Rangefinder holding

[GrAfFiT]

Newbie warning.

Well I picked up a Yashica GSN one month ago and used it a lot. I was wondering about one thing. What is the traditionnal/usual/optimal hold for rangefinders ?
I've been using SLRs for a very long time and am very adapted to the SLR hold; right hand on the big grip, left wrist right under the camera, palm holding the zoom ring and fingers on the focus ring; left eye in the viewfinder. This and grip on top for portrait hold.
I've been using my rangefinder the exact same way and came through some ergonomics problems. It's ok in landscape orientation, though I must take care not to put a finger of my right hand in front of the lightmeter. It gets much more problematic with portrait orientation. when I use the right side on top orientation, my left hand is just in front of the viewfinder.. I must turn my left hand very awkwardly to prevent this and it's not practical at all. If I use the left side on top orientation (that I sometimes do with my SLR), my left hand is palm on top focusing but I must either only leave three fingers of my right hand on the shutter release corner of the camera or put it awkwardly to have a palm-camera contact, but in this position I seem to lose a lot of stability when releasing the shutter.
I also heard about the Contax hold (which I don't understand very well) and saw that some people can hold and focus with one (right) hand..
So is it me ? All rangefinders ? The Yashica GSN ?

By the way, if you didn't understand my physical description (thing that I can understand), I hold my camera the exact way as shown in my avatar, except for one finger that is supposed to be on the shutter release.

Thank you for helping the rangefinder newbie 🙂

 

[sf]

You hold it how you feel most comfortable holding it. . . . .there is no "proper" way to hold a camera. Just have to remember not to block the lens or VF with your fingers.

 

[RayPA]

I think the way you're holding the camera in your avatar is the proper method, primiarily because if you were to hold *your* left hand over the top of the lens you'll block the VF. Your right hand is a little close to blocking something there (meter, or the RF window). Other than that whatever feels comfortable.


.

 

[RML]

In stead of "grip up" you could try "grip down". 🙂

I shoot grip up and when I focus that way I keep my left hand near my right hand. That way my hand is never in the way of the view finder.

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[Finder]

I rest the base of the camera on my palm and my elbow into my side and focus with my fingers. I also put my elbows down with the grip/shutter button arm. For vertical, the grip goes to the bottom - I find the grip-to-the-top skyhook very unstable.

 

[pvdhaar]

It much depends on the lens. When I've got the CV25/4 mounted, then cradling the lens in the left hand is downright impossible. Such a lens is too small for that. I'll hold the camera body with both hands symmetrical.

With a larger 50/2, however I support the lens with my left thumb and index finger around the focus ring.

 

[Doug]

I agree with Finder on the "grip-down" orientation. I actually began using my early SLR this way because I'm left-eyed, and when it came to using an RF it seemed to me obviously the better way. 🙂 There can a less secure grip with the right hand, but this can be worked on. One advantage for slower shutter speeds is that you can tuck both elbows into your side for stability. I've often thought the "grip up" skyhook hold is conspicuous and awkward looking.

 

[Talisker]

Having focused, if I'm holding the camera vertically (that's landscape on the Bronica 645 🙂 ) I normally go grip up, with an 'open' grip with my thumb and fingers well apart - thumb along the top plate, second finger along the bottom plate, and index finger across the corner (or reaching up for last minute adjustments on focus). Keeps everything well away from the viewfinder (and meter on the Bronny), and puts the elbow well into the chest to brace - probably wouldn't work as well if you shoot fast-moving subjects a lot with your RF. I do occasionally hold grip down/finder up if I need to get down low, and usually end up having to use my thumb on the shutter release. [ I'm right eyed.]

Presumably the 'Contax grip' refers to using the focusing wheel with the right index finger?

 

[Doug]

Presumably the 'Contax grip' refers to using the focusing wheel with the right index finger?

Actually with the middle finger, while the index finger remains on the shutter release. One main goal is to keep fingers away from the RF window which is far to the right on these cameras, especially the Kiev and pre-war Contax.

 

[yossarian]

Since most of my RFs are compact, my system is a little different. I have a Luigi wrist strap on my 35RD, and I carry the camera at my side as I walk. I usually try
to remember to preset the focus to about 10 feet for grab shots. But for verticals
I let it rest in my palm, using my thumb on the release, occasionally using my left
hand as needed for additional stability. Fingers are always tucked neatly out of the
way of all crucial windows.

Fred

 

[GrAfFiT]

Thanks a lot to you all 🙂
I guess that compact cameras make compromises on ergonomics. Thumb on the release or standard hold with twisted back are interesting options too.
Or maybe SLRs give the bad habit to put hands everywhere on the camera 😉

 

[Talisker]

Actually with the middle finger, while the index finger remains on the shutter release. One main goal is to keep fingers away from the RF window which is far to the right on these cameras, especially the Kiev and pre-war Contax.

Yes I remember it now - I only had the Kiev for four weeks thirty-odd years ago...