Rangefinder Camera Explained: How It Works and Why It Changed My Life

[@BrookBoley]

This is the best explanation of rangefinders I’ve seen so far. We’ll done.

[@flofroschmayer]

Thank you! I am happy you like it!

[@cheapaudioman]

What a great video. Speaking more about life lessons than photography and I love it. Well done.

[@flofroschmayer]

Thank you so much!!!

[@derrenleepoole]

That zone focusing instruction was very good. It explained it clearer than some others I have seen. I actually use zone focusing but picked up a few tricks here.

[@flofroschmayer]

I am happy to hear that!

[@fjphoto23]

Have been searching for a long time for the best explanation of the rangefinder camera. That search has ended here. Many thanks!!

[@flofroschmayer]

Wow! Thank you for that fantastic complement!

[@Narsuitus]

@0:38 The 1936 Zeiss Ikon Contax was not the first rangefinder camera. In 1916, Kodak produced a medium format rangefinder camera. In 1925, Leica produced the first 35mm camera and it had an accessory rangefinder. In 1932, the Leica II and the Zeiss Contax 1 were 35mm cameras with built-in rangefinders. In 1936, Zeiss Ikon produced the Contax II 35mm rangefinder camera. It was the first 35mm camera to combine the rangefinder and the viewfinder in a single window.

[@flofroschmayer]

Thank you for specifying! I was talking about the first 35mm with combining viewfinder and rangefinder in single window! Great you provided the additional information!

[@goarmymp1]

Very helpful I've never used a rangefinder camera My late father used a canon camera in the 1950's through the 1970's He developed all of his photos I'm looking at a rangefinder now for landscapes, architectural, and people

[@flofroschmayer]

Okay! Great! Let me know where you land!

[@goarmymp1]

@@flofroschmayer Just picked up a M11P and the new 50mm Summilux 1.4 ASPH 11

[@flofroschmayer]

Fantastic! Congratulations! I am sure you’ll have a lot of fun with this configuration!

[@XandeMacedo]

Such a great and clear explanations. I also love the live view from the viewfinder and frame lines to the photo you made after. It helps contextualize and better understand how works. Thank you!

[@flofroschmayer]

Thank you! I am very happy the vidoe can be a help!

[@drandrewtan]

Great video! I’m thinking of getting into the M system. Which used lenses should I start first? Thinking of getting the M10-R

[@flofroschmayer]

M10 R is great... I would go with the 35mm Summilux FLE Version I. Perfect match with the M10R... or the 50mm Summilux... but I think to start the 35 is the best.

[@jonnyo3297]

Thank you so much for the detailed explanation and examples of using a rangefinder camera, Florian. I have just purchased my very first Leica M11 rangefinder and feel so recharged and excited to use it. Cheers!

[@flofroschmayer]

Fantastic! Congratulations your camera! Have fun with it!!

[@markielinhart]

Old school Pentax film shooter here, finally went digital with Lumix and found af drove me crazy! A friend lent me an M8 from her Leica collection. I’m just getting used to it and loving it after only a few days. Thanks for your video it’s been a great help and it’s taking me back in time in a good way✌️🙏🇦🇺

[@flofroschmayer]

Fantastic! I am happy the video could help... keep having fun on your journey!

[@cshevlin]

Outstanding! This answered so many questions!

[@flofroschmayer]

Thank you for sharing. That makes me very happy!

[@cshevlin]

I am turning autofocus off on my Q2! Going to get used to doing it myself because I would like to upgrade to a M11P eventually. @@flofroschmayer

[@oscars4107]

This video is a gem

[@flofroschmayer]

Thank you!

[@davidmorgan1798]

Great explanation, and totally agree with you about the haptic thing.

[@flofroschmayer]

Thank you for the compliment.

[@ramintabib6081]

This was the best explanation of rangefinder. So well done. Thank you

[@flofroschmayer]

Thank you!

[@JohnJenningsphotography]

Now I want a rangefinder, because you’ve demonstrated how slowing down and composing one’s image is not only fun but far more creative and intentional than autofocus. Thank you. I’m considering a used M10. Is that a good camera to get started?

[@flofroschmayer]

Oh no... sorry... ;-) M10 is a great to start... if you find an M10-P for the same money, go with the P... In the M10 series, the P-version it is a rather big step.

[@denizekener2075]

congrats on the new channel, great video. I'm a m user as well, it almost feels meditative because you focus on what you are doing 100%. it's endless fun once you get a bit used to the experience.

[@flofroschmayer]

Thank you so much! - I am with you... it is a meditative experience.

[@tnx2219]

I love your explanation about zone focusing.

[@flofroschmayer]

Thank you! That makes me happy!

[@ngtamphuong]

Very detailed explanation. Now if only I could afford a Leica to experience this.

[@flofroschmayer]

Unfortunately, I can't help with that. sorry. Search for a used one; sometimes, you can be lucky to find one for a very decent price.

[@ngtamphuong]

@@flofroschmayer I’ve just started my photography journey with Nikon, just like you. Hopefully I can also end up with a Leica someday soon.

[@flofroschmayer]

@@ngtamphuong Nice! Nikon is fantastic!! You'll find your way to the brand that suits you! Leica came very late for me... What Nikon do you have?

[@johnwheelwright799]

Nicely done. Thanks.

[@flofroschmayer]

Thank you!

[@markcort1670]

Such a great explanation of rangefinder and zone focusing. Thanks so much

[@flofroschmayer]

Thank you! I am happy you like the video!

[@jjd139]

I agree 100% about slowing you down. I am not a professional, the photos that I take are for my own enjoyment. I found that I was not enjoying photography as much with the latest and greatest digital cameras. That all changed when I saw a KZbin video from another creator. He said if you don’t want to get hooked on Leica, don’t watch this video. I watched and bought a Leica M-6. I found the joy of slowly composing and making a photograph again. I now own a Leica M246 monochrome, M262 and a Q2. Please keep producing the wonderful videos.

[@flofroschmayer]

Fantastic set of cameras! And thank you, I'll try to keep my once a week paste... ;-)

[@theconstantaperture]

Best video out there about this subject!

[@flofroschmayer]

Thanyk you so much!!

[@devroombagchus7460]

Thank you. One advantage that unfortunately many people cannot use is that the left eye is free to see all the surroundings. The viewer is on the left side of the camera, so you should view with your right eye. But a lot of us have a dominant left eye.

[@flofroschmayer]

Sure... but still you get the advantage of the rangefinder viewfinder because you can see whats happening next to the frame lines... works with both eyes ;-)

[@lohthx1r]

Hello Sir, a very good video. Your feeling of shooting with a rangefinder is exactly why I stop shooting auto focus camera. Thank you very much.

[@flofroschmayer]

Thank you! Happy you like it! Yes, rangefinder is more fun!

[@cptpez]

thank you. been looking for a video like this for years now.

[@flofroschmayer]

Thank you! I am happy you could find some information in my video that helped you.

[@bluelightningstrike7065]

Brilliant video. Completely agree with the slowing down and enjoying photography part. Too many people operate their modern powerful cameras like a machine gun...just spraying mindlessly to get that one shot that they want.

[@flofroschmayer]

I so with you... I was one of these guys!

[@flofroschmayer]

...and thank you for complementing my video!

[@jenniferromonoyske3655]

This is beautiful and so well taught. I’m a film photographer from 90s. Went too art school. Hated digital and how the photos looked. I fought it and then caved. I got a Q2 then I decided challenge myself with M11. It’s difficult I’m not going to lie. Thank you for this. I think it’s going to be great for the same reasons you gave. :)

[@flofroschmayer]

Hello @jenniferromonoyske3655 ! thank you! I am sure you'll love the M11... enjoy the ride!

[@victoriasturm_official]

Well explained, thank you!

[@flofroschmayer]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mohaidar13]

Thanks for the clear explanation. It helps me understand how the rangefinder camera works. I'm going to buy my first rangefinder camera this week.

[@flofroschmayer]

Exciting!! Which one will you buy?

[@VictorReynolds]

I shoot with a classic Argus C4 with the same focus as well. Your video was a refresher for me. Thanks for sharing!

[@flofroschmayer]

Sure! Thank you for enjoying it!

[@Xingchen_Yan]

I recently tried m11 for the first time, and after doing photography for so many years, this rangefinder idea completely (at least 80%) changed how I approach my photography. I love doing street and have used x100v before, which is a sort-of rangefinder, but m11 just gives me the purest experience. Seeing beyond the photo is extremely important and fresh. I will probably do it more. Nice video!

[@flofroschmayer]

Thank you! I never tried out a x100v, but I am very interested in it… but of course, I am sure the M11 gives you the purest experience. Nice! Do it more!!

[@Xingchen_Yan]

consider x100v as like a rangefinder simulator. it will show an electronic frame depending on your focus area and distance. it also contained simulated yellow and matrix overlap looking of a true rangefinder. you can also see beyond your frame. but it is all electronic. it is a compact and super fun camera to play with. I would not necessarily compare it to a Leica rangefinder, it is more like its own system with the iconic look through feature. that is how I would describe it. try it out if you got a change, it's a ton of fun ;) @@flofroschmayer

[@willbechler]

this is good - thankyou

[@flofroschmayer]

Thank YOU!

[@LeePierre]

Thanks for the great explanation! How to focus on wild kids indoors on a cloudy day when f8 with zone focusing would yield in too noisy picture? Many thanks 🙏

[@flofroschmayer]

Depending on your camera, probably yes. But if you go a bit wider, you may not need f8.

[@sjmheron]

Great video! I shoot several rangefinders (just got a new Fuji GW690) and I love to see the appreciation 😊

[@flofroschmayer]

Thanks!! Congratulations on the new camera! Unfortunately I don’t have experience with a Fuji rangefinder… looking forward to try them out in the near future.

[@sjmheron]

@@flofroschmayer it's a 6x9 medium format film camera (the "Texas Leica"). Definitely worth experiencing. :)

[@gpappas4332]

Great video well done!

[@flofroschmayer]

Thank you!

[@HAMBUUK]

Awesome tutorial about RF and zone focus system, it helped a lot

[@flofroschmayer]

I am happy to hear that!

[@gaurav5161]

Thank you so much

[@flofroschmayer]

Thank you!!

[@ccw5886]

Thank you for those thoughts. I so agree. Just purchased a lovely M8. I will be watching all your videos. I am thinking that I will purchase a 35mm for my body. It will then be a 46mm with the crop on the m8. What do you think? Any ideas and thoughts on a good first choice? nAn every day lens; make type etc. I think a Leica lens will be beyond my budget at this time

[@flofroschmayer]

The 35 (being a 46) is an excellent choice! Maybe you also look at a 28mm, which would be a 36mm. Around 35 is, I think, the perfect focal length for a rangefinder when you start! Check out Voigtländer lenses. It is affordable and very good! I own a 12mm, which I love very much!

[@caffeinatedcameras]

Really really really enjoyed this video and I learned a lot thank you:)

[@flofroschmayer]

Thank you! That makes me very happy!

[@schecterman7193]

Great video ! But how can you capture moving people with a range finder ? How can you focusing with the OVF ? I Don t want to use a evf or liveview... so, what is the technique ? 50 or 60 years ago, photographers took pictures of action scene without all these boring assistants.. Thanks in advance for your reply.

[@flofroschmayer]

I guess practice... ;-) ...and I guess also the lenses and the film were 60 years ago and a bit more forgiving than a 60MP digital sensor.

[@andersphansson]

Excellent video & explanation of rangefinder 👍🏻😄 I own a old Minolta XE1 (Cooperation with Leica) same type of focus

[@flofroschmayer]

Fantastic! - and thanks for the compliment!

[@glasshalfempty1984]

This was a fantastic explanation of everything. I was very curious about how these work, and now I have a much better understanding. Having said that though, these sound absolutely terrible and I see nothing but disadvantages vs a mirrorless camera with phase detection autofocus and focus peaking. The only advantage I saw was being able to see things before they enter your composed shot. Everything else just seems ridiculously convoluted....You said it slowed you down, that makes a lot of sense. I don't see that as an advantage at all, but to each his own I guess.

[@flofroschmayer]

Different needs, different working style. ;-)

[@ericguillaume9864]

Thank you for the quality of your comments. I have a question: how does zone focusing work on a Leica Q3? Is it really reliable? And how do you adjust the distance ring to focus on a distance of 3 metres? Thanks in advance for the answers. All the best. Eric Guillaume

[@flofroschmayer]

It works the same like with an M camera. Exact 3 meters is difficult, because it is not on the lens scale.

[@ericguillaume9864]

@@flofroschmayer Thanks for your reply. All that's left is to take measurements with a rangefinder. It's just a shame that Leica didn't indicate, as they do on their M SUMMICRON series lenses for example, the distances of 3 and 7 metres, 3 metres being a distance often used in street photography. What's more, their depth-of-field scale is generally inaccurate. Shame, shame for a camera of this quality and I was going to say at this price.

[@Freakyfamous_hh]

good video, but background music was too loud and distracting for me :(

[@flofroschmayer]

Sorry. That was not my intention.

[@YounanPhoto]

Hi mate. Fantastic video, explained so well. Zone focusing can be done with any manual lens on any camera good to point that out for beginners.

[@flofroschmayer]

Thank you! Yes you’re right of course! With every lens that has the engraved measurements for Zone focusing… which lenses are you using?

[@YounanPhoto]

@@flofroschmayer I’ve begun focusing mainly on older Manila lenses. My latest purchase is a Voigtlander 35mm f1.2 ii on my Panasonic S1. Love the EVF for precise focusing at higher apertures

[@swaggybs2931]

hey thank you for the super helpful video. I recently got a Braun Colorette Super II BL in hindsight this definitely wasn't a suitable first camera for me but I fell in love with the way it looked. I could not find this models Manuel book anywhere or pretty much anything about it anywhere (I can only find info about the paxette version) I wanted to ask you what shutter speed would you recommend for this camera most of my digging indicated 1/30 as the go to but I didn't find anything concrete. Also the lens on it is steinheil cassarit f2.8 50mm again I could not find much abut the lens. I got confused because on the aperture wheel of the lens the values same as your are on the side but there are more numbers on the same wheel from 2 to 18 which confused me a lot. I don't even know if Im making sense to you but If I do I would be very grateful if u could help me out.

[@flofroschmayer]

I do not know the camera myself, but I googeld some pictures. I would say the numbers on the side are not aperture... they are the distance for focus. When it starts with 2 that would mean the minimum focusing distance is 2 meters. Regarding the shutter speed I would not go longer than 1/60 sec (with any camera thas not has IBIS)... 1/80 maybe even better.

[@LWRC]

Another advantage of range finder cameras is it makes you a better photographer by slowing down the process and forcing you to think about what you are doing! You are not shooting 500 exposures and hoping you'll get one shot that is worthwhile after hours of editing using computer software!!! This is the beauty of rangefinder cameras with film especially if it is chrome film!!!

[@flofroschmayer]

Absolutly!

[@SeahawkMoments]

Great video and I totally agree! I just got the M11 and the photography experience is way heightened. I don’t agree with everyone saying zone or hyper focusing is faster then autofocus though. Question, what are the red numbers when looking through the viewfinder?

[@flofroschmayer]

When you set your shutter speed to A (auto), the red number in the viewfinder show you the automatically selected shutter speed. If you set your shutter speed manually with the shutter reel, you see an arrow either pointing to the left or to the right to show you to change (increase or lower) your shutter speed or your aperture. Once you see a red dot in the middle of the viewfinder, the camera indicates that you have perfect exposure settings.

[@SeahawkMoments]

@@flofroschmayer this is EXCELLENT information that’s not easily findable!!! THANK YOU!!!

[@flofroschmayer]

Sure! Anytime!

[@SeahawkMoments]

@@flofroschmayer followed for the great reply!

[@Deetroiter]

Fantastic video! First time viewer, subscribed! One thing that fooled me the first time I used a Leica M10 was trying to mount the lens. Lenses I’ve always seen are the numbers on the barrel are diagonal when mounting it and then they are on the top, facing even with the top of the camera. I kept trying to mount the lens and i can’t figure it out why on earth it won’t seat and rotate on. Then after some twisting and trying to rotate the lens around, it goes on. Suddenly I see the “50mm” number of the barrel diagonal on the left of the camera body. Totally threw me off and I’ve never seen that to this day

[@gregspov]

Who manufactures the half-case that you have? I like that the cover for the LCD is a part of the case and flips down. Most half-cases do not offer this feature.

[@flofroschmayer]

Hey Greg! It is from Leica, and it's called: Leica Leather Protector M10. It carries the model number: 24020. You can use it as a half-case with or without the screen protector. I have uploaded pictures on my community page.

[@edwardkurek5355]

What about using a telephoto lens with a range finder camera.

[@flofroschmayer]

The longest I know about is the 135mm, but I never tried it. I own the APO 90 Summicron… a beautiful lens… but it takes patience to focus with the rangefinder… especially with portraits… I mostly use the Visoflex… the 75 is easier to handle… for me, up to 75mm it makes totally sense to work with the rangefinder.

[@marvinedelmann]

5:54 f/8 ist around 2.3 to 10 meters

[@flofroschmayer]

🤙🏻

[@ThomazMartinez]

M11 you can move the focus view on its touch screen

[@flofroschmayer]

Thank you for that information. I did not know that and will check it out the moment I get an M11 in my hands.

[@doozledumbler5393]

Are you sure infinity was on F8? Looks like f11 to me.

[@flofroschmayer]

I need to check that. Possible that my arrow is not a 100% precise in the tracking…

[@RikMaxSpeed]

If rangefinders are so great, how come the world switched to SLRs to see through the lens? 😜 (tongue in cheek)

[@flofroschmayer]

Yes... good question... the world is missing a lot ;-)

[@AI3Dorinte]

focus peaking points is a better solution...

[@flofroschmayer]

...than?

[@AI3Dorinte]

@@flofroschmayer than rangefinder focusing, obviously

[@doublett4193]

May need to save for awhile... speed shooting is not really my style. I like to wait and composed. Treating my digital camera like film camera.

[@flofroschmayer]

Sound great! I think that's the way to do it!

[@borzumo]

louder backgrounds music, and more face microphone plants color lamps in frame

[@flofroschmayer]

okay.

[@vikdaddy]

It's really not difficult to calibrate your range finder.

[@flofroschmayer]

Okay. Still, I would always be careful with such expensive cameras… but maybe I need to look into that.

[@PeterPrism]

X pro1 x ever

[@flofroschmayer]

okay!