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Learn how to use a rangefinder camera


juju01

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Sincere apologies if this has been covered in a previous discussion. Searched but nothing came up. I am new to Leica and the rangefinder system.

 

I am looking for a resource - book, video, site e.t.c anything that can walk me through the rudiments of using the rangefinder system - The mechanics of it. Not history of the Leica system or anything like that. Many thanks

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alternately - look through the finder, move the focus ring on the camera until what you're looking at matches up in the focus patch, then depress the shutter. It's really that easy, and there's nothing like it.

 

If you're not familiar with manual operation cameras, stick it on Aperture Priority until you work out the shutter speed stuff. It doesn't take too long.

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My personal advice (so possibly not the right advice) is to relax, turn the focus ring until you see the rangefinder patch 'pop' with a high contrast, then take the shot. I would advise against using vertical or horizontal lines to align - it can take longer that using contrast and leave you sawing back and forth when you can't find lines in the area you are trying to focus on.

 

Don't read, just practice, practice, practice.

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Apart from reading some theoretical information first, to understand how the camera itself operates, it really is best to jump into the cold water and simply use the camera as much, as possible.

 

In the beginning one has to reset one's expectations in regards of the outcome.

Simply start getting familiar with the camera system by the good old dry shooting technique while watching a movie on the sofa. Train your fingers and brain to the basic camera operations, learn where which controls are and which direction the dials move.

Train focussing this way as much as you can, always turning the focussing dial on the lens back to it's infinity position (makes it much easier in the beginning).

 

After the camera feels a bit more comfortable, simply go out and take as many pictures, as you can - it's a digital camera and if you should shoot JPG only (no RAW files) in the beginning, you seemingly can shoot as long, as the battery has a charge.

 

Take pictures of things, that do not move in the beginning and check on the camera LCD display what you have taken a picture of.

Do this for some days or weeks and then progress to subjects, which move …

 

Take you time and practice as much, as you can and never give up!

 

After some time it simply will all fall into place and shooting a rangefinder camera will feel the most natural thing on earth.

 

Enjoy!

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