Rangefinders and the family snapshot

dhartse

dhartse

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Hi, I'm new to this forum. My interest in photography has really grown out of my desire to take better family snapshots, and it's still deeply rooted there. Anyway, I'm wondering if a rangefinder is a good tool for this? From what I've read I would think so, but I don't know that I've read anything that specifically addressed this.

I have a film SLR with 50mm f1.4, something that's often recommended for family snapshots, but I've found it difficult to focus well in low light at close distances--conditions I face all the time, especially over the winter here in Iowa. Plus, well, an SLR is rather big, loud, and somewhat intimidating to the people that you photograph--at least that's my experience. A dSLR might be a little better, better high ISO performance and somewhat smaller, but they are still priced well outside my budget and, well, I just like film. I shoot about 1/2 color and 1/2 traditional black and white.

Anyway, I was led to consider rangefinders after I somewhat impulsively picked up a used Rollei 35 at a local camera shop to use as a backup to my SLR. I've found it takes remarkable photographs in good light, but doesn't work as well using existing light indoors, where limited DOF makes guess-focusing more problematic--very hit and miss, at least for me.

I'd be interested in reading the experiences of others here--is a rangefinder a good tool for family photos? I've just sprung for a few cheap rangefinders on eBay (I plan to keep the one (possibly two) I like the best, CLA it (them), and probably resell the others), so I'm hoping the answer is yes. Okay, probably would have been better to ask this question BEFORE I sprang for a rangefinder, guess I'm just hoping to hear that I made a good choice.

Duane
 
Duane, you didn't say whether you were talking about pictures of little kids at play -- whether SLR or rangefinder, kids can be extremely difficult to get to stay still. So focusing with a rangefinder in those conditions can be pretty frustrating. But using hyperfocal techniques you can improve your chances. No question, though, that in dim light, a rangefinder can outperform an SLR. Certainly the quieter shutter of a rangefinder can help you get those unposed shots.

Once you tell us which cameras you've bought, the list members will certainly weigh in with some specific, helpful advice.
 
FrankS said:
And the answer is.......yes.

Welcome Duane. What models of RF did you buy?
Click to expand...

Well, a lot of the people here like the Yashica Electro GSN, so I went with that. Also, bought a Canonet 28 and a Yashica MG-1. I think those both offer less control than the GSN and are about a stop slower, but they were so cheap I couldn't pass them up. My first time on eBay and I went a little overboard, I think. I would have liked to have picked one up here, but it seems like everything almost always sells before I even see it's for sale.

Duane
 
KoNickon said:
Duane, you didn't say whether you were talking about pictures of little kids at play -- whether SLR or rangefinder, kids can be extremely difficult to get to stay still. So focusing with a rangefinder in those conditions can be pretty frustrating. But using hyperfocal techniques you can improve your chances. No question, though, that in dim light, a rangefinder can outperform an SLR. Certainly the quieter shutter of a rangefinder can help you get those unposed shots.
Click to expand...

Most common pictures are of my 5 year old daughter, but I take pictures of her friends and other family as well, as well as trying to record places we visit and things we do with her. Oh, I take pictures of just her for her mom and I and to share with others, but I also try to capture things that will bring back memories for her when she's older. Friends, family, places, activities. I never really concerned myself with photography when the pictures were just for me, but after we adopted my daughter I had a keen desire to do better.

I have to say, focus is hard--period--with kids when they're active, at slow shutter speeds you have to anticipate moments when they'll be still. This has always been hard whether I manually focus or use autofocus and I just expect to loose some of those shots. (Sometimes I feel like trying to take pictures of kids is like chasing chickens.) I'm not really satisfied with how my SLR does in low light when she's still though--seems like I miss too often and end up with pictures that look much too soft. I'm hoping I can do better with a rangefinder. Also, SLR really catches her attention and can spoil my shots that way. The way she ignores my Rollei 35, though, it's almost like she doesn't think of it as a real camera. My eyes aren't calibrated too well, though, and I often miss a little on the distance with that. It does great outdoors, though, where I can stop down a bit and use hyperfocal techniques like you suggest.
 
Thanks to those that posted family snapshots, they're great! I think snapshots often get a bad rap because they're often done poorly by people with little skill. Done well, though, I think snapshots are some of the most interesting pictures you can look at. Please feel free to post more or link to galleries!

Duane
 
welcome to RFF, Duane

a rangefinder is definitely a good choice for candid family photos.. I use mine all the time for that, and most of the time my family and friends have no clue that I'm busy snapping photos of them.. the small size and nearly silent operation are also great for using in public places, if you're into that sort of thing.. the Canonet would be a good camera to bring along to a restaurant, assuming there's enough light.. it would definitely be suitable for an outdoor cafe, but I think you'll want to wait a few months before you try that 🙂

the GSN will give you excellent photos.. it's a bit bigger, and mine isn't the quickest focusing camera I own, but it's got a razor sharp lens

I think it's great that you bought several different RFs right away.. I did the same thing, and it gave me a taste of the different styles of cameras available.. if I had just stayed with my GSN, I'm not sure how far I would have ventured into the RF world since it doesn't fit my hands very well.. but as soon as I picked up a Canonet Q17 GIII, I was hooked
 
Welcome to RFF from another Iowa member. 🙂

I love my rangefinders. Couldn't live without them. I can't see myself using anything else. The camera fits me rather perfectly. And yes, it's perfect for snapshots. You'll love yours.
 
dhartse said:
Hi, I'm new to this forum. My interest in photography has really grown out of my desire to take better family snapshots, and it's still deeply rooted there. Anyway, I'm wondering if a rangefinder is a good tool for this? From what I've read I would think so, but I don't know that I've read anything that specifically addressed this.

I have a film SLR with 50mm f1.4, something that's often recommended for family snapshots, but I've found it difficult to focus well in low light at close distances--conditions I face all the time, especially over the winter here in Iowa. Plus, well, an SLR is rather big, loud, and somewhat intimidating to the people that you photograph--at least that's my experience. A dSLR might be a little better, better high ISO performance and somewhat smaller, but they are still priced well outside my budget and, well, I just like film. I shoot about 1/2 color and 1/2 traditional black and white.

Anyway, I was led to consider rangefinders after I somewhat impulsively picked up a used Rollei 35 at a local camera shop to use as a backup to my SLR. I've found it takes remarkable photographs in good light, but doesn't work as well using existing light indoors, where limited DOF makes guess-focusing more problematic--very hit and miss, at least for me.

I'd be interested in reading the experiences of others here--is a rangefinder a good tool for family photos? I've just sprung for a few cheap rangefinders on eBay (I plan to keep the one (possibly two) I like the best, CLA it (them), and probably resell the others), so I'm hoping the answer is yes. Okay, probably would have been better to ask this question BEFORE I sprang for a rangefinder, guess I'm just hoping to hear that I made a good choice.

Duane
Click to expand...


these are a few shots of my youngest son's birthday, the pictures are Jake his older brother Brian and his oldest brother Matt and his Fiancée

this was shot in a restaraunt with a dark interior and BRIGHT light shining in through the windows shot with canonet ql 17 gIII
 
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Stephanie Brim said:
Welcome to RFF from another Iowa member. 🙂

I love my rangefinders. Couldn't live without them. I can't see myself using anything else. The camera fits me rather perfectly. And yes, it's perfect for snapshots. You'll love yours.
Click to expand...

Thanks Stephanie, I recall seeing a post before where you mentioned being from Iowa. I think you're a couple hours west of me, near Ames somewhere if I remember right?? I live in Cedar Rapids (city of 5 smells, errr, 5 seasons).

I'm eager to give rangefinders a try, just hope I don't get bit with the collecting bug and want to acquire every rangefinder under the sun. 🙂

Duane
 
Welcome Duane! As a former Iowan I have to ask, are you a Hawkeye fan or a Cyclone fan?

You are heading down a well worn path of many who got into rangefinders by way of a Canonet or Yashica. I started with a Canonet and still have it although it's not alone anymore of course! I've found they are great for family snapshots. Because they are generally quiet and unobtrusive, you can sit back and focus on composition and you will be surprised with the shots you get. I look forward to seeing some of yours.
 
Sorry, Duane. If there's anything this forum doesn't tolerate, it's pictures of kids, grandkids or cats.
icon10.gif


"...is a rangefinder a good tool for family photos?"
Click to expand...
I hope so. I've got a snootfull of RFs and several gigabites of family snapshots. I'm a tourist to the bone and have lugged a Zorki to so many family, neighbor and church functions, when I don't have one with me, people ask me what's wrong. "Not feelin' good today? Bad mood? Well... then where's your camera?" I asked my granddaughters if they thought I should switch to SLR or maybe even... gulp... digital. Attached is their reply.
icon6.gif


"backyard divas"
Zorki.4 w/Jupiter.8

As far as focusing on "moving objects" goes, I sometimes try to (1)pre-focus on an object they'll pass by... or (2) push settings to squeeze out as much depth of field as I can get with the available light then guesstimate focus. For me, snapshots of family don't require razor-sharp images or perfect framing. I use more of a guess/point-n-shoot method and have fun doing it. It's easy to miss many good shots putzing with settings and gear. "Close enough" improves as you get used to your cameras. And I agree with you. Family shots can produce some really nice photos. (Okay, my attachment isn't one of those, but...) 🙄

Welcome to RFF, Duane. Enjoy your new gear. (And if you don't want to "get bit with the collecting bug and want to acquire every rangefinder under the sun," you'll sign off this forum now and never return. These guys will drive you straight to the Poor Farm!! ... and you won't even mind.)
 
sbug said:
Welcome Duane! As a former Iowan I have to ask, are you a Hawkeye fan or a Cyclone fan?

You are heading down a well worn path of many who got into rangefinders by way of a Canonet or Yashica. I started with a Canonet and still have it although it's not alone anymore of course! I've found they are great for family snapshots. Because they are generally quiet and unobtrusive, you can sit back and focus on composition and you will be surprised with the shots you get. I look forward to seeing some of yours.
Click to expand...

I'm a tranplanted Iowan, originally hailing from Minnesota, so of course I'm a Gopher fan! (My dad was on their Rose Bowl teams in the 60's.) I live among a sea of mostly Hawkeye fans in this part of the state, though, living only about 45 minutes from Iowa City.

I can see why the Canonets and Yashicas are popular. Judging by the galleries, they produce fine results, and, relatively, they're inexpensive, even if one has to spring for a CLA.
 
memphis said:
just as an experiment -- go down to your local camera store and fondle a few leicas, contax, and voigtlander bessa r2's --- try it with a good 90mm leica lens or some such --- you'll be plunking down several thousand dollars soon.... heheheh
Click to expand...

My wallet is safe, my local camera stores only carry Nikons and Canons. 😀
 
Yes, rf cameras are great for family snapshooting, even/especially in low light. I can't remember how many rolls of film I've shot over the years just shooting family occassions like X-mas, birthdays, etc. I prefer the rf over a (d)SLR as focussing is faster and more accurate, I can shoot handheld at much slower speeds and the rf is inobtrusive.

.
 
I always snap at my family with rangefinders. 🙂

the only problem is when somebody grabs your FED 2 (or any other RF) at a party to take a photo of you!
that never works out. you gotta focus it yourself and hope your friend doesnt try to "find the zoom"

"WHERE'S THE ZOOM!!!??? THERE ARE TWO PICTURES IN HERE!!!" 🙂
 
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