.

 

[Sparrow]

What's "poor" about it? Composition and boring subject matter not withstanding, there's no "pride of authorship" with these. They're just snaps. I think I've taken around 100 frames since I got the thing. For black and white, I would defy you to tell the difference in a print. For the lower light one, that would have been a grainy mess with Fuji 1600 given the lighting conditions.

So what? the image it portraits is poor! and anyway how is some old bloke in a chair is "street" ... you talk street where is it? come on post some of this work, or is it all just that; all talk?

 

[Ruby]

So what? the image it portraits is poor! and anyway how is some old bloke in a chair is "street" ... you talk street where is it? come on post some of this work, or is it all just that; all talk?

Feel the love.

 

[Sparrow]

Feel the love.

I love street, and I can do it, ya man nick is all mouth

are you or your soul-mate going to post anything worthwhile? or is it just alll talk and provocation?

 

[emraphoto]

your a funny guy stewart.

 

[Sparrow]

your a funny guy stewart.

I really do hope that is a compliment, because I admire your work very much

 

[NickTrop]

LOL - somebody's pissed. Nice work Sparrow.

 

[Sparrow]

LOL - somebody's pissed. Nice work Sparrow.

Me? I think not ... where are these your photos yours btw

 

[NickTrop]

So what? the image it portraits is poor! and anyway how is some old bloke in a chair is "street" ... you talk street where is it? come on post some of this work, or is it all just that; all talk?

We were talking about black and white emulation, of which the old bloke was an example of the 100'er so frames I shot. (Do note that was the 46th frame based on the jpg name the camera gives it...) I didn't say it was "street". However, this is a good tool for it, along with candids... Better than a traditional RF? Dunno... I'm just askin. Is this something to get bent all out of shape over? Are you okay? Bad day or something? Miss your meds? Hung over? Take it easy, ya hear? Don't let your blood pressure go up over what somebody posts on a thread... And why are you so obsessed with me anyway? - and by the way, I was "being kind" in my "nice work" comment. I didn't want to further upset you, as you appear too thin skinned for any real criticism.

 

[Krzys]

I agree with Sparrow. Show some street photos that you took with your picanator 5000 and wow me.