🔴 What is the MOST ACCURATE Rangefinder Camera? (and Worst?)

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

📝 EFFECTIVE BASE LENGTH (EBL) BLOG - mrleica.com/effective-base-length/ 🚀 MAKE MONEY WITH PHOTOGRAPHY EBOOK - bit.ly/3PIYtwD 💫 MRLEICA LR PRESETS - mrleica.com/presets/ 🚀 LEICA WORKSHOPS: mrleica.com/workshops/ 🚀 FREE MODEL PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDE EBOOK: mrleica.com/ebooks/ 📝 LEICA CLUB WELCOME PACK - mrleica.com/leica-club-join-the-club/ ▶ WATCH NEXT: ALL LEICA FILM CAMERA VIDS - bit.ly/3BHOm5H 📞 ZOOM: Not sure what camera or lens to buy? Arrange a call today - bit.ly/3lBkdgq ⭐ PATREON: 100+ Videos & Zoom - mrleica.com/patreon/ ✅ CHECK PRICES: (US) ebay.to/2F0HoxY (UK) ebay.to/3ijzle2 (DE) ebay.to/3iqDNYs (FR) ebay.to/2ZJ3E75 (HK) ebay.to/32A8xBu 🛎 SUBSCRIBED?: Monthly Giveaways! bit.ly/3qET0ZO 📷 SEE MY KIT: mrleica.com/kitlist/ 💫 MRLEICA LIGHTROOM PRESETS - mrleica.com/presets/ 🚀 LEICA WORKSHOPS: mrleica.com/workshops/ 🎞 NEED FILM?: mrleica.com/do-you-need-film/ ☕ COFFEE: Thank Matt with a coffee - www.paypal.com/paypalme/MrLeica

[@philwoodall9023]

A good presentation but in the end, as you say, it is the calibration that matters. The Zorki 4 with a well matched Jupiter 8/3 can give amazing results but you have to find one or do it yourself (not so difficult as it has an incredible rangefinder). A new MP (M6 🙂) with a Summilux is likely to work better out of the box but it may not! If you are scared to take a screwdriver (or 2mm hex key) to your camera you are probably better with an iPhone. I don't have a rangefinder camera (Zorki, Contax, Leica, Voigtlander (6x9), Agfa (6x6, 6x9), Polaroid, ) that hasn't benefited from a careful calibration.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@philwoodall9023 thanks Phil, great advice!

[@steved5518]

Super sharp commentary. Quick and detailed and to the point. Thanks so much.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks!

[@Skipsul]

Speaking of rangefinders - if you are ever visiting the States, keep an eye out for one of our WWII battleship memorials - North Carolina, Alabama, Massachusetts, Iowa, New Jersey, Wisconsin, or Missouri. Those all have rangefinders in their main battery barbettes, and the EBL of those is way way better than any camera you've reviewed. Probably not practical for street photography though.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks James, great info! Yes I did wonder if people would comment about rare cameras with crazy long EBL. Thanks!

[@jlwilliams]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Okay, if you want: Kodak Ektra: 101mm physical base length, 1.6x magnification = 166.4 EBL! No, I don't have one, but I've looked through the RF and it's amazing. The reason they needed such an accurate RF was that they planned to make lenses up to 254mm for it. Unfortunately they're super-rare, and ones that work properly are even more rare...

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@jlwilliams you know so much James! We need to arrange a Patreon meet up at some stage :)

[@TXGRunner]

The big difficulty with the Zeiss Icon Contax II/III, and Soviet copies, is the way most people hold them, their middle finger ends up covering the rangefinder window, as you did briefly. So users try to adjust their grip and manipulate the lens barrel directly the way we do on a Barnack Leica. However, the designer intent is for us to use the vertical focusing wheel in front and left of the winding knob/counter dial.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks, yes the Contax grip. I normally remember when I can’t see the RF patch haha

[@LucyS565]

Very interesting! I always walk away having learned great valuable information! Thank you Matt!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Lucy!

[@bicyclechain]

The FED 2 comes in at around 49.5 EBL which puts it at position 13 or 14 in the original listing by Jonny Martyr. I'm surprised it didn't make it onto any of the lists for this rangefinder accuracy test considering how well it performs, and how adorably cute it looks.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks for the info. I have 2 FED2 but yes other cameras are more accurate.. still nice though!

[@highlander200107]

My Canon P with the 1:1 viewfinder has been a favourite of mine this past 6 months or so.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks John! I still need to try the P. I didn't fall in love with the 7

[@highlander200107]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I have both now, and the viewfinder of the 7 is cleaner than the P, as the P has both 35mm & 50mm displayed at all times; but the P with that 1:1 for me is something else.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@highlander200107 thanks John!

[@johngorten4321]

2 years ago I found a M3 from my year of birth, so I had to buy it. Send it to Van Maanen in the Netherlands for a CLA. They also repaired the vulcanite so not replace the leatherette, but the curtains were replaced. I feel that I now have a M3 that is as new. Together with the 50mm Summicron rigid it is a fantastic combo. I don't use the M3 a lot but when I use it is fun!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks John, great to hear you've got your M3 feeling like new again. I did the same!

[@peterzuehlke]

my M3 had a low contrast focusing patch which thru the years got worse; thought I had a separation problem. had it CLA'd about a year ago and now can't believe how bright and contrasty it is.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Peter! I'm glad you brought your M3 back to life.. they should be really good when they are in decent condition.

[@trevorroberts-o7q]

Thank you for a most informative video. I've learnt so much from this and if someone had put this information out in the 1960s when I started photography I could have saved a lot of money. All I knew about before seeing this was about the base length. So thanks so much for the extra information on magnification and brightness of view finders. A really well presented programme ; so easy to follow and learn from. Thanks Matt

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks! Happy to help!

[@thomasz1543]

Your earlier video with the Leica viewfinder magnifier already changed the game for me as a 50 summilux user. Excellent background information here! Thanks Matt!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Thomas!

[@kenblair2538]

Great info, Matt. I have since ordered another Kiev 4 , body only (in a Contax ish body), from Ukraine. Seems to be in the system and moving . I wanted to help a seller and can always use a backup . Thanks, Ken.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Ken, great and a nice idea. I might pick up another too as a backup.

[@kenblair2538]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom yep, no repairman will touch them, and $100, is a fair price for a backup. And it helps our Ukrainian camera network. KB

[@andrewelliott4436]

There's a bit of luck involved in buying Kiev cameras. I have 4 Kiev 4As - bought over the last 3/4 years from Eastern Europe: two of these cameras are complete duds (unusable and un - repairable); one is mechanically and optically sound - but the leatherette has dried and partially peeled away; the final camera is in superb order. A place to start looking for a 4A that is guaranteed to work could be the camera shop in Prague - the name eludes me but it's just off Wenceslas Sq. and the frontage photos show antique wooden glass plate cameras and telescopes. Directly opposite, on the other side of the road, there is another shop that is (or possibly was) packed with twin lens reflexes. I was last in these shops around 4 years ago - hence the vague directions. But an email to Prague City Tourism should produce a positive contact. Failing that, No. 3 Tram stops at the door. Two of the world's great camera shops.

[@Wazio]

lol, I should have watched this before buying the CL. That said, focusing on the yashica GSN is a lot easier so far. I'm excited to try a few more rangefinders. Thank you as always for your work Matt!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Vic, sorry about that. Message me next time!

[@hotcocoandart]

What do you think of the Nikon SP?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

My S2 is great but hard to focus. See that video!

[@ADFCHRONICLES]

Totally agree, I own this lens, yes good but just missing the wow factor.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Paul! Great all rounder but not blown away

[@khanscombe619]

Brilliant input. I almost always shoot wide open 1-1-2 & 1.4 so a food linked rangefinder for 55~85~105 would be essential. Additionally, easy ro view split image for me bad eyes. What is the closest to view of a two-tone yellow like a Balda or Graflex & any with an assistant lighting? I like the feel of the Graflex Kalart Rangefinder with its lighted assist, Focus-Spot & screw in eyepiece magnifier & it's bright yellow focus spot split image. Easy in low light but losses close range accurately wide open in my samples.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks. Tough question. My MPP cane with the yellow RF too. For 35mm the Kiev 4 is the most accurate I think or M3 but both are standard RF only. Kiev RF is more robust

[@philipnikolaidis4338]

WOW ! When this 35mm f1.5 Voigtlander nokton came out?? do we have any review on that one ?? :))

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Philip! I'm glad you spotted my little teaser :) It's only just come out, yes video to follow :)

[@TobiasSpranger]

Thank you Matt! Great Video! So my M9 is pretty average with 69mm and 0,68 magnification.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Tobi! Yes I only used the M9 with a 1.4x mag on it for my eyesight.

[@Narsuitus]

I was surprised that a Zeiss 35mm rangefinder was not included in your comparisons. When I was shopping for a 35mm rangefinder, a Zeiss was included in my top 3 (Leica, Nikon, Zeiss) because its long rangefinder base was a very desireable feature. However, I decided on Leica because it was the only one that was still in production.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks, yes the Zeiss M mount is said to be good but I’ve never tried one. One of my Patreons prefers it to his M6.

[@janjasiewicz9851]

A critical factor omitted is the visibility of the rangefinder patch. Visibility is important especially in low light. - for example Nikon S’ do not have a not very distinct patch , while the Contax iiia and iia are very visible and easy to focus with. The Leica M’s are somewhat inbetween but get less visible as they age, unless replaced

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes the Nikon S is annoyingly hard to see. I love the Kiev 4 RF (more than my Contax)

[@janjasiewicz9851]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I’ve got a Nikon S3 millenium.. I got used to it.. works fine in good light and contrasty edges.. but in low light.. not so much

[@zoltankaparthy9095]

Really good, really interesting. Thanks for the effort. I am fond of in order the M9, M8.2 and then the M240. The PIxii goes back for an upgrade soon. Then I will see about that one.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Zoltan!

[@dlyon9673]

Thank you for this very informative video. By the way, I'm curious as to whether you have any experience with one of Leica's "FODIS" shoe mounted rangefinders for the early Leica cameras and what it's EBL might be..

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks. Yes I have one but it's not calibrated sadly. It came with my 1931 Leica. Leica iii cameras are more accurate that many so it's better than worse.

[@Skipsul]

Have you ever shot a Konica Hexar RF? I was wondering how they would compare, as another M-mount film option.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks James, I've not, I believe they are 'mid-table'

[@chrisreich40]

I like the full-sized magnification of my Voigtlander R3M but fear that the short rangefinder base length probably limits my amateur ability to focus anything faster than f/2, so I limit myself to 35 and 50 mm lenses to f/2. I added the Voightlander 75mm f/2.5 to my kit for longer reaches, but even then try to shoot no more open than f/4. I'd like to know if you think I'm limiting myself too much on my rangefinder kit.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hi Chris, trying to catch up with all the comments. I was able to use 40 1.4 wide open on my R3A. 35mm will be fine, 50 you can try, 75 try too. It depends if your RF is spot on

[@Der_Marc]

Very Interessting stuff. Thanks for sharing.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Marc!

[@alifnor]

Wonderful video. I'm curious if you've heard of the pixii camera?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thank you! Yes I know of it. Never seen but if I get a chance to make a video in the future I will

[@alifnor]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Nice, I recently get to try a few leica bodies, and fell in love with the q2. Glad I found your channel!

[@losimperdibles]

Hi Matt, I am between buying the Bessa T or the Leica m4-p. Currently I own a Bessa L with an heliar 15 mm and sometimes I miss to photograph with a 28mm and 50mm in a documenting street photostyle. Being able to enjoy the leica experience makes me go more for the m4-p but i am not sure wheter It will worth the money or not. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR VIDEOS!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hi Adrian, if you have the cash the M4-P is a camera for life if you service it. Bessa T fun alternative if not. For street the M is better esp.

[@RS-Amsterdam]

Although you forgot to add "film" in your title this is one of your best videos ever. This is the stuff that make me interest in your thoughts and experience. With a bit of knowledge o Physic this should be a no brainer but the extra info you are revealing makes one think twice. I know you are interested in views and thumbs up in the end but .... IMO this is where the power of your channel shines. Great video Matt Thanks for sharing

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks so much RS. Yes if I can make decent videos hopefully I can grow the channel (regardless of likes etc). Thanks for the feedback.

[@ThePhotofit]

Any thoughts on the Fujifilm GW69 in terms of accuracy?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hi David, I think it is like other MF cameras, low compared to the M3 (when looking through both) but enough for the lenses available for that system.

[@thebitterfig9903]

Just dug up an old Fujifilm spec sheet. It describes GW690 with the 90mm f/3.5 lens has a magnification of 0.75, baselength 59, EBL of 44.3mm. The lens would be equivalent to about a 40mm f/1.5 in 135 terms. The GSW690 with the 65mm f/5.6 (28mm f/2.4 equivalent) lens only has a 0.45 magnification, for a 26.6 EBL.

[@Jack-qn6vy]

Interesting video as usual. How would these compare to the MF rangefinders/folders like the Mamiya 6 automat or the Fuji gf670?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Jack and great question. The GF670 looks low mag when using the camera ..i've not used my Mamiya for a bit but I think slightly better but FAR from a M3.. maybe like a Bessa

[@danielfulop]

how about some good old SLR cameras that are easy to focus? I'm struggling with my Zenit TTL and Praktica camera... the viewfinder is really dark and blurry.. even the microprism doesn't help much. Any suggestion?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hi Daniel, see my videos on the Nikons SLR (FG-20 is super cheap and I love it) or Leica SLR ..yes I need a decent finder

[@danielfulop]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom thanks a lot, Matt!

[@jmtubbs1639]

In addition to calibration one might also add compatibility. Some Soviet lenses are said not to be exactly compatible with Leica. Never been sure if that is correct. You have previously reviewed the Xpan but I don't think you gave the EBL for that.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks JM, ah yes great point thanks.. i'll add a paragraph to the linked blog post. I forgot to mention this thanks! From memory the Xpan is less than a M3 (can tell when look through the camera.. it was OK but not great)

[@Baer9471]

I think only the KMZ Drug is potentially compatible with Leica lenses due to the shape of the coupler being cylindrical instead of the regular strange shapes the other soviet cameras have. I can’t confirm if they’re actually compatible or not tbh.

[@sunny16portraits]

So basically the M3 wins right 🙈 I'm still planning to get a 1.4x magnifier so I can accurately focus that 90mm summicron at anything below f4, just have to bite the bullet on the cost of that, half of what the lens set me back oef

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yep M3 is king so you are safe! :) Try to find a used finder on eBay. They hold their value well.

[@nevilleholmes1324]

Is this not all complicated by the available bright lines available in the viewfinder? The M3 might have a better EBL but my M2 has the bright lines that I wanted. Also in practice, what change in EBL actually makes a practicle difference? I did enjoy the video though. Good luck.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Neville, yes if you shoot 35mm lenses (say on the M2), the 1) you don't need a high EBL as lenses less than 50mm have a great DOF (more in focus)(harder to miss), 2) having the framelines you need in camera is less hassle than having a separate finder. The M3 is better for everything except 35mm vs M2.

[@Nicholasishappy]

I see you have a dark patch on the shutter curtain on the m3. is that a fix for light leaks? curious on where and how you get it done on your camera

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

I burnt a hole in it sadly (see video) ..you can fix with liquid rubber from DIY shop (in a tube)

[@enonurb]

Interesting comparison, I have some of the cameras that you reviewed in this video and agree with you on the pros and cons of each one of it. Just a quick one, what do you suggest as external shoe mount rangefinder to use with those cameras without RF. Thank you

[@philwoodall9023]

Voigtlander! easy to set and very accurate. Just be sure to get one in the units you need.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Bruno! I love Voigtlander finders the most (some Leica ones are good too)

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Phil, agree!

[@johnsomers8269]

I enjoy my Werra Matic and the three lenses I have for it.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Nice John, I’ve not one of used those yet.

[@kevinmarkham6385]

do you know anything about external cold shote mounted rangefinders? would make the bessa L more lucrative

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hi Kevin, I use them for a few cameras but they are currently out of alignment. Search Voigtlander rangefinder on eBay

[@kevinmarkham6385]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom when i search that the bessa r rangefinders come up. Would you ever do a video about them? there arent many videos that show how to use them

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@kevinmarkham6385 watch my Voigtlander Perkeo video. You’ll see them 👍🏻

[@lugentaubner6853]

Super informative, thanks!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Lugen!

[@davidmiley1286]

Hmm! I’ve been using my Minolta hi-Matic 7 since I was given it in 1972. I’ve had it CLA’d three times. I think it’s fine, but you make me doubt, because it didn’t feature in your line-up. I’ll get over it. The hi matic rules! Why did I ever buy that M2?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks David, sorry the list is limited to interchangeable lens cameras only..so i'm sure yours is fine. (Fixed lens cameras are designed to be accurate for the lens attached).

[@randallstewart1224]

I suspect that the Canon 7/7s models are superior to any listed in the video, as they combine a longer than average baseline plus can dial in substantial view finder magnification. All this required to focus the 50mm 0.95 lens often sold with these models. Also better than the listed, the Koni Omega Rapid medium format models. The larger size of the bodies affords a much longer base line than these, coupled to a life sized viewfinder. This allows the Koni to focus longer telephoto lenses than the fairly similar Mamiya 7, limited by its shorter baseline rangefinder.

[@jlwilliams]

The 7 and 7s don't have the slick adjustable magnification feature... the VI models were the last ones to have that. The 7 has a fixed 0.8 magnification, but a longer base length (59mm; 59 x 0.8 = 44.2 EBL) while the VI has only a 42.5mm base length and a 1.0x magnification (42.5 x 1.0 = 42.5 EBL) so the 7 is the better of the two. Of course if you switch in the VI's 1.5x magnifier that gives you a 63.75 EBL but you can't frame your shot while using it!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Randall, no the Canon 7 is not in the top 3 but yes better than some. You will have more chance of hitting focus with the RF setting on the L3 shown in the video with fast glass. The Koni has a 86mm base length so yes should be good.

[@neilpiper9889]

I never really understood the conitinued love for rangefinder cameras when slr cameras are available. Some have split prisms or microprisms in the screen centre. I prefer plain ground glass on film cameras as my eyesight is perfect.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

I need to do a view on this! SLR cameras are not accurate enough for fast lens portraits.. rant video to come! I find it really annoying as I have nice SLR and lenses.

[@briandawkins984]

For those of us with poor eye sight and astigmatism rangefinder cameras are great.

[@marcellocolona4980]

I use hyperfocal settings for virtually all my shooting, so I rarely use the rangefinder except to verify distances.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Great, that's how I use my Leica Standard. I love the simplicity!

[@davesaunders59]

Matt, any idea where the ugly duckling M5 sits in the heirachy?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hi Dave, yes same as MP, M7, M2 etc

[@kevinmarkham6385]

so adding a magnified viewfinder to a leica or bessa would help make it more accurate right?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Absolutely! That's why they live on my cameras :)

[@northof-62]

You measure distance between as from outside of each window. Well then - my Zeiss Ikon has 90mm then and .74x magnification But in the specs they have measured from the mid-point of each window which gives a base length of 75mm, which I would think is more correct.

[@philwoodall9023]

Agreed, it should be the centre of each window.

[@jlwilliams]

@@philwoodall9023 The exact center of the window can be hard to eyeball, but here's a fun trick: Set the lens focus at infinity, set the camera square to a nearby white surface, and shine a laser pointer through the viewfinder eyepiece. The rangefinder optics will split the laser dot into two dots visible on the white surface, and the distance between the two dots is the base length.

[@philwoodall9023]

@@jlwilliams I tried it once, less as a measurement technique, more as a late night slightly drunk idea to try; totally agree though. However a couple of measurements on both sides of both windows and a bit of maths works too; of course that assumes the "hot spot" is in the centre.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Lars, sorry to mis-inform. (i'll add a note to the blog post article)

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Phil, sorry for that.

[@kevinparkes417]

What about the focus throw of the lens? Surely a lens that you only turn a short distance is going to be harder to focus accurately than one with a longer, more precise throw.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Kevin, good point. I've only noticed this on Leica R zoom lenses, where just a small movement knocks out the focus. I think generally RF cameras are designed to not be overly long throws.

[@crissignori7482]

WOW !!!! Is there an exam and the possibility of a certificate at the end of viewing and studying all your videos?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Haha I could make one but I don't think it would hold any value :)

[@crissignori7482]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom It would for me

[@Dirty1200]

how about minolta cle?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Similar to CL (not a camera for a fast 50s / shallow DOF portraits).

[@ductritran8637]

Don’t forget the Konica Hexar RF one of the best RF camera I try .

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks! Sorry I still haven't used that one. It's got the same EBL as the Zorki 4.

[@GreyGhost-r4z]

I buy old Kodak Retina Cameras and I completely tear them down, and rebuild them including the shutters to make them NEW, old cameras. It is a calming practice for me. My favorite Rangefinders of that time are the Kodak Retina IIa and the non-rangefinder the Retina Ia. I mostly use the 1a as my in the city Zone Focus powerhouse. The 50mm lens is actually sharper than my modern Fuji cameras. Pretty amazing. Other than rebuilding the Kodak Retinas, I like my Leica Barnack IIIf, with 35mm Summaron. I love Film Cameras because they are so easy to use and basically do not need batteries. I get so bothered by my digital cameras because I have to actually charge them..lol. The other Rangefinder that is the cheapest camera I have ever purchased but which produces Phenomenal images is the Zeiss Ikon Contessamat SE. 1965 Version. I rebuilt it and wish I could show you the crispness of the images. I think I paid $14 USD for the camera and then of course rebuilt it.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks! That’s a great skill to have! I did look at those cameras in the past but just use my Perkeo cameras if want fixed lens MF negs.

[@ChrisTDownTheRabbitHole]

I am in love with the early Retinas, rangefinder or not and rebuild them as you do (as many others). Calming practice for sure. As for accuracy, Contax II is of course the winner and i don't mind the "Contax grip" Another interesting long base rangefinder camera i recently overhauled is the Stereo Realist. To everyone: Have fun with your projects!

[@jlwilliams]

Fun fact: One reason Zeiss put such a long base rangefinder on the Contax II was that they also introduced a rangefinder-focused 180mm f/2.8 lens for German photographers to use at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. (English ballet and theater photographer Merlyn Severn tried it and said the rangefinder was accurate enough, but "considerable difficulty was experienced" in framing the shot accurately... can you imagine trying to aim a 180mm lens through a shoe-mounted accessory viewfinder?!?) Of course Zeiss wised up quickly and shipped subsequent models of the lens with a reflex housing...

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Fascinating info James, a 180 certainly sounds a challenge!

[@chenmunn]

Where would the odd one M5 sit?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

All Ms are the same except M3 and M6 (with different variants).. so M5 is the same as M2, M4, M7, MP etc

[@David-hk3ly]

I have come to the conclusion that the M7 's rangefinder is the best so far but a IIIa with a new mirror comes close. In a pinch I would probably grab the IIIa for its compact size and lesser bulk.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes! I love the Leica iii cameras. For Ms the M3 is the best finder by far (IF you shoot 50/90 etc).

[@webersteve1547]

What about the Zeiss? It should have one of the largest bases of all. Btw. this "reporter-style" presentation is a bit odd :-)

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Steve, Zeiss Contax cameras are included. Sorry I forgot them from the list at the start. If you mean the Zeiss Ikon ZM I think it beats the M6 but I don't have exact EBL data. I get bored of my usual indoor talking head video format so like to try to mix it up when I get a chance. I'll keep experimenting til I find something that works so thanks for feedback!

[@hlash99]

I have a ZM. It has a EBL=75mm X 0.74 => 55.5mm Absolutely love it but I’m tempted to pick up a M3 as it’s supposed to be even more accurate and just love the look Great video btw!

[@webersteve1547]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom yes I mean the Zeiss Ikon, a camera that is hard to find actually and only for exagerated prices. Don't worry about my comment, I understand your situation you are probably somewhere abroad and I like your videos anyway :-)

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@webersteve1547 thanks Steve

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@hlash99 thanks for ZM info. I’ll had to the blog when I get chance. Yes the M3 is lovely!

[@63MacGuy]

is the Zorki 4K the same as the 4? EBL

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes both the same (see link in blog post for more cameras)

[@s_t_r_a_y_e_d]

honorable mention Canon IV SB, 1.5x rangefinder option in it's triple lens system

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks! See my Canon L3 video too for some Canon love.

[@israelLuevano-kr7er]

A tower18b. Mamiya glass

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Nice!

[@Dahrenhorst]

The ultimate Rangefinder? My vote goes to Konica Pearl IV. Probably the best medium format rangefinder camera ever made, regarding quality and finish of the body and the lens.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks I’ve not tried that one yet!

[@ВалерийАфанасьев-я9о]

Очень понравилось! Благодарю!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

🙏🏻 Thanks

[@weizhang6979]

I think the issue with Contax II or Kiev rangefinders is that when holding the camera, the finger will accidentally block the rangefinder window. To use these cameras, I was told to do “Zeiss hold” years ago, if I remember correctly. This was improved on the IIa/IIIa, with a shorter rangefinder base.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Wei! Yes the "Contax Grip" as it's also called :)

[@Agora1981]

Off topic.....your Flickr section is insane 👏👏👏...pure art.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks so much! Always trying to improve.

[@raygeary1698]

Like the bessa 3ra for viewfinder 100,%

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Nice! I used mine for many years

[@raygeary1698]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom 2rolls through it no problem going to try some triax 400👍

[@rafamorenoc]

wow!!!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks!

[@vinylisland6386]

And there's the Osborne finger slithering inexorably over the Kiev finder patch window...

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Haha oops sorry, spot the Leica kid! (I do use the Kiev properly when taking photos!)

[@DavidChorley-pg2qi]

Kodak Ektra for the win

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Ah thanks!

[@Film_Fog]

yashica electra 35

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

I can't find EBL data but it looks like it should be better than many with it's longer BL

[@256k_]

moment of silence for that M3 shutter curtain

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Sorry! I burnt a hole in it (see video) ..it's back in action again after liquid rubber fix

[@mikepxg6406]

Top Tip. Leave the rangefinder in the display cabinet and get an SLR.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Haha thanks Mike, yes they are not for everyone!

[@mikepxg6406]

Ive had many in the past. Leica. Canon, Yeshica, Kiev, Fed, Zorki, Minolta, They were all great fun at the time.@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom

[@FFVoyager]

🤔 The M10-P is 62.8 (86mm x 0.73x) Very close to the M3!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

That doesn't sound quite right. It should be 69.31 x .73 = 50.6 (Better than M8/9/240)

[@FFVoyager]

It's not - if you measure it the way you show at1:15. If you use the Leica spec you would be measuring from the centre of the viewfinder to the centre of the rangefinder window. 🤔

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@FFVoyager yes apologies, I stupidly illustrated it wrong without double checking first.

[@lucab1733]

Kiev 4 contax copy easily beats all rangefinder cameras magnifications , easiest to focus with without a doubt

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Luca! Yes I enjoy them

[@DRGBTL23]

Matt always looks like he was napping in front of a camera and he just woke up with the camera rollin.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Haha maybe lack of sleep!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

..I just rewatched it so I can try to improve, yes sorry this was shot outside and it was really bright so I had slit eyes!

[@enzobet7979]

In terms of real use, all rf's are accurate. EBL is a false dilemma since all camera rangefinders were made to nail proper focus. If you don't achieve precise focus is not due to camera inaccuracy.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Enzo, cameras were made to be accurate for the lenses available for that system at the time they were made yes.

[@superkrell]

Hi Matt: A day ago I commented on a Nikon f2 with a 50mm f/2 Ai lens I liked better than the 50mm Ai-S f/1.4 being sharper in my opinion. I lost the page I commented on so if there was a follow up you can leave it here…!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Anthony, yes I did reply. Something like "Interesting.. I thought the 1.4 would be sharper. I have the 50 f2 AI"

[@justinmueller9579]

Olympus xa?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Sorry the list is only for interchangeable lens cameras. Fixed lens cameras are fine for the lens fitted.

[@briandawkins984]

I have an XA and find the range finder patch difficult to see at times, but otherwise a real gem

[@quite1enough]

it's a pity that Kiev don't have parallax correction ;c

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks John, yes really. I wish they did!

[@raymondsalazar2585]

best

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Raymond!

[@stevesurfaro]

Ok, Matt, you have now outdone yourself!!! I will excuse the chocolate ice cream microphone :) Your use of EBL is #brilliant. Perhaps it's that you're allowing me to feel far less guilty for the iiifs, S2, M7s, MP I am so fortunate to have! The actual answer is that you are giving us one of the best lessons in applied optics in photography I have seen! My favorite RF right now is M7, but I expect one of my newly DAG-CLA'd iiif will eventually win, due to the many shutter button, meter on/off, DX reading quirks. Yes, the iii's are wonderful; I only wish Match Technical could somehow make an E-Clypse EyeCup for both compose & focus viewports. Finally, your video back in 2020 helped me decide to finally get a S2, like you, for the lens! Link here and Patreon On! kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYLWZWOvhpaEe80

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks so much Steve! I'm glad you enjoyed it and sorry for my travel ice-cream microphone! (If I hold it I get better audio vs further from face). You have some nice cameras and I feel I need to give my S2 some love this year. It is a beautiful camera..and with that killer lens (one of the best!)

[@markielinhart]

Ah, best FILM cameras. Alles klar herr komissar✌️ #M8srule

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks!

[@bagoroismaelarnaud2531]

HUSBAND SAYS ITS HELPING HIM TREMENDOUSLY

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thank you! Great to hear.

[@Mamo878]

Or, you can just use a cheap manual focus 35mm SLR instead of a rangefinder and nail focus almost every time. :-P

[@jlwilliams]

Or at least you'll think you have. And you will, as long as your mirror angle is set accurately and your focusing screen is in the correct plane relative to the film plane. If they aren't, you'll probably blame the lens and decide you need to go out and spend more money to buy a better one. And now you know why the camera industry decided in the '50s to emphasize SLRs over rangefinder cameras!

[@eugene8524]

SLR for losers 😆

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Sometimes they are fun but they can frustrate me as not accurate enough

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks James.. yes SO frustrating!! A topic / rant of a future video.

[@ronnieolofsson9920]

Contax or Kiev

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Early Kiev or Contax is fine. I enjoy both.

[@bobhadland2554]

Mamiya 7ii is the best rangefinder camera.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

It give nice high res negatives yes, I had the 7

[@Mamo878]

Um, that's a lot of rangefinders!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

I only got one of each type out to make it easier :S (I have them instead of a house ...really)