 Benjamin Baron |
Rangefinder vs. SLR What is the difference between a rangefinder camera and a SLR ?? which one is better ??
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Dave Cross |
Hi Benjamin. Here is the simple answer :-) It's all down to the way you focus:- With an SLR you are actually looking through the lens when you look in the viewfinder, you see exactly what the camera sees and you focus by looking at the image, most modern SLR's give you assistance with autofocus and focus confirmation in manual mode. When you look through a rangefinder viewfinder you see straight through and out the front (not via the lens). There is a clever arrangement of mirrors that measures the distance to the subject, as you change the focus the mirrors move and make the split-image line up. As to which is better... This is for you to decide, here is some help:- Rangefinders tend not to give you interchangeable lenses (there are some notable [expensive] exceptions). SLR's black out the viewfinder during the exposure (some people never get used to this). When you are close to your subject the SLR gives you a more accurate view though the viewfinder. Rangefinder cameras are simpler mechanically, and still usable if the rangefinder mechanism packs up, an SLR with a stuck mirror is useless. The focal-plane shutter of an SLR can distort fast moving objects even at high shutter speeds (panning with the subject minimises this effect). As with choosing any camera (car, hi-fi or whatever), go to the store and play with the hardware, there really is no substitute for getting your hands on and trying out. Buy what FEELS right for you. I'm sure there will be lots of other opinions on this subject, just my 2c worth. Best regards
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Dave Hockman |
Hello Benjamin, My 2 cents agree with everything Dave C. just said. I have never owned a rangefinder (high end) even though the simple film in a box camera (throw aways) fit some of the viewfinder criterea. I have borrowed a high end rangefinder before and could not get used to the view. I prefer SLR's as they are very accurate for framing your shot. Keep in mind even some SLR's only give you a percentage of what your lense actually "see's." Good Luck. Dave
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Tom Walker |
I agree with all previous comments, both have their strong points, SLR, interchangable lenses and composing your shot, rangefinders, usually very well made and don't quit on you with a "bump" also much lighter. I sometimes take my old (40yrs) Minolta Himatic with me whan camping and backpacking
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Andy |
Just another difference: If you forget to remove the lens cap on a SLR, you will notice it right away because you can't see anything. On a RF, you will not know because you are not seeing through the lens. I made that mistake a few times ;)
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