Rangefinder Cameras

When it comes to taking good outdoor photographs, one of the most important elements to consider is the distance between you and your subject. Once you know the distance, you can properly focus. There is no better way to determine this with accuracy than by using a rangefinder camera.

There are essentially two kinds of rangefinder cameras:

• The rangefinder is incorporated into the viewfinder window.
• The rangefinder is used to determine the distance only. It is then transferred manually to the lens.

Essentially, a rangefinder works via a system of mirrors and prisms to determine the distance. When you look through the rangefinder, you will observe your main image, which is superimposed with a secondary image. Choose which image you want to be the center of focus and move the rangefinder control until the secondary image comes together to form a single image.

Originally, the most popular kind of rangefinders was the 35mm cameras, which were quite easy to use. During the ‘60s, SLRs gained popularity, but in the beginning users often found that the viewfinder and manual lens diaphragms became murky. Once SLRs included eye-level penta prisms, instant-reopening diaphragms and other new features, this problem was resolved.
Leica rangefinder cameras have auto focus allowing users to take sharp photos under most conditions because what they see through the viewfinder appears in focus. With SLRs, it the view is different. Foregrounds and backgrounds may appear blurred, because you look through the lens at its maximum aperture, which requires more careful composition. Either way, rangefinder cameras are well suited for fast shots, making them very popular among photojournalists.
A Leica M8 rangefinder 10.3mp digital camera can cost upward of $4,700. You then need to purchase an SD (secure digital) card for about another $30 and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery for about another $100. If you’re willing to put out that much, you will find that this camera truly allows for creative digital photographs.

For significantly less at about $2,500, you can purchase a 80mm Mamiya 7 II pro value pack medium format rangefinder manual focus camera. This 6 X 7 format rangefinder camera features either interchangeable lenses or a light meter. With this, you can purchase a Panoramic Adaptor for 35mm film to create 24 X 65mm images as well. The 6-volt lithium battery for this one is just $10.95.

An even cheaper model is the smaller Voigtlander rangefinder manual focus camera that sells for about $700. The Voigtlander Bessa series of cameras feature a bright viewfinder, quiet shutter and simple LED metering system. Many of its parts are metal, rather than plastic, giving it a more durable feel. The auto-exposure aperture priority mode offers plus or minus 2 stops compensation. A 1.5-volt silver battery for this one is $3.50.

Nikon has a ProStaff Laser 440 with a list price of approximately $313 that is water resistant. This digital camera has a 437-yard range with ½-yard accuracy for true readings. This pocketsize camera weighs just 7 ounces without its battery, but has full scanning and 8-X magnification ability. In customer reviews, this rangefinder camera has an overall 5-star rating.

Hikers, hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts may prefer the Nikon Laser 1200S, which costs about $300. This one is a 7 X 25 waterproof and fog proof roof prism laser rangefinder monocular with 5.0-degree angle of view. With a simple push of a button, this camera with gauge the distance accurately each time up to 1,200 yards. It also has a target priority switch system, so you can decide which target to measure.

The Canon Sure Shot 130U II 35mm rangefinder camera sells for approximately $110. This camera has three focusing points and auto focus, with a shutter speed of 2 – 1/500 second. Customer reviews give this one a 4.5 out of 5. Another Canon, the Speedlite 430EX 35 mm rangefinder camera sells for a little less, but has essentially the same features.

Fuji also has a rangefinder camera called the GW670III that sells for approximately $700, as well as a much cheaper version – the Fujifilm Zoom Date 60EZ that costs about $34 and a one-time use QuickSnap waterproof 800 35 mm film camera for just $12.

For underwater shots, you might want to get the Nikonos V rangefinder camera, which has aperture priority automatic exposure operation. The shutter speed is automatically set from 1/30 to 1/1000 second. You can also get a TTL auto-flash exposure control. However, if you’d like to be more creative, you can opt for manual exposure. This camera will remain airtight down to 165 feet. Customer ratings give this one a 4.5 out of 5.