The first optical rangefinders were equipped with cameras Leica. In the very first models, it was just a convenient and effective additional device. With the improvement of the camera, the role of this element also increased; ten years later, the optical rangefinder has already become an integral part of the camera. But for a certain time, focusing was carried out in several stages.
In 1932, Leica brand photo equipment manufacturers release a completely new model - Leica II. This camera already had a valuable advantage - a rangefinder was included in its design. The same device was installed in the camera Contax I, which was only the first model of Contax. Leica specialists had a richer experience in the production of photographic equipment, their products had significant advantages. But the Contax I camera also made it possible to take high-quality pictures, was used for professional shooting, was equipped with such elements as a bayonet for mounting optics, an effective rangefinder base. The subsequent model already demonstrated the integration of the rangefinder and viewfinder into a single unit. The design of the photographic equipment of this company was also interesting - it was distinguished by style and respectability. Such a rangefinder camera looks like a real professional photographic equipment.
Both lines of cameras, Contax and Leica, have been constantly improved. By the 1940s, rangefinder cameras made up the majority of such equipment. Despite the release of rangefinder cameras by American manufacturers, it was German photographic equipment with optical rangefinders that for a long time was the most famous and in demand even in the 60s.
External signs and the mechanism of operation of the rangefinder
The design of the rangefinder consists of a pair of lenses that are located at a certain distance, as well as an eyepiece and a deflecting system. The distance between the lenses is called the rangefinder base. One of the lenses, the main one, is in a straight line with the eyepiece. To direct the light flux between the objective lens and the eyepiece lens, a translucent mirror is installed. The light flux is directed from the additional lens to the eyepiece of the viewfinder. The design of the rangefinder also uses a movable deflecting mirror, it serves to transmit the light flux from the additional lens to a translucent mirror. The movable mirror is connected to the main lens, or rather, to its focusing frame. When the focusing frame is rotated, the movable mirror shifts, so the image on the translucent mirror of the optical rangefinder also shifts. The correct focus of the lens occurs when the images from both lenses merge on the subject that is selected for shooting.
Binacular vision of a person, that is, two eyes, is the basis for the construction of a rangefinder. This simple device allows you to determine the distance to the subject of photography. In most cameras equipped with a rangefinder, the lens automatically focuses. Also, this device allows you to focus using the distance scale.
Differences from SLR cameras
Compared to SLRs, rangefinder cameras allow you to take better pictures. Collision of lenses with a moving mirror is excluded. Both the lens of rangefinder cameras and they themselves are small in size and weight. Due to the lack of a movable mirror, the camera does not vibrate in the hands of the photographer, so you can not use a tripod to shoot with such equipment. Cameras with optical rangefinders are much quieter.
There is a large selection of different lenses, including wide-angle, ultra-wide, which effectively affect the quality of photography. Unlike a reflex camera, rangefinder photography equipment allows you to always see the shooting scene, the viewfinder does not periodically turn black.
But there are some disadvantages of rangefinder cameras. For example, on a mirror, you can immediately see the image that will fall into the picture. In another type of equipment, the viewfinder is separated from the lens. There are some limitations in terms of lens selection - for example, it is difficult to choose a model with special effects. SLR cameras can be used when shooting at any distance, but those equipped with an optical rangefinder are not suitable for photographing closer than 60-100 cm.
The process of shooting with a rangefinder camera
When photographing with a rangefinder camera, you need to take into account that the subject will be a little further than it seems in the photo. This technique is very convenient to use for photo reporting on the street - small equipment will not attract attention. Such cameras are chosen for professional sessions by journalists, especially in pursuit of sensations. The equipment is quite simple to use, some processes that include the shooting technique, for example, setting the shutter speed, focusing, setting the aperture, are performed manually. For many professionals, this principle (control of the camera) is more convenient. Rangefinder cameras are suitable for those who do not rely on additional effects, but like to pay attention to the subject, creating an expressive image and composition in the frame. .
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The principle of operation of rangefinder cameras
The first optical rangefinders were equipped with Leica cameras. In the very first models, the rangefinder was just a convenient and effective additional device. With the improvement of the camera, the role of this element also increased; ten years later, the optical
It can be argued that Leica produces some of the most significant and prestigious cameras in the world. In this article, we will learn a little more about the magnificent Leica M9. The camera costs a lot of money, but as the manufacturers promise, in return you are provided with excellent image quality. First of all, Leica is a camera, a rangefinder, not a SLR, let's find out what that means.
So, what is meant by the term "rangefinder camera"?
This interesting concept gained its popularity in the early days of photographic technology. Rangefinders are known for their high focus accuracy, image quality that is orders of magnitude better than other cameras, fantastic performance, and a lightweight, miniature body.
How does a rangefinder work differently from a normal SLR or mirrorless camera?
The principle of the device of the rangefinder camera is fundamentally different from conventional cameras. To focus the rangefinder camera, rotate the lens distance ring until the split image is aligned in the viewfinder window. Thanks to this system, the camera provides high quality pictures taken at the maximum focusing distance.
Today, the M9 is rightfully considered the best rangefinder of our time. This camera has prepared some remarkable surprises for us. This article lists all the most important qualities that may interest you when buying.
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- The M9 is the smallest camera of its kind, yet it is very practical and handy.
- The camera weighs less than any telescopic DSLR lens
- It is very easy to control the camera, the camera is able to work in almost any shooting conditions.
- The camera is equipped with a very simple menu. The camera settings menu has been simplified as much as possible for the most convenient use.
- Nothing compares to build quality
- Leica is a highly intelligent camera, if necessary, the rangefinder is able to set the ISO value independently, depending on the situation and the position of the lens.
- Easy navigation, simple menu and rational placement of the most necessary buttons. Everyone, even a novice photographer, will cope with camera control.
- The camera is great for shooting outdoors and in natural light.
- The Leica M9 rangefinder is compatible with lenses that have been produced since 1954. Fully compatible with any optic of its kind.
- Image resolution is 18 megapixels
- Depending on the lens used, ISO can be in the range of 80-3200. Leica users won't need to use high ISO settings, but even with high ISO settings, images will be crisp and bright, with good color reproduction and no loss of detail.
- The 21mm f/1.4 and 50mm f/0.95 lenses are made specifically for Leica. With such bright optics, the camera will be able to shoot in very low light without having to increase the ISO.
- Automatic exposure, contrast, sharpness and color compensation
- Quiet and fast focus operation will allow you to shoot without creating unnecessary sounds, remaining unnoticed.
Digital rangefinder Leica M9. Video reviews
Conclusion
A world-renowned manufacturer whose ability to create amazing cameras is undeniable, Leica will never let down or disappoint its users. The creators of the M9 promise that you will not miss any important moment while taking a photo, as the focus works instantly and very accurately. The Leica M9 is like every photographer's dream - a full-frame camera that can take truly amazing photos, the size of a compact camera.
Whatever it was, but for the rangefinder Leica M9 you will have to pay, no more, no less - more than 6,500 dollars.
FED-5 camera review and instructions
on the blog map. The line of FED cameras began with the pre-war model, which was simply called "FED" without a digital index.
Next came the FED-S, -2, -3, -4 and, finally, -5 models in several versions. After the fifth model, the classic mechanical line was interrupted. Further, Kharkiv residents released several interesting automatic rangefinder cameras. But this was already at the very end of the Soviet photographic industry.
With all due respect to the brand, I, as a collector, consider the FED mechanical line, after all, not very interesting. Here is something from the machines I will definitely have in the future and write a review. But for now I only have mechanics.
In the collection, in addition to the first model, I included only the fifth - the final classic.
The line developed without any special highlights. Already the 3rd FED model had implementation options - a completely modern look. With a trigger platoon and a wide range of shutter speeds. The 4th model received a light meter.
What was new in the 5th? And very little on its own ...
Smena-8M camera review and instructions
You can see the list of all reviews and articles
scale cameras We begin our search for the ideal. The search is best done systematically. Therefore, we will adhere to the accepted classification of cameras. And let's start with the scales.
A scale camera is a camera that focuses on a distance scale. The distance to the subject is determined visually or with the help of external devices. Further, by turning the focusing ring of the lens, it is necessary to combine the desired distance on the scale with a special risk.
In the USSR, many models of scale cameras were produced. Inexpensive, reliable, easy-to-use models were in steady demand. Smena-8M
My first camera was Smena-8M. Therefore, I will start the review cycle with it.
The Family of Changes in different indices is perhaps the most famous scalers in the Union. Shifts with indices 8 and 8M produced 21 million pieces. This fact is included in the Guinness Book of Records.
Smena-8M was produced at LOMO (Leningrad ...
Camera Zenit-E review and instructions
In the 60s, the Krasnogorsk Mechanical Plant adhered to the concept of two parallel lines of cameras.
One line was supposed to consist of high-end cameras for professionals, the second - from simpler and cheaper models - for the mass consumer.
In 1965, KMZ already mastered the production of cameras with central shutters based on Zenit-4 as professional cameras.
It's time to take care of ordinary amateur photographers.
In this segment, then there was already a successful model - Zenit-3M.
This camera was very good, and even went well for export. But Zenit-3M still had a number of shortcomings, which it was decided to overcome.
Firstly, the new camera had to get a constant-sight drop-down mirror. It was a breakthrough, because still ALL Soviet DSLRs, incl. high class - had a sticky mirror.
Secondly, they decided to integrate a light meter into the new camera. This was also a breakthrough, because. before that, it was not possible to integrate a light meter into a budget model. D…
And then an interesting circumstance emerged. It turns out that lenses released 30-40-50 years ago are not fundamentally different from modern ones (well, except for electronics, of course).
Moreover, these lenses can be installed on modern cameras without any special tricks and can be fully used in manual mode. The most inter…
Rangefinder cameras
The range of rangefinder cameras includes five models: one camera model "Zorkiy" and two models each FED and "Kyiv".
Zorki brand cameras are very popular in our country. During its existence, the camera has been repeatedly reconstructed and modernized. Over time, many models became obsolete and were discontinued. Only one remained, the well-proven Zorki-4K model. The camera is available in two versions: with an Industar-50 lens, 1:3.5/50 mm and with a Jupiter-8 lens, 1:2/50 mm. The latter is more aperture, and the camera with this lens is correspondingly more expensive.
The Zorkiy-4K camera is equipped with a curtain shutter with a sync contact and a sync controller. The shutter operates with shutter speeds from 1 to 1/1000 With and "B" and allows long exposure. The camera is equipped with a sight-rangefinder with a diopter device. The focusing device is designed for shooting from distances of 1 m to infinity.
Zorkiy-4K is a well-equipped modern camera that allows the use of interchangeable lenses, and with the help of some additional devices, the camera can be used for reproduction work, micro and macro photography.
FED brand cameras are no less popular. Recall that the very first model of the FED camera, released in 1934, was also the first Soviet small-format camera, which was produced by the Labor Commune named after F.E. Dzerzhinsky in Kharkov. Hence the name of the camera.
The FED cameras look very similar to the Zorkiy-4K. Some structural components and mechanism of these devices are also similar. Like the Zorkiy, FED cameras have been repeatedly modernized and improved, and two models of this brand are currently being produced: FED-3 and FED-4.
Both cameras are equipped with a lanthanum lens "Industar-61", 1: 2.8 / 52.4 mm, curtain shutter operating with shutter speeds from 1 to 1/500 With and "B" and X-contact. Both cameras have a sight-rangefinder with a diopter device. The focusing device is designed for shooting from distances of 1 m to infinity. Both cameras allow the use of interchangeable lenses.
As can be seen from the description, the FED cameras have almost the same technical characteristics as the Zorkiy-4K camera, and differ from it in the shutter action parameters and the optical characteristics of the lenses. In addition, FED cameras do not have a sync controller for shooting with disposable flash lamps. At the same time, FED lanthanum objectives have a higher resolving power.
The FED-3 and FED-4 cameras differ from each other in that model 4 is equipped with a built-in photoelectric exposure meter, which is not in model 3.
The operational properties of the Zorki and FED cameras are almost the same.
Along with cameras "Zorkiy" and FED, cameras of the "Kyiv" brand were widely used, which were also modernized many times. Now two models of this camera are being produced: "Kyiv-4A" and "Kyiv-4". These are excellent, well-equipped cameras. Both are equipped with Jupiter-8 lenses, 1:2/5 cm and curtain shutters operating at shutter speeds from 1/2 to 1/1250 With and "B". The shutters have self-timers and sync contacts. Focusing is carried out using a sight-rangefinder. Both cameras can use interchangeable lenses. Shooting can be done from a distance of 0.9m to infinity. These cameras are similar in terms of performance to the FED and Zorki cameras, but due to the lack of special additional accessories, it is more difficult to adapt them for reproduction and other technical work.
Unlike all other small-format cameras, in which the shutter curtain is made of rubberized black silk, in Kiev cameras the shutter is made of narrow metal strips hinged to each other and is very strong and durable.
Rangefinder camera Leica M8
Choosing a camera is the first problem that a beginner amateur photographer faces. Each camera system has both advantages and disadvantages that make it more or less suitable for different types of shooting. Therefore, in order to make the right choice, you need to have a good idea of \u200b\u200bwhat exactly you are going to shoot with this camera.
Almost all existing camera systems are available in both digital and film models, so your choice of camera will not be affected by your preference for one or another technology.
More accessible to the beginner photographer are the so-called small-format cameras (with a frame size of 36 x 24mm or smaller), most of which can now be divided into the following classes:
- compact, or "soap dishes";
- compact cameras for creativity;
- mirror;
- rangefinders.
Compacts, or "soap dishes"
Such a camera is aimed at people who want to think less about the technical aspects of photography. Almost all settings are hidden in the menu, and the camera is highly automated and has a large set of shooting modes for the most common subjects: portrait, macro, night shot, sports, etc. Some models of "soap dishes" are automated so much that they leave almost no opportunity for the photographer to change shooting options.
The quality of photos taken with a “soap box” and the ease of setting are not high, but the cost is also low.
Small size, weight and advanced automation make these cameras the most suitable as an everyday documenting tool that you can always carry with you and take a quick picture on occasion.
"Creative"
There is a separate class of compact cameras, called prosumer in English, from the abbreviation professional consumer - professional amateur cameras. Simply put, they are designed for those who are not satisfied with fully automatic cameras and who need easier access to settings and higher camera specifications. These cameras are geared towards creative use. Often they are even used as a professional tool where there are no high requirements for the quality of photography.
For "creative" compacts, the main settings are placed on separate controls and are available directly, not through the menu. There are more settings themselves, and the camera allows you to shoot both in automatic and in full manual mode. The camera has a better quality lens than the "soap dishes" and a more powerful flash.
Often such cameras allow you to install an additional flash, use a remote control, have a swivel display and are able to record an image in RAW format. With the help of an optional flash, you can achieve high-quality results when there is a lack of available light. The remote control and swivel display enhance the convenience of shooting self-portraits, close-ups, and other scenes that require the camera to be mounted on a tripod. An image recorded in RAW format, unlike an image in JPEG format, allows strong changes in a graphics editor without significant loss of quality.
The impossibility of changing the lens of a camera of this class is compensated by the ability to install attachments on the lens: tele attachments increase the focal length, wide-angle ones reduce it. In addition, filters can be used.
SLR cameras
They are called so because of the viewfinder device. The mirror inside the camera reflects the light into the viewfinder, allowing you to view the image directly formed by the lens. To take a frame, the mirror rotates to reveal the matrix (or film frame). Such a viewfinder device provides complete control over the future picture, unlike soapboxes, where the frame is sighted either on an inertial electronic display or through an inconvenient optical viewfinder.
