Shooting moving subjects with a rangefinder

[Bosk]

I've only been using rangefinders for about a month now, but have pretty much adjusted to manual focusing when it comes to static subjects. Moving subjects however have been a whole other kettle of fish!


Do you find that it's possible to accurately focus on fast-moving subjects with your rangefinder?

And one other question, how long did it take you to develop your focusing skills to a point where you could get in-focus shots 10/10?


Thanks for your contributions!

 

[doitashimash1te]

Especially when shooting fast moving objects it comes down to pre-focussing, anticipation and quick thinking.

 

[wyk_penguin]

Pre-focus, anticipate and move yourself rather than the focus ring.
My experience is that you can prefocus and then move back/forward a bit to keep your subject in focus, rather than refocusing everytime.
10/10? wow! Get yourself a DSLR with those wave motor lenses.

 

[ffttklackdedeng]

High ISO film to be able to stop down would be the only thing I could add. For things moving in a predictable way (bicycle race etc): prefocussing. For e.g. low light portrait: focus than keep the distance moving yourself. For kids: forget it 😉

 

[reub2000]

An autofocus slr, with servo focusing and an ultrasonic motor will get your moving subjects in focus.

Otherwise just prefocus. Use a faster film like tri-x, stop down to f/16 and focus at the hyper focal distance.

 

[nico]

Use a faster film like tri-x, stop down to f/16 and focus at the hyper focal distance.

In the daylight I usually do this way (hp5), otherwise I prefocus and wait for the subject.
bye
nico