Difference between revisions of "Rangefinder camera"

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''See the [[:Category: Rangefinder cameras]].''
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{{glossary}}
 
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'''Rangefinder''' cameras are those that focus using some sort of coincident-viewing distance-determination mechanism. The most common form, as used in cameras like the [[Leica]] and other classic small 35mm cameras, is to use a prism and mirror arrangement between two viewing windows. Small adjustments in the angles of the prisms will align two superimposed images -- when the images are aligned the distance can be determined accurately by a simple mechanical cam. With a large enough [[rangefinder base]], this type of rangefinder can offer extremely accurate focusing. Such rangefinders have been used in 35mm cameras such as those made by Leica, [[Canon]], [[Nikon]], and others for many years and also in larger-format cameras such as "folder" medium format cameras, "Texas Leicas" like the [[Mamiya 7]] and even some early [[Polaroid]] cameras.
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''For a list of rangefinder cameras, see the [[:Category: Rangefinder]].''
  
Other styles of rangefinder do exist, such as the electronic variety found in the [[Contax]] G1-G2 cameras. In general, "rangefinder" focusing is often used to describe any focusing mechanism that doesn't view directly through the taking lens (or an identical copy of that lens, as in [[TLR|Twin Lens Reflex cameras]]).
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'''Rangefinder cameras''' are those that use a coincident-viewing distance focussing mechanism. The most common form, as used in cameras like the [[Leica]] and other classic [[35mm]] cameras, use a prism and mirror arrangement between two viewing windows. Adjustments to the lens focus change angles of the prisms and align two coincident images, when the images are superimposed the lens is in focus. With a large enough [[rangefinder base]] this can give extremely accurate focusing.
  
== Pros ==
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Other styles of rangefinder do exist, such as the electronic variety found in the [[Contax G|Contax G1 and G2]] cameras. In general, "rangefinder" focussing is often used to describe any focussing mechanism that doesn't view directly through the taking lens (or an identical copy of that lens, as in [[TLR|Twin Lens Reflex cameras]]).
* Very accurate focusing.
 
* Easy to focus in low light.
 
* No [[mirror slap]].
 
* Relatively quiet operation.
 
* Short [[shutter lag]].
 
* No [[viewfinder blackout]].
 
  
== Cons ==
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Rangefinder focussing is very fast and accurate even in low light especially with wide angle lenses, but is less accurate for longer focus lenses.
* [[Parallax]] problems with nearby subjects (though higher-end rangefinders usually have [[parallax correction]] built in).
 
* Accessory [[viewfinder]]s are required for non-normal focal lengths.
 
* Rudimentary [[depth of field]] control if any.
 
* Nearly impossible to use a [[polarizer]].
 
  
 
== See Also ==
 
== See Also ==
* [[Coupled rangefinder]]
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* [[Rangefinder (device)]]
  
 
== Links ==
 
== Links ==
 
* [http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/looking_forward.htm How Rangefinders Work]
 
* [http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/looking_forward.htm How Rangefinders Work]
* Photozone's [http://www.photozone.de/3Technology/camtec2.htm SLR vs Rangefinder] comparison
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* Photozone's [https://web.archive.org/web/20070402011423/http://www.photozone.de/3Technology/camtec2.htm SLR vs Rangefinder] comparison (archived)
 
* Steve Gandy's [http://cameraquest.com/leica.htm explanation of 35mm rangefinders and viewfinders] at CameraQuest
 
* Steve Gandy's [http://cameraquest.com/leica.htm explanation of 35mm rangefinders and viewfinders] at CameraQuest
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* Lionel's [http://35mm-compact.com/compact.htm rangefinder camera collection] at 35mm-compact
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* [http://homepage1.nifty.com/fukucame/ The Fukucame Rangefinder website], including interesting [http://homepage1.nifty.com/fukucame/nenpyo.htm chronology pages]
  
 
[[Category: Focusing system]]
 
[[Category: Focusing system]]
[[Category: Rangefinder cameras|*]]
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[[Category: Rangefinder|*]]
 
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[[Category: Camera architecture]]
{{glossary}}
 

Revision as of 10:46, 23 October 2017

Glossary Terms

For a list of rangefinder cameras, see the Category: Rangefinder.

Rangefinder cameras are those that use a coincident-viewing distance focussing mechanism. The most common form, as used in cameras like the Leica and other classic 35mm cameras, use a prism and mirror arrangement between two viewing windows. Adjustments to the lens focus change angles of the prisms and align two coincident images, when the images are superimposed the lens is in focus. With a large enough rangefinder base this can give extremely accurate focusing.

Other styles of rangefinder do exist, such as the electronic variety found in the Contax G1 and G2 cameras. In general, "rangefinder" focussing is often used to describe any focussing mechanism that doesn't view directly through the taking lens (or an identical copy of that lens, as in Twin Lens Reflex cameras).

Rangefinder focussing is very fast and accurate even in low light especially with wide angle lenses, but is less accurate for longer focus lenses.

See Also

Links