Where do they shine: SLR versus Rangefinder

[semilog]

Mirror slap has not been a significant issue in any well-engineered/high quality SLR produced in the last 20 years.

Are folks still comparing M4's to Nikkormats or something?

 

[Lawrence A.]

Hi. I'm new to the forums, and relatively new to rangefinders, having been given a Leica IIIb in great shape about two years ago, and then acquired a Bessa R recently. Most of my hand-held work over the years was done with an Olympus OM-1, and I tended to avoid big, hulking cameras with major grips. They just didn't fit. Wish I'd tried rangefinders years ago, as I find that for 90% of what I want to do working with them is a joy. SLR's have advantages for certain things that have already been mentioned. These days I just have more enjoyment shooting a rangefinder film camera or a mirrorless digital (Olympus E-M5) .

Thanks for being here. I look forward to participating in the group.

 

[Murchu]

Mirror slap has not been a significant issue in any well-engineered/high quality SLR produced in the last 20 years.

Are folks still comparing M4's to Nikkormats or something?

Not sure about the semantics of it, but I can definitely hold my M down to 1/15th of a second reliablly, whereas 1/30th of a second is the most I can reliably hold an slr down to. Not sure if this is mirror-related factors or not. I presumed it was, but the difference of a stop in handholdability has been quite noticeable to me in my shooting.

EDIT: both with 50mm lenses

 

[rbelyell]

Not to forget: Any of my old russian rangefinders are chick magnets 😀

In contrast, walking around with a big bazooka-like telezoom on your SLR will just make girls think you are a weirdo in need of something that will compensate for your lack of self esteem. You'll come across as The Pervert, The Stalker, The Creepy One etc.

So, rangefinders it is!
(and just to be a little bit serious: Carrying a rangefinder with a couple of lenses is usually way lighter than carrying a SLR with some lenses)

beautiful! an instant classic answer. i will steal it and use it in the future.
tony

 

[bugmenot]

In terms of reliability, even my Nikon F3 from 22 years ago, which has had ... 100's upon 100's of rolls put through it has not experienced a single hiccup.

In fact, I have never had it CLA'd, and the only service it has seen was light seal replacements. To this day, with Silver Oxide batteries, it works magnificently ...

I even had it professionally checked for shutter timings ... Spot on after 22 years of service to my photography ...

Which one of the Leicas or other rangefinders can function the same or be called remotely as reliable? My Nikon F3 feels smoother than a Leica M3, and yes, I have owned a Leica M3, and I realize it is blasphemy to say anything is smoother than a M3 on RFF. 😀

And Mirror Slap? Please ...

PS: I also have a Pentax Spotmatic that has gone through a single overhaul in all its years, and really doesn't need routine CLA. The same can be said for most SLR's.

 

[Keith]

Mirror slap has not been a significant issue in any well-engineered/high quality SLR produced in the last 20 years.

Are folks still comparing M4's to Nikkormats or something?

Agreed ... I frequently use my D700 down to 1/8 if I can find something to brace myself against. There's more mirror/shutter shock in my OMs.

 

[Spanik]

I frequently use my D700 down to 1/8 if I can find something to brace myself against. There's more mirror/shutter shock in my OMs.

Even without a brace you can use a M645 with the 80mm down to 1/8 and even 1/4 with a bit of luck. Takes a bit of practise. Read up a "manual" on rifle shooting and how to steady yourself and time your "shooting".

 

[thegman]

Probably more to do with the greater ease with which rangefinder wides can be designed, rather than ultimate useability of those same wides.

Probably, although I'm far from an expert. Although in my experience, the results can be just as good from an SLR, it's just the lenses tend to be massive. The Sigma 10-20mm zoom delivers great results, but it's probably 6-7 times the mass of a 15mm Voigtlander.

 

[Murchu]

Even without a brace you can use a M645 with the 80mm down to 1/8 and even 1/4 with a bit of luck. Takes a bit of practise. Read up a "manual" on rifle shooting and how to steady yourself and time your "shooting".

Great tip.

 

[jaredangle]

Not to forget: Any of my old russian rangefinders are chick magnets 😀

In contrast, walking around with a big bazooka-like telezoom on your SLR will just make girls think you are a weirdo in need of something that will compensate for your lack of self esteem. You'll come across as The Pervert, The Stalker, The Creepy One etc.

So, rangefinders it is!
(and just to be a little bit serious: Carrying a rangefinder with a couple of lenses is usually way lighter than carrying a SLR with some lenses)

Rune, a group of women on my college campus in Washington, DC swooned over my Contax G1. Not me (although I think that I'm attractive), but the Contax! Whereas when I'm running around with the D700 and 80-200mm, I get pegged for either "just another photojournalist" (which I am) or "just another cherry blossom photographer" (which I wouldn't mind being either!)