{"id":306341,"date":"2021-03-14T14:19:43","date_gmt":"2021-03-14T18:19:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/?p=306341"},"modified":"2021-03-14T20:54:08","modified_gmt":"2021-03-15T00:54:08","slug":"why-rangefinders-are-overrated","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2021\/03\/14\/why-rangefinders-are-overrated\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Rangefinders Are Overrated"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In praise and a critique of rangefinders:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Rangefinders are great. Personally I have a lot of fun shooting rangefinders (f8-f16) both on digital rangefinders (Leica M digital) as well as on film rangefinders (Leica M6, film Leica MP). The experience of shooting with a rangefinder is unique in photography \u00e2\u20ac\u00a6 but is it the best<\/em> experience? I say no.<\/p>\n

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Avoid the hype and mystique<\/h2>\n

I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m quite certain 99.99% of the appeal of shooting with rangefinder cameras are mystique, hype, and overglamorizarion of the \u00e2\u20ac\u0153retro\u00e2\u20ac\u009d, past and \u00e2\u20ac\u0153design\u00e2\u20ac\u009d. Many people consider the Leica M rangefinder as the apex of camera design (I think it is, that and the RICOH GR design). But does the best design mean the best camera to make the best photographic artwork? No.<\/p>\n

Not a price issue<\/h2>\n

For Leica cameras made in Germany, the quality, craftsman, and construction are apex. The price of Leica cameras are proper. They are not \u00e2\u20ac\u0153overpriced\u00e2\u20ac\u009d.<\/p>\n

Close focus<\/h2>\n

Ricoh GR3 is a superior camera for shooting when compared to Leica M cameras, even the Leica M10. Why? Macro functionality. Most Leica lenses are only .7 meters for close focus.<\/p>\n\n\n

When are rangefinders good?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re out shooting literally all day, during the day time, and focused on street photography. <\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t shoot wide open <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Rangefinder cameras were not designed to be shot wide open. This seems to be a silly thing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I want to be like Henri!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We love the photos of Henri Cartier-Bresson<\/a>, and we desire to use his camera in order to make photos that emulate his. Just like how we buy Jordan sneakers to emulate Michael Jordan<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But this is silly. It is like using the same pencil as Albert Einstein<\/a> in order to get his same mathematical insights and thoughts. Or like buying the same iPhone as Kanye West<\/a> in order to make raps like Kanye West (apparently Kanye raps into his iPhone microphone when recording when he has thoughts on the go, and these audio files make it into his final mastered songs!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Too big and heavy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Contrary to popular belief, rangefinder cameras are both heavier *and* bigger than expected. Thus to get a rangefinder camera in order to ‘always carry it with you everywhere you go’ is not an effective strategy. If you want a ‘carry with you everywhere you go’ life camera, RICOH GR III is supreme<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

More innovative angles and compositions and perspectives with LCD screens and live view <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I’ve been able to make more interesting compositions with cameras with LCD screens (live view). For example, the ability to hold out your RICOH GR III (or other point and shoot camera) with more unique angles and perspectives. When you shoot with a rangefinder, you can only really shoot with your camera to your face. This means, your ability for compositions are far more limited, unless you plan on lying on the floor with your rangefinder to your eye, or perhaps shoot with holding your rangefinder camera high in the air, pointing and looking down. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yes it is possible for the new digital Leica rangefinders to do live view, but the problem is that it is far too slow, and a bit cumbersome to use that way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just try it for yourself!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You never know whether you will like the rangefinder experience or not, just test it out for yourself and see if you like it!<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Test it out in person at a Leica store, or perhaps just order one on BHPHOTO (or Amazon) and try it out, and return it if you don’t like it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also another option:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you really like the rangefinder experience, buy a used Leica M9 or for film cameras, a used Leica M6 with a Voigtlander Color-Skopar 35mm f\/2.5 P II Lens. <\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

As for me, RICOH GR III<\/a> is king.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ERIC<\/p>\n\n\n\n

EQUIPMENT by KIM<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n