Rangefinder/Distance meter

[Findus]

Dear all,

I hope you can help... I have a wonderful camera, a Balda Super Baldina, which I dearly love. However, this camera does not have an inbuilt, coupled rangefinder, just a plain window, so I have to guess the distance. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't 🙄

I was wondering if you could recommend me some sort of "distance meter" that I can attach to the accessory shoe.

Thank you very much in advance!

Sandra

 

[Photo_Smith]

You could try a 'human rangefinder' I made my own:

http://photo-utopia.blogspot.co.uk/2010/07/human-rangefinder.html

 

[Rodchenko]

Watameters seem to be cheap on the 'bay. I seem to have two. As well as a Smena (which, while not exactly pretty, is remarkably accurate) and a Voigtlander.

The Voigtlander has the combination of looks and practicality, but prices reflect this. And, quite frankly, I can estimate distances reasonably well.

 

[oftheherd]

Or you could check local photo stores, Craigslist (or its equivalent), or ebay, for an accessory rangefinder that would fit in the flash shoe (if you camera has one). If you don't have a flash shoe, it can be carried in your pocket or on a cord around your neck.

You should also work on estimating distance. I have always been pretty good at it having had to learn when very young and using a Welta Welti and a 9x12 camera. You can also close down the aperture for greater depth of field.

Sorry if you know all the above already, but I don't know your level of knowledge.

EDIT: I see Rodchenko has already recommended a rangefinder, and given you good advice on which ones might work well for you.

 

[Findus]

Thank you all! I will definitely give the 'human rangefinder' a try! Sounds good!

I placed a bid on a Watameter at eBay. In October, there will be a camera fair here in Berlin where I might look, too.

My camera has a flash shoe, yes.

I like working with open apertures, selective, narrow DOF, that's why precise focussing is important to me.

Working with the Balda is quite a different, refreshing experience for me. For years, I have been working with SLRs, TLRs, mostly medium format and also large format and applying the Zone System. Now with the Balda, I am guessing exposure and distances and it feels great! Rangefinders are new to me; I never handled a coupled RF, but the Balda is so much fun that I am seriously considering an M2 or M3 or so.

 

[rhl-oregon]

+1 on the Watameter. Should be easy to find in Germany. I have one for my scale focus cameras for critical focus issues (shooting wide open / close range). It fits my Rollei 35s perfectly. Also a good tool for confirming your progress in 'human RF' skill.

 

[TXForester]

You could try a 'human rangefinder' I made my own:

http://photo-utopia.blogspot.co.uk/2010/07/human-rangefinder.html

Nice idea. I'd improve on the idea by attaching a string of specific length with a knot in the end to hold in your teeth. Same as the tools below.

That is a Cruiser's Crutch. Similar principle to the card, but you only use one eye. It doesn't measure distance like the card. But for the card and the tool to have some level of accuracy and precision they have to be held at the correct distance from the eye. The field of view between the marks on the card, and the tool, varies with distance from the eye. The chain ensures you do that.

Accuracy of the card will vary with arm length unless you find a way to hold the card the right distance from the eye. For munchkins like me, that may be straight-arm and locked elbow. If you are NBA material, you probably will bend the arm to some degree. That is the point of adding a string to the card. Not knowing the distance between marks on the card, you will have to experiment to determine correct string length.

 

[Findus]

Thank you once again for your input - much appreciated!

I just 'won' the Watameter at epray and look forward to using it.

BTW, the lens of the Balda gives a very 'dreamy' effect, which works wonderfully for my lith prints and the visual effect I am looking to achieve 🙂
AFAIK, the lens has 3 elements and is uncoated. It is collapsible and built-in. Love it!

OK, thanks again, everyone! 🙂

 

[Findus]

A little follow-up: I received the Watameter and it is sweet 🙂 So much fun! Focusing is smooooth!!

Thank you!