XVarior Posted August 25, 2014 Share #1 Posted August 25, 2014 Advertisement (gone after registration) Today I had the chance to use a rangefinder camera for the first time in my life. A friend of mine borrowed it to me and we both headed to the historic and touristic city of Byblos for testing. The camera is an M9 with a 50mm Summarit f2.5. both in almost perfect shape. My friend walked me through some steps to set the camera up to the way I like, I set it to aperture priority and went with the lowest ISO possible as it was still early afternoon/ golden hour with beautiful light. My first and only concern was focusing, I never thought it was that easy and that within minutes of use it can become too fast too! I kept the lens at it’s minimum aperture to see how well I’ll manage to use the focus system…I never looked back at the screen after the first shot, only periodically I would have a look but it was just to make sure exposure was ok.Here’s the output of today’s RF adventure, to you to judge the novice of me all pics were exported from DNG using LR. no editing. so, what do you think guys? should I consider bringing my XVario a bigger sister? Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! 19 Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/232857-my-very-first-holly-rangefinder-experience/?do=findComment&comment=2656855'>More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted August 25, 2014 Posted August 25, 2014 Hi XVarior, Take a look here My very first "Holly" Rangefinder experience!. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
XVarior Posted August 25, 2014 Author Share #2 Posted August 25, 2014 Today I had the chance to use a rangefinder camera for the first time in my life. A friend of mine borrowed it to me and we both headed to the historic and touristic city of Byblos for testing. The camera is an M9 with a 50mm Summarit f2.5. both in almost perfect shape. My friend walked me through some steps to set the camera up to the way I like, I set it to aperture priority and went with the lowest ISO possible as it was still early afternoon/ golden hour with beautiful light. My first and only concern was focusing, I never thought it was that easy and that within minutes of use it can become too fast too! I kept the lens at it’s minimum aperture to see how well I’ll manage to use the focus system…I never looked back at the screen after the first shot, only periodically I would have a look but it was just to make sure exposure was ok.Here’s the output of today’s RF adventure, to you to judge the novice of me all pics were exported from DNG using LR. no editing. so, what do you think guys? should I consider bringing my XVario a bigger sister? Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! 4 Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/232857-my-very-first-holly-rangefinder-experience/?do=findComment&comment=2656860'>More sharing options...
sharookh Posted August 25, 2014 Share #3 Posted August 25, 2014 Absolutely!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
becker Posted August 25, 2014 Share #4 Posted August 25, 2014 The first two for me are a good B and W samples, reportage style no " schnick schnack" no over processing. Nice " Models " I think this is a good Kombo. Small and effektive. So why not. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
M'acieL Posted August 25, 2014 Share #5 Posted August 25, 2014 fine shots Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
A miller Posted August 25, 2014 Share #6 Posted August 25, 2014 Hi XV - You've answered your own question! Now go out and get one! And for a rangefinder experience on steriods, given your interest in B&W, I would go straight for the MM! 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
250swb Posted August 25, 2014 Share #7 Posted August 25, 2014 Advertisement (gone after registration) If you can't decide don't do it, don't let somebody else spend your money for you. Steve 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
fotografr Posted August 25, 2014 Share #8 Posted August 25, 2014 Yes, the rangefinder is at home in your hands. I think you may have caught the bug and will never be happy with anything else. Unfortunately, it's an expensive affliction. Better start saving right now. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stuny Posted August 25, 2014 Share #9 Posted August 25, 2014 Terrific. You clearly have no problem adapting to the genre. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kenneth Posted August 25, 2014 Share #10 Posted August 25, 2014 If you can't decide don't do it, don't let somebody else spend your money for you. Steve I guess that you might be in turmoil of which direction to take right now. I use M6's with Summicron optics+ B&W film. I personally prefer film images to digital but certainly digital images allow a different dimension but, maybe shoot some film, if you are unable to process your own film stock then have it processed by the manufacturer. Then look at the question again in, say 12 months and if you still prefer a digital image buy a dedicated body like the Monochrom M if your passion is B&W, alternatively buy a M 240 if you wish to shoot colour as well as B&W. Back to your original point, do I like your first attempts. Basically, no, they are just too sharp and clinical for my taste but I would not say that this is your fault. Digital images tend to be this way and if you like that then that is fine. There is no right answer other than, do the images you have taken speak to your heart or are they just record photographs that will be put in a drawer and forgotten about- Best of luck 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louis Posted August 26, 2014 Share #11 Posted August 26, 2014 Very nice, Rodrigue! Congratulation for your very positive and very successful experience!... I guess your XV would become a piece of decoration in your office now! Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
XVarior Posted August 26, 2014 Author Share #12 Posted August 26, 2014 Hi XV - You've answered your own question! Now go out and get one! And for a rangefinder experience on steriods, given your interest in B&W, I would go straight for the MM! MM had always been a dream-camera but unfortunately it's out of my budget for now. The only RF I can consider right now is this M9, I can get it sold to me for 3500 as is lens. I don't know but it look like a good price! I'm keeping the camera for another day or 2 so I can make up my mind. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
XVarior Posted August 26, 2014 Author Share #13 Posted August 26, 2014 If you can't decide don't do it, don't let somebody else spend your money for you. Steve Thank you Steve, there's no way I can buy a new RF now, it's this M9 that is being offered at a decent price I guess so that's why I'm considering the possibility based not on funds but on whether the RF experience will appeal to me or not. so far, I'm liking it ;-) Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
XVarior Posted August 26, 2014 Author Share #14 Posted August 26, 2014 I guess that you might be in turmoil of which direction to take right now. I use M6's with Summicron optics+ B&W film. I personally prefer film images to digital but certainly digital images allow a different dimension but, maybe shoot some film, if you are unable to process your own film stock then have it processed by the manufacturer. Then look at the question again in, say 12 months and if you still prefer a digital image buy a dedicated body like the Monochrom M if your passion is B&W, alternatively buy a M 240 if you wish to shoot colour as well as B&W. Back to your original point, do I like your first attempts. Basically, no, they are just too sharp and clinical for my taste but I would not say that this is your fault. Digital images tend to be this way and if you like that then that is fine. There is no right answer other than, do the images you have taken speak to your heart or are they just record photographs that will be put in a drawer and forgotten about- Best of luck Kenneth, thanks for that honest feedback, and yes, as you said above, all I wanted to see at that point was my ability to get focus right. So basically, I was like putting myself in a laboratory and pushing my limits to see how well I'll manage to use the RF. I was not sure of anything at that stage, you know, the M9 screen is not good of reviewing images as it's not hi res, so I was clinical yes, but blindly at the time of the shoot, only when I got home I discovered that the CCD sensor produces amazing sharpness if focus is nailed. The only RF camera I can have or afford at this moment would be this very M9 that is been offered for 3500 with lens or probably, as you mentioned, a film version which I'm considering too. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
XVarior Posted August 26, 2014 Author Share #15 Posted August 26, 2014 Thanks for all of your feedbacks guys. The camera is still with me, I decided to keep for a couple more days and see if this whole RF thing is for me. I'm not considering a new camera purchase at this moment, the maximum I can do at the moment is to buy this M9 which I can buy for 3500 with lens, money wise it's a good deal I guess. Let's see what happen, but so far I do like it and know why RF shooters can't or won't like to shoot with anything else but RF ;-) The XV will never be dethroned though, she's the one type of camera that can't sit and rest, always with me ;-) Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 26, 2014 Share #16 Posted August 26, 2014 (edited) ...Back to your original point, do I like your first attempts. Basically, no, they are just too sharp and clinical for my taste but I would not say that this is your fault. Digital images tend to be this way and if you like that then that is fine. There is no right answer other than, do the images you have taken speak to your heart or are they just record photographs that will be put in a drawer and forgotten about- Best of luck Hi xvarior! I find your pictures great. Imo film would slow you down in terms of progress towards the photography, that only you know which direction you will take it to. The expenses, maybe being a family man and on the other hand not a professional, so not having an income from photography (and at the same time the freedom to enjoy it whichever way you chose) do matter. Please have a look at Graeme Hutton's photos here on the forum, taken with a M8 and a 40mm Summicron-C. The true luxury is the time to photograph and mostly: true talent may be not the pursue to fill drawers with gear. If it does not need to have a red dot maybe testing a Fujifilm X 100s for two days might be a suggestion. A new camera with full guarantee has its advantages. Looks like Jack Simon and Sigfried Hansen get along fine with nothing more. But it has a 35mm lens, not 50. Anyway I think you're doing very well and know best yourself how. Carry on ! Cheers Simon PS: http://erickimphotography.com/blog/2014/08/20/no-camera-is-perfect-embracing-the-80-principle-in-photography/ Edited August 26, 2014 by tri PS Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hank Taylor Posted August 26, 2014 Share #17 Posted August 26, 2014 Nicely done and a great first shot with a camera you never used before. Sounds like you are hooked. Hank 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
XVarior Posted August 26, 2014 Author Share #18 Posted August 26, 2014 Nicely done and a great first shot with a camera you never used before. Sounds like you are hooked. Hank Yes hank, it seems I'm hooked, now I'm looking for funds :-))) Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
XVarior Posted August 26, 2014 Author Share #19 Posted August 26, 2014 Hi xvarior! I find your pictures great. Imo film would slow you down in terms of progress towards the photography, that only you know which direction you will take it to. The expenses, maybe being a family man and on the other hand not a professional, so not having an income from photography (and at the same time the freedom to enjoy it whichever way you chose) do matter. Please have a look at Graeme Hutton's photos here on the forum, taken with a M8 and a 40mm Summicron-C. The true luxury is the time to photograph and mostly: true talent may be not the pursue to fill drawers with gear. If it does not need to have a red dot maybe testing a Fujifilm X 100s for two days might be a suggestion. A new camera with full guarantee has its advantages. Looks like Jack Simon and Sigfried Hansen get along fine with nothing more. But it has a 35mm lens, not 50. Anyway I think you're doing very well and know best yourself how. Carry on ! Cheers Simon PS: No Camera is Perfect : Embracing The 80% Principle in Photography Thanks Simon for this input, I'm a pro photographer/videographer and works for ELLE Magazine but also freelance when it's possible. at the mag I can afford ordering any cam or lens I need, we got 2 pro Canon and Nikon DSLRs with the best lenses those 2 companies makes... for my personal use however, I started to feel a bit tiered of DSLRs and got hooked with the XVario, I needed a camera to slow me down a bit, point less and contemplate more... The XVario somehow made that change in me and I've never used my DSLRs unless I need a 200mm or do video. I love rangefinder camera, I like the feel of it, the way it focuses and operates and also the look but buying a decent one with decent lenses had never been possible budget wise until now, this camera has 10000 clicks on it, and as i heard from other members and friends, its a bargain, that's why I'm considering to delve in ;-) Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pico Posted August 26, 2014 Share #20 Posted August 26, 2014 XVarior, you are an RF natural. Go for the M9. Your Summarit appears to be an excellent sample, too. Thank you for the pictures. . 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.