dct
perpetual amateur
I'm also interested. In a new edition, possibly as e-book.
Roger Hicks
Veteran
Well, I've started work on it. There's even more work involved than I thought, though it's doable.
I'm inclined to drop ANYTHING autofocus, film or digi, except as a mention in passing (or perhaps with a short chapter of their own): I'd stick true rangefinder and scale-focus only. The problem is, you can stick a viewfinder on any number of autofocus cameras, and a few are even sold with viewfinders built in. Are readers of such a book really interested in NEXs and the like? The short chapter (if I did it that way) would mention Contax, Fuji X100 et seq and anything else that looks (and to some extent handles) like a true RF.
On the other hand there'd be digital RFs and quite a bit more on lenses.
Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.
Cheers,
R.
I'm inclined to drop ANYTHING autofocus, film or digi, except as a mention in passing (or perhaps with a short chapter of their own): I'd stick true rangefinder and scale-focus only. The problem is, you can stick a viewfinder on any number of autofocus cameras, and a few are even sold with viewfinders built in. Are readers of such a book really interested in NEXs and the like? The short chapter (if I did it that way) would mention Contax, Fuji X100 et seq and anything else that looks (and to some extent handles) like a true RF.
On the other hand there'd be digital RFs and quite a bit more on lenses.
Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.
Cheers,
R.
Pickett Wilson
Veteran
Anything on digital will quickly become dated. On the other hand, you can update an ebook as cameras change.
dct
perpetual amateur
If I had to look for the cameras which might interest RF aficionados, without beeing real mechanical RF cameras, I would just look at the top threads in this forum. 
Roger Hicks
Veteran
Both true. My feeling, though, is that some stuff is on a fairly long time-base and worth updating (Ms above all); some will be used as long as it functions (e.g.. Contax G and Epson R-D1); and some is on a short cycle will be forgotten as soon as it is discontinued; sometimes, even before. Also, quite honestly, I wonder how many people feel as I do: that small, often ugly cameras without viewfinders, but with an accessory shoe, are not really worth talking about in such a book.
Cheers,
R.
Teuthida
Well-known
Not interested in anything digital. "rangefinder" to me connotes a mechanical film camera.
Not familiar with your books, but can't see the utility of a digital update for the reasons previously cited I.e. the digital product cycle is so short your book would be obsolete on arrival.
Not familiar with your books, but can't see the utility of a digital update for the reasons previously cited I.e. the digital product cycle is so short your book would be obsolete on arrival.
dct
perpetual amateur
To become more specific on the gear discussed then this post here
These are my personal priorities, of course I will read the other chapters too!
- 135 film RF bodies with interchangeable lens mount including the compatible bodies up to the latest Leica, Voigtländer and Zeiss models. Would like to see the Contax G models also in, without discussing again this topic...
- 135 film RF bodies with fixed lens. Maybe the IR RF system of the Hexar AF is also mentioned...
- digital RF bodies: Leica and Epson
- Regarding the starting year: The older the better, but I'm mostly interested in cameras after WWII
- digital camera bodies with some correlation to the analog RF idea (usability and controls, viewfinder, useful with M mount adapters)
kshapero
South Florida Man
agree agree agree
Roger Hicks
Veteran
Thanks for the input, but equally, do you not suspect that completely ignoring true rangefinder cameras with digital sensors (Epson, Leica) would make it even more instantly outdated? After all, it's a book about rangefinder cameras, not film cameras.
Cheers,
R.
Roger Hicks
Veteran
dct
perpetual amateur
hear! hear!
Had a discussion on the RX-1 a couple of days ago and my counterpart stated "this Sony is the true successor of the Hexar AF!". I suppose, because it is build around a true FF sensor, fixed 35mm lens, etc. Agreed, but, hey: Without a VF?
If I'm looking for a successor I would point to the X100 (even though it uses only an APS-C sensor).
one90guy
Well-known
Another vote for a e book.
Godfrey
somewhat colored
Sure, go for it Roger. PDF is better for books with lots of graphic content, so I'd go that way unless it is mostly textual information.
Most of my reading material is epub, kindle and PDF books nowadays, read using the iPad 2. Paper books are nice if you have a lot of high quality photos, but if I'm reading for content only, ebooks are much more convenient and useful.
Most of my reading material is epub, kindle and PDF books nowadays, read using the iPad 2. Paper books are nice if you have a lot of high quality photos, but if I'm reading for content only, ebooks are much more convenient and useful.
KoNickon
Nick Merritt
Any camera without a proper OPTICAL viewfinder should not be in scope, I think. Now -- will there be any proper "bricks and mortar" book store left when it comes out?
hear! hear!
Had a discussion on the RX-1 a couple of days ago and my counterpart stated "this Sony is the true successor of the Hexar AF!". I suppose, because it is build around a true FF sensor, fixed 35mm lens, etc. Agreed, but, hey: Without a VF?
If I'm looking for a successor I would point to the X100 (even though it uses only an APS-C sensor).
Excellent project, Roger! An ebook can be more convenient than print. PDF format would be very widely readable. Expect I'd buy one...
As to hardware inclusiveness, I suggest your "direct view" category. With rational exceptions. Add-on viewfinders don't make the grade, I think, as that could qualify anything. OTOH, that exclusion would deny a place for current Alpas wouldn't it...
KarlG
Established
I would certainly be interested in an e-book. I've followed your site and quite enjoy your writing style (though I've not come across the book until now). I would defnitely be interested in buying the book if it were in an electronic format (PDF preferred).
Roger Hicks
Veteran
Here's a REALLY good 'rational exception': the Bessa-T. Rangefinder, no built-in viewfinder. For that matter, there are things like the ZI SW. If it's film (or dual purpose, like Alpa for Fotoman DMax), I'll lean towards including it; if it's digi, I'll lean towards excluding it.Excellent project, Roger! An ebook can be more convenient than print. PDF format would be very widely readable. Expect I'd buy one...
As to hardware inclusiveness, I suggest your "direct view" category. With rational exceptions. Add-on viewfinders don't make the grade, I think, as that could qualify anything. OTOH, that exclusion would deny a place for current Alpas wouldn't it...
Cheers,
R.
Roger Hicks
Veteran
Do others agree with this? I mean, it's what I thought, but what is the opinion of those who know more about e-publishing than I?
And thanks to everyone who has taken the time to offer encouragement. I've pretty near finished the text of Chapter 1, but pics and layout take longer than writing. There's rather more in it than in the first addition: more history (some of it lifted from my A History of the 35mm Still Camera, Focal Press, 1984), more about lens 'character'...
Cheers,
R.
Teuthida
Well-known
No! Give me a book I can hold in my hands, read in the bathtub, put on my shelf for reference.
ColSebastianMoran
( IRL Richard Karash )
Yes, absolutely !!