Rangefinder Users

[coqueiro]

I've recently shifted from DSLRs to rangefinders and I'm absolutely enjoying it. I know some people get turned off by the fact it only focuses manually or it has no zoom lens.

I have two rangefinders that I use now:

1961 Canon 7 + Canon 50/0.95


2004 Epson R-D1 + Voigtländer Color Skopar Classic 35/2.5


Are there any other PhilMUG iPhotographers using rangefinders? I want to get some tips and tricks on how to better use these cameras. I know there are Leica M7 and M8 users here.

[ice]

I love the feel of rangefinders but I personally find them impossible to focus

[coqueiro]

I love the feel of rangefinders but I personally find them impossible to focus

Well, for me, still part of the learning process. I just came from Coron using my R-D1 and I just saw some photos are out of focus. Hehehe.

But then how else will I learn, right?

[marty_e]

Your 50/0.95 will probably have razor thin DoF and precise focusing will be a must; specially as I presume you use that aperture opening in low light. That makes it double hard to get precise focus.

Have you calibrated the RF? At infinity? At 1 meter? Improper focus can be a result of misaligned RF too.

RF's focus using distance triangulation. Look for subjects in the approximate distance with higher contrast (dark and light areas) to get proper focus and recompose.

Do you rely on the Canon 7's selenium cel meter solely? Try and get an inexpensive reflective light meter instead like a Goosen Digi-Six or Sekonic. Selenium cells tend to deteriorate over time and are largely inaccurate.

Yep, rangefinders can be tricky when the RF patch fades or is not aligned properly. Do a proper CLA with James when you can. My Canon P just came back and she works like a charm.

Get used to certain film brands and speeds too and try not to mix it up too much. I mostly shoot with 400 ASA film for max flexibility day to night and I've managed to memorize certain lighting conditions without metering.

As for the RD-1s, sorry no tips there. I've never owned one but I nearly purchased that same one myself except I was broke...

I just sent J a couple of pics of my canon RF's for MCS, btw...

[ditoy_eagle]

The Epson RD-1s is my all-time favorite camera, just had to sell it because I am not active in photography anymore and the body and the leica lenses I had costs so much to be just stored in my dry box. Paired with a Leica lens, mas sharp pa ang resulta vs the Canon Ls I have used before with my dslr.

The best forums for rangefinders is www.rangefinderforum.com, madaming RD-1 users dun. And locally there is a small group of hobbyists who love rangefinders in yahoogroups: http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/toykamerapilipinas/

[coqueiro]

@marty_e: Hey dude. Thanks for supporting MCS. We truly appreciate it.

I don't rely on the meter of the Canon 7. In fact, I make use of Exposure Mat for metering. It's really helpful specially I'm not used to metering manually.

I'm scheduling a CLA session with James Uy to make sure the RF is aligned and all the shutter speeds are accurate. How much did James charge you for the Canon P?

@ditoy_eagle: Yeah I'm a member of RFF. Very good stuff indeed. What Leica lens did you have on your R-D1s? I'm getting an Ultron 28/2 which I think is a better focal length because of the 1.6x crop factor.

Thanks for the link dude. I joined na.

[ditoy_eagle]

I had both a 21 and 28mm f2.8 Leica Elmarit ASPH lens. These ASPH lenses are similar to the Canon L lenses when used with a 5/7D camera- high IQ. But they both cost a lot. For budget purposes, the Voigtlander lenses are very good. http://www.cameraquest.com/ is a good resource for Voigtlander stuff. Also purchase before a half-case Luigi leather case for the RD-1s, pogi nun!

[layzien0n0n]

im getting a rangefinder camera this week.
i already sold almost all of my nikon system just to be able to afford a leica M8.2
ill just buy a VC lens for the meantime.
ang mahal ng summilux eh

[coqueiro]

I had both a 21 and 28mm f2.8 Leica Elmarit ASPH lens. These ASPH lenses are similar to the Canon L lenses when used with a 5/7D camera- high IQ. But they both cost a lot. For budget purposes, the Voigtlander lenses are very good. http://www.cameraquest.com/ is a good resource for Voigtlander stuff. Also purchase before a half-case Luigi leather case for the RD-1s, pogi nun!

I imagine the Elmarit 28/2.8 was perfect for your R-D1s. They're just too freakin' expensive eh.

Yup. That's EXACTLY where I bought my Ultron 28/2. Free shipping pa within the US.

I'll save up also for the Luigi leather case.

[layzien0n0n]

just got my leica m8.2 and vc 40mm 1.4
medyo nakakapanibago sa umpisa coming from dslr
pero once you get the hang of it, ok naman na ang manual focusing

hoping to learn from other rangefinder users