Rangefinder Mysticism

[FrankS]

And we're still trying to figure out what it is about RF's that most of us find so addictive.

 

[ghost]

roger hicks doesn't call them 'direct view' cameras for nothing.

 

[v3cron]

i don't really think there's a mystery - they are elegant, uncomplicated, ultra-potent, subject-connected, precise, and produce amazing quality.

 

[Keith]

I also love the feel of my Rolleicord and using it is great fun ... I like the mechanically crafted look of it and the focussing action, though not as convenient as a rangefinder, gives me the same buzz.

It's like driving a very well made classic car ... even though the controls don't cut it in todays driving situations the pleasure given to the user through feedback and feel are well worth the compromise! 🙂

Frank gets the same thing from his old BMW bikes. A friend of mine who chose to ride a BMW with fellow riders on their Japanese wizbangs used to cop a bit of flack about the lack of speed of the Buvarian Boxer. He explained to them that BMW's don't accelerate ...they gather speed purposefully! 😎

 

[rpsawin]

Here's my take on different camera types and my own personal experience FWIW...

Shooting with a rf (both 35mm & mf) is a different experience than shooting with an slr. RF's have some inherent strengths over slr's (fast focusing, shutter noise, low light, less obtrusive). These strengths present different challanges to shooting situations in order to maximize those strengths.

When I shoot with an slr I appreciate the ability to do close up work with ease, to use long telephoto lenses or to use filters. I enjoy the ability to focus on ground glass, and with a mf slr concentrate on a large image while composing.

MF slr shooting is entirely different from 35mm slr in terms of pace. The slower, more contemplative style lends itself to different shooting situations than does 35mm. I shoot landscapes, seascapes and industrial with mf and use 35mm for street shooting or anything with a faster pace.

My point is that when a rf is the right tool nothing else comes close. Maybe the mystical aspect comes from the joy of using the right tool to capture your vision.

Bob

 

[amateriat]

What I've come to gradually appreciate about the RF experience is how it seems to de-mystify the picture-taking process vis-a-vis SLRs. With rangefinders I don't feel like I'm playing U-boat commander or sharpshooter, peering though a scope, and dealing with the smoke and mirrors involved with viewing through such a camera. With a rangefinder, there's less "camera" between me and the subject, which allows for more and greater possibilites, and for photographing in a more relaxed state, less predatory.


- Barrett

 

[SolaresLarrave]

I like the fact that with my Leicas I know what I'm going to get. I also know what I'll get when I use my Nikon AF SLR, but I didn't have to do as much with it as when I use my Leicas and RF cameras. Just setting the shutterspeed and the aperture makes a significant difference! 🙂

 

[varjag]

Well, how much RF mysticism is there in general is a tough question: we're pretty much a group of weirdos here compared to legions of people with more mainstream equipment preferences. Safe to say though that mysticism exists for us 🙂

True, RFs aren't nearly universal as SLRs but it could be "katana vs. Browning 0.50 machinegun" thing. In capable hands and for certain tasks they can be ultimate tools, and often are a sheer joy to hold and look at.

 

[40oz]

the reason I like rangefinders is the mechanical nature of it. I don't know why, but something about gears whirring, shutters clicking, wheels and cranks turning, it all gets me somehow. A digital camera, rangefinder or not, is a comparatively sterile process, IMHO. Kind of like an entire chicken dinner in a pill. Not nearly as satisfying 🙂

 

[Pherdinand]

No mysticism going on.
I've just proved it to myself.
I've shot the same ****ty thirty six frames with a Leica and a Summicron, like with anything else I own.

 

[LazyHammock]

No mysticism, for me it is the simplicity of the rangefinder. I lost interest in photography after using a DSLR for a year. After discovering rangefinders (and this site in particular) I shoot more, spend more time in the darkroom and I am enjoying the control I have over the image making process.
Then again my Leica is also easy on the eyes!
Nick

 

[pesphoto]

I dont know what it is. It is different. I dont like ipods, I dont like a lot of talk about the newest and greatest technology. I tune out quickly when such conversations come up. Simplicity is a good word for me too. People make a face or roll their eyes if you mention that you just dont care what the "newest thing" out there is at Apple or where ever.
Now where is my Leica IIIa?!

 

[hitmanh]

I like that fact I'm in total control, no auto-focus, auto-shutter, auto-exposure. Controls that are laid out for manual control from the start, nice reliable mechanical operation, no reliance on batteries, small form factor, nice glass... just a pleasent change from from the digital world (in which I spend muucchhhh to much time).

Cheers

Matt

 

[Robert]

To me shooting with a manual rangefinder and black and white film is the essence of photography.

Photography is more rewarding with my Leica but also frustrating as I can't point and shoot.

 

[markinlondon]

To me shooting with a manual rangefinder and black and white film is the essence of photography.

Photography is more rewarding with my Leica but also frustrating as I can't point and shoot.

Oh, but you can point and shoot with a Leica. Mount 35mm or wider, stop down to f 5.6 or smaller, zone focus from about 2m, preset exposure and blaze away. I sometimes use mine like this although I prefer to use a 50 and take more care as a rule. There's no mystique really, mechanical RF's just remove many of the unnecessary (IMO) options from operating a camera.

 

[AShearer]

I'm not too sure about the usefulness arguement. At least for me that isn't it. Generally speaking I think SLR's are much more useful and versitile, yet I don't feel as strongly about my slr's as I do about my RF cameras/lenses.

I have to agree. My DSLR's and even my old FE are more all around useful, excepting the noise. But, the brand new Nikons are just digital slrs. The old FE has a special feel. But, my BP/MP is the one I admire, love to hold and carry, really have fun shooting with etc.. I'm beginning to feel that way about the M8, but not quite there yet.

 

[PlantedTao]

I dont know what it is. It is different. I dont like ipods, I dont like a lot of talk about the newest and greatest technology... [/B]

I can agree with the tech talk when it comes to cameras...the manual RF way of photography has showed me a lot about photo possibilties and my vision of the end photo. It has been a rewarding experience.

But no way in hell could I live without my Ipod...all my music at my fingertips, with me where ever 🙂
An Ipod travels with me like a manual RF, all the time.

 

[FrankS]

I like the iPod with manual RF as well.

 

[back alley]

i have no ipod.

but i have a music room, a stereo in the living room and the bedroom and good speakers for the computer too.

i like to be able to hear any footsteps when i'm out.

 

[PlantedTao]

gotta agree

gotta agree

I have tried the ipod while shooting (atleast street stuff) and I must say it distracts from the overall experience most of the time. But, I go out shooting, make a few captures or burn a whole roll, then zone out to some music on my walk home...I also use my Ipod in the car driving to a photo destination and such...music sparks creativity and both toys are always with me.

i have no ipod.

but i have a music room, a stereo in the living room and the bedroom and good speakers for the computer too.

i like to be able to hear any footsteps when i'm out.