(Sorry!) RF newbie advice...

[ryankent1984]

Hi,

I apologise for my lack of ignorance but I've just received a Vivitar 35ES from my girlfriends dad who doesn't use it anymore and I'm wondering how to use it effectively.

I have never used a rangefinder before (i own 35mm SLR's, a Nikon D70, and Holga 135) and I'm having trouble coming to terms with its use.

It's the focusing that gets me. I understand you have to line up the two images in the centre of the viewfinder, but the yellow circle in the centre is incredibly small and hard to see what I'm lining up. Is this always the case with RF cameras? I went outside on a sunny day earlier and found it quite difficult to see what I was supposed to be focusing on.

Also, how would I focus on something that isn't going to be centre-frame?

Thanks

 

[btgc]

More relaxed way of focusing is to use DOF scale, but your Viv` is missing it. Anyway, at small apertures (sunny day, flash) one can pretty well guess depth of field.
Generally some cameras have more contrasty and some have rather faded RF patch. VF and beamsplitter cleaning improve contrast a lot, but be careful - before doing this google around.

>Also, how would I focus on something that isn't going to be centre-frame?

same as with AF cameras switched to use only center AF sensor 😉 compose to have main object in center, lock focus, recompose and...click!

 

[petronius]

Welcome to the forum!
I have two 35ES, in both the rangefinder patch is clearly visible. Your rangefinder might need a cleaning, it could be your lack of experience using a rangefinder too.
Read first here: http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-165.html and then use the 35ES exclusively for some time to get into rangefinder shooting. You will love it.
The 35ES needs a mercury battery, which can replaced by zinc-air (hearing aid) cells.
Something about the camera: http://mattdentonphoto.com/cameras/vivitar_35es.html

 

[ryankent1984]

Thanks for the advice guys.

I'll play around with it for the next few weeks and see what results I have.

I just bought a new battery for it today actually.

is the aperture setting automatic on this camera, i.e. shutter-prioritised (I can't find where I can change it)?

 

[petronius]

The aperture is only auto on this camera.

 

[ZeissFan]

I'm not familiar with the specifics of this camera, but many of these models use a program-type autoexposure in which the meter reading corresponds with a predetermined range of shutter speeds and apertures.

Many used what's known as a "trap needle" system to lock exposure. In this system, a metal jaw literally clamps down on the meter need to lock the exposure. It's an effective system, although it seems somewhat crude and primitive today.

I agree that the camera sounds like it should be cleaned, and you'll likely have to replace the foam seals, if that hasn't already been done. From what you describe, I'm going to guess that the camera hasn't been serviced.

 

[ryankent1984]

No, I don't think it has been serviced. I think it's pretty much been sitting in a loft for the past twenty years. I'll look into getting it cleaned. How much would this usually cost by chance, if I took it into a camera shop here in Lancaster (UK)? I think it would definately need a bit of a clean, it is a bit 'foggy' looking through the viewfinder.

Also, is it normal for it to have a blue/purple hue whilst looking through the viewfinder? or is this a sign that it would need a clean? Sorry, I really don't know that much about these things...

 

[Gaspar]

Don't take it into a shop, they will charge you more than it is worth If it is easy to open the top then a little clean with a cotton bud should do the trick. But don't use any cleaning products because this can destroy a coating and then the rangefinder patch will be gone forever (learned from personal experience)