Stupid lens question from an RF noob

[iamzip]

Ok, so I'm new to RF's and my only "real" RF so far is a fixed lens Fujica 35 Auto-M, and while it's a decent camera I would not call it a delight to use. In fact, half the reason I keep it around is so I can keep posting here (in fact, I have a few scale focusing cameras, and that helps).

So here's my question: On an interchangeable lens RF, since you don't look through the lens as on an SLR, how do you adjust for different focal lengths? I ask purely out of curiosity, as I am unlikely to buy an interchangeable lens RF anytime soon.

Thanks!

 

[funkaoshi]

There are different frame lines for each focal length in the viewfinder. On my Bessa there is a lever to select the appropriate frame-line; on Leica's the camera brings up the appropriate frame line automatically based on the lens mounted. The frame lines are projected into the viewfinder.

On my 0.72x R2A, the widest framelines are for 35mm, and the narrowest are 90mm. If I wanted to use wider lenses I could use an external viewfinder. Using logner lenses might be problematic because focusing would be tricky. (The object you'd be trying to get in focus would be so small in the rangefinder.)

 

[Sonnar Brian]

Many cameras, such as the older Leica's, Contax's, FED's, Zorki's, Nikon S2 and S, etc have viewfinders for 50mm lenses. You must use an accessory viewfinder to compose with other lenses. So- focus with the rangefinder, then use an auxiliary viewfinder to compose and shoot.

The "more modern" Rangefinder cameras from ~1954 and up have multiple framelines in the viewfinder. You select the one that most closely matches the focal length.