Framing questions - dlux4 and M8

[lsk]

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I don't own either camera yet but I'm really interested in an M8.2. In fact I have never shot with a rangefinder camera but the more I read the more intrigued I am about the process of photography with a rangefinder. I've been an nikon guy my entire life beginning with an FM and my current camera is a D3. I'm not looking for the pros and cons of an M8.2 or a discussion around that, read everything on a bunch of forums. I'm just hesitant spending the necessary money on an M8.2 not knowing if I'll enjoy the process shooting with an M8.2. So here's my question. Does shooting a dlux 4 with the viewfinder resemble the framing and photographic process of shooting an M8. I understand there's not manual focus on the dlux 4, but will I start to see things like a photographer who uses a rangefinder? I honestly know that holding an $9K camera/lens setup will feel much better than a $1K set up so that's not the question, this is really about photographic composition and seeing things differently. Thanks for your thoughts.......

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[joppepop]

Without having used any of the cameras there are obviously two major differences in handling:

#1 the one has direct and old school access to focus, aperture and shutter speed settings, the other has not

#2 the one has visual feedback of focus, the other has not (when using the optional viewfinder)

They seems to me be two very different species, of these two reasons.

[wda]

In your situation there is no substitute for handling a Leica rangefinder owned by a friend or a dealer. You simply must try one before you buy!

 

Range finding and viewing are acquired skills which come easily to some photographers, while others take longer or never succeed to their satisfaction.

[stuny]

LSK -

 

For 39 years I've owned many cameras, most of which have been SLRs. Also in the mix were TLRs and rangefinders. I personally have not been able to adapt to rangefinders, much preferring the WYSIWYG nature of SLRs, and having difficulty getting used to keeping the subject within framelines inside the viewfinder in rangefinder cameras. Maybe it will be the same for you. THis sugggests that you visit a dealer to see if you can rent a used M8 and a lens (28mm or 35mm, I suspect) for a weekend to see how well you can adapt, and what you think of the results.

 

There are some compromises involved in changing fropm SLR to rangefinder, and depending on what you shoot it may or may not be important to you. SLRs have a clear advantage with long lenses and macro work. Rangefinders can be adapted to work in with long lenses (old Visoflex units for use with long lenses, making the rangefiner camera a hybrid of rangefinder & SLR) and with macro lenses (with special lens and rangefinder window attachment).

 

Coda: If I were to try a rangefinder again I might finally be able to adapt: Three or so years ago my wife gave me a DMR for my R8. It came with a new view screen inscribed with the framelines of what will be in the final image; it has a clear border around the frameline (as in rangefinder cameras) in which you still see what you are aiming at but will not be in the final image.

[burkey]

lsk - welcome. I have both the DL4 and the "classic" M8. Both great cameras, both make very fine images but as was previous said, both very different cameras. The DL4 is sorta' the ultimate point and shoot. I bought it for that reason and carry it everywhere. The M8 has a real RF traditional feel and it makes incredible images when used to its potential. I personally enjoy the rangefinder feel. Other shooters don't and go for the DSLR environment. It's really a personal choice thing. With the DL4 and a viewfinder attached you'll definitely get a bit of the feel of an RF more than looking through the LCD and exposure can be controlled through the use of the menu and a "quick menu" I find very useful. With the M8 everything's manual although you do have the option of using aperture priority.

This forum has a wealth of information. Check it out. You'll find a number of issues associated with both the DL4 and the M8 as well as a lot of praise for both cameras. Also make sure you spend some quality time in the photo section. There you'll find proof of both camera's abilities as fine image making tools. Lots of images made with other Leica models too. ;-) Good luck.

. . . David, (Burkey)

[earleygallery]

HI, in my opinion you will get some of the rangefinder experience with a D lux and viewfinder, in the sense that the viewfinder image is direct and not affected by DoF, filters, focus etc. in the way that an SLR viewfinder is, but that said its also quite different from a proper rangefinder.

 

If you are interested in going down the M8 route but are worried about the cost in case you don't take to rangefinder photography, buy an old Zorki on e bay for about £20 and shoot a roll or two with that, just for the experience. If you like the Zorki you're going to absolutely love a Leica! If you don't like it, you can re sell the Zorki or keep it as a paperweight.

[sparkie]

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i think its probably wise for most people to try a leica M before purchase. any good dealer will be willing for you to loan a camera to shoot some images albeit in viewing distance, unless you arrange to have a deposit of a cash or valuable item like your grandfathers watch as collateral.

 

I bought a minilux about 11 years ago. Shot some rolls on backpacking around the east and was blow away by the results of the leica lens. Then thought I should try an M. So went into a London shop when I got back to the UK, and walked out with a new M6TTL and 35/1.4 summilux ASPH. And yes the piggy bank was anorexic for about a good 6 months, before I splurged out on maybe another 3-4 lenses. And then another body, M-grip, then magnifier, then motorised-grip and so on... till I now have.. 2x M8's and xx lenses and xx film M's and.. you get the picture. good luck