Is RFF even relevant anymore?

[K14]

If RFF was just rangefinders it would have disappeared, though that base is what draws people in.

Think of our rangefinder guru TomA and the SLR cameras he used and would discuss with us. Also the films we would experiment with like Eastman XX, the soups we conjure up to develop them.

Even my 110 pictures are being posted here. I have to agree that it was the rangefinder that brought me here.

Gary

 

[oftheherd]

I know I am asking for my head to be chopped off, but I think we need to exam this question. With Nikon's Mirrorless announcement on one end and the onslaught of Algorithm based smartphones on the other end, is there anything left? As a Rangefinder forum, all we really have is expensive Leica M's and nostalgic rangefinders of old. Sure we have lots of sub forums for other rigs but are they really RF's or are we just trying keep the forum alive? I, for one, appreciate the content level of this forum and read it everyday (and contribute my fair share). So my real question, is are we becoming obsolete? Do we care? Is the photog world leaving us in the dust of our film day memories? Written with respect and request for spirited reflection and lively discourse. Please no flaming.😎

Sorry, it just seems like a silly question. Look at how this site has grown, both in membership and topics covered. No lack of interest of all aspects of photography that I can see. When new stuff comes along, and reaches a sufficient base, it is just absorbed. Good for everybody.

 

[aizan]

RFF has experienced “scope creep” as alternatives developed and members explored different types of cameras in their own photography. The community welcomed the changes and adopted an inclusive policy for non-rangefinder camera discussion.

The Rangefinder Renaissance may be over, and most discussions on RFF might not be about rangefinders, but the forum still works as an online “third place.” Is it perfect? No. Is it good enough? Yes, usually. These days, I like that it’s an online forum since I deleted Facebook after the Cambridge Analytica scandal. The occasional flame wars and trollish people are tolerable. 😀

It would be interesting to do a survey on why members old and new participate on RFF, or why they left.

 

[jsrockit]

I think most of us came from using rangefinders or at least came here first to learn about rangefinders. I think what truly changed this forum was Mirrorless. It was a true alternative to Leica digital cameras. For film, nothing has changed except that it seems to be another lull in film Leica M craziness. It always comes back around though... it`s just cyclical.

 

[Jamie Pillers]

Lets just change the name of the site. We could have a contest to pick the new name! 😛

I'll start: "LeicaIsDead.com"

 

[rfaspen]

RFF is very relevant to me. The world is a better place for it.

 

[Matthew Runkel]

“Excuse me but I joined RFF in 2006 and have never quit this forum.“

I think he means you appear to have stopped using rangefinder cameras.

I have been an RFF partipant—reader and very occasional poster—almost since inception. It has been a great source of information and continues to be. There have always been many alternative gear choices. The site’s relevance is stable for those interested in rangefinder equipment generally and Leica specifically.

 

[NickTrop]

Off with his head!

 

[Robert Lai]

Back from 2000 to 2006, I was very active on photo.net. Then it went wierd, and very negative. People used to rage against each other over trivialities. I remember back when film was still commonly used how people would argue about how some particular emulsion was garbage because it wouldn't render purple flowers properly (due to UV reflectance?).

As a refuge away from this craziness, and with the purchase of a Leica IIF, I entered the RFF world. It has been a pleasant place, with people who can discuss love of these old film cameras (and new ones too), without someone always starting a war on why these all belong in the landfill since digital is now the true and only way and etc., etc., etc....

We do discuss a lot about rangefinders here, but there is plenty of activities regarding SLRs, medium format cameras, and even some large format. I view this site as a rangefinder friendly, general photographic information forum.

 

[kshapero]

Back from 2000 to 2006, I was very active on photo.net. Then it went wierd, and very negative. People used to rage against each other over trivialities. I remember back when film was still commonly used how people would argue about how some particular emulsion was garbage because it wouldn't render purple flowers properly (due to UV reflectance?).

As a refuge away from this craziness, and with the purchase of a Leica IIF, I entered the RFF world. It has been a pleasant place, with people who can discuss love of these old film cameras (and new ones too), without someone always starting a war on why these all belong in the landfill since digital is now the true and only way and etc., etc., etc....

We do discuss a lot about rangefinders here, but there is plenty of activities regarding SLRs, medium format cameras, and even some large format. I view this site as a rangefinder friendly, general photographic information forum.

My Forum travels are quite the same. And yes I enjoy this being my main home for all things Photo oriented.

 

[kshapero]

Lets just change the name of the site. We could have a contest to pick the new name! 😛

I'll start: "LeicaIsDead.com"

Well that's not close to being accurate. How about: LeicasaretooexpensiveForum. 😀

 

[BillBingham2]

.....all positive and thoughtful comments are welcome here.

I'm positive you were NOT flaming.

To answer the Original Question, H3LL YES RFF is relevant!

While it started out as a forum focused on Rangefinders it has grown organically to include many different styles of cameras and photography. As other sites have looked to monetize themselves our wonderful Head Bartender has avoided it materially impacting the member experience.

The OM-X, the original Un-Rangefinder might have opened the door and every sort of question, idea, approach around photography is welcome. Other places focus on a much narrower space and a few even want cash.

I see questions about wet process, dry process, large format, old glass, self-CLA, everything here and LOVE IT!!!

This is THE place were experienced and new can all hang out, share ideas, successes and failures so everyone can get better.

Thank you Stephen.

B2 (;->

 

[gb hill]

How many are actually shooting a rangefinder anymore?

 

[BillBingham2]

Well that's not close to being accurate. How about: LeicasaretooexpensiveForum. 😀

How about DamnNewLeicasAreTooExpensiveForum (aka DNLATEF).

Or IDoNotWantAnotherMorrgageOnMyHouseToAffordANewLeica (aka IDNWAMOMHTAANL)


B2 (;->

 

[kshapero]

How about DamnNewLeicasAreTooExpensiveForum (aka DNLATEF).

Or IDoNotWantAnotherMorrgageOnMyHouseToAffordANewLeica (aka IDNWAMOMHTAANL)


B2 (;->

LOL, that could work. 😀

 

[leica M2 fan]

RFF continues to thrive as much or more than when I first started here 13 years ago.
It will continue to evolve and thrive. Let's not forget all the work done by Stephen and
Jorge to improve the site. Also kudos to the Mods who keep a rein on the goings on here.
Thanks to everyone!

 

[Michael Markey]

…. and lets not forget you too ,Tony.

You do more than your share of keeping things moving along on here .

 

[maggieo]

I think of RFF kind of like a Jazz discussion board- we may not be the IT THING, but we are still vital and evolving artists, doing important work.

 

[NY_Dan]

I think there's added relevance if you like the following:
1) Shooting film
2) Mechanical cameras
3) Latest offerings from Fuji, Leica, and others
4) Street photography
5) Classified listings
6) Grabbing a beer at your local RFF meeting
7) Reading my lame ass posts

8-10) My main reason is reading Calzone's Hunter-Thompsonesque tales of heroism in the face of insanity

 

[Nigel Meaby]

The prices of used film rangefinders (and most film cameras) continue to steadily rise. This occurs due to scarcity and demand. The demand indicates that little has changed regarding the relevance of rangefinders and in turn this forum.