Rangefinder Style focusing on SL with M lenses

[FrankSL&M]

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Hi I am new here.

Was just wondering if it is possible to have RF focusing in the EVF of the SL.

 

 

[digitalfx]

A rangefinder uses an optical viewfinder and includes a complex rangefinder mechanism inside the top of the camera. The M cameras use a rangefinder.

The SL only has an electronic viewfinder only.

 

You can manually focus M lenses with the EVF in the SL, and the camera also offers focus aids to assist you including a zoom in function but it does not have a rangefinder.

[earleygallery]

Hi I am new here.

Was just wondering if it is possible to have RF focusing in the EVF of the SL.

 

Honest question - do you understand what a rangefinder is? If not, google is your friend. 

[steppenw0lf]

A rangefinder uses some sort of mechanical coupling. The SL has no such thing.

But the M lenses are very well usable on the SL, the viewfinder (EVF) gives a very precise impression of the image to expect - with some experience, or with "preview", or for most precision with the 10x zoom. (focus peaking is another helping tool)

The advantage is that you can control focus on the whole image area, not just in the center. 

[thighslapper]

If you mean ...... which I assume ..... can you use the EVF as an optical viewfinder for focussing ? ...... then yes, the clarity and resolution are not far short of SLR/RF optical VF level ..... but without the dynamic range to see into deepish shadows.

 

You can use the SL as if it was a simple optical viewfinder without resorting to magnification of focus peaking when focussing most M & R series lenses and be spot on most of the time. 

[su25]

If I am not mistaken, Fuji x100s gives that option. I am not aware of any other mirrorless camera which gives the RF focussing through the VF.

[FrankSL&M]

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Let me clarify. What i meant was have some kind of emulator or a rangefinder focusing system.

[blacksinner]

What do you mean by that? It is not possible. It is mechanicly not a software focusing system. If you want you can buy M camera with EVF hotshoe, thats possible. Not the other way around

 

 

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[jaapv]

Let me clarify. What i meant was have some kind of emulator or a rangefinder focusing system.

No camera offers that. There is a patent by Leica on the subject by using two little cameras and the vapourware Konost claims something of the kind, but those systems are at best under development, at worst stillborn.

[FrankSL&M]

I know there isn't another window (or a camera) to offer a different angel of view. But would it be that difficult to emulate split rectangle rangefinder style focusing. 

[jaapv]

It would be that difficult, as another angle of view as you put it, IS rangefinder focusing.

[250swb]

I know there isn't another window (or a camera) to offer a different angel of view. But would it be that difficult to emulate split rectangle rangefinder style focusing. 

It would be overkill even if it was possible, technology for the sake of technology. As has been said already focusing M lenses with the SL is very easy anyway, the image pops into focus and if a second opinion is needed you can magnify the focus point and/or use the focus peaking feature.

[thighslapper]

I know there isn't another window (or a camera) to offer a different angel of view. But would it be that difficult to emulate split rectangle rangefinder style focusing. 

 ..... and what is the point ..... ??? 

 

you have a good resolution EVF, focus peaking and magnification. 

 

Leica have never engaged in gimmickry so you are asking the least likely camera company to implement something that is neither necessary nor useful. 

[maqroll]

Actually owning a SL I don't miss RF (it's mechanical).

 

But I know some  Fuji bodies have this emulation (split image).

 

Would anybody be able to explain/define what is it? It comes as an alternative to focus peaking and it might provide an answer to FrankSL&M 

[Peter H]

Actually owning a SL I don't miss RF (it's mechanical).

 

But I know some  Fuji bodies have this emulation (split image).

 

Would anybody be able to explain/define what is it? It comes as an alternative to focus peaking and it might provide an answer to FrankSL&M 

 

 

 

It's a small electronic split-image insert, optionally available at the flick of a switch, in the corner of the OVF.  It's the least useful and most difficult to use feature in an otherwise splendid optical/electronic viewfinder that combines many of the benefits of both in a quite wonderful way, but naturally involves some compromise in both too. The OVF is not as good as an M's, and the EVF is not quite as good as the best Fuji's, let alone the SL's. An excellent compromise though, but the rangefinder element is a bit of a gimmick.

 

If you want both in one camera, an M with an EVF attached is the best answer available. 

[Joshua Lowe]

I don't think that would work very well on an EVF.  

[earleygallery]

Let me clarify. What i meant was have some kind of emulator or a rangefinder focusing system.

 

You could buy a hot shoe mounted rangefinder - Leica made them for the earlier LTM cameras before they started building them into the bodies. 

 

Red Dot have one for sale http://www.reddotcameras.co.uk/screw-accessories/10372-leitz-5cm-sbooi-finder.html

[steppenw0lf]

There is no emulator for RF behaviour. And I do not miss it. I would not see any usefulness in it.

I would regard it as a step backwards - it would allow focus only in the center again.

 

You could regard focus peaking as a substitute. And like a RF it is also limited in precision. (Ok for a first approximation and then it depends on the lens, if this is precise enough.)

For high precision I use 10x zoom. (obviously not always, only on the few occasions when needed.) This is much more precise than anything I used before.