What is rangefinder? Range-finding cameras. Lens rangefinder

Life flies so fast that you do not always have time to capture the brightest and most significant moments of it. High-quality images are just that tool and solution that allows you to save a moment on paper and in digital format forever.

However, the approach to photographic equipment and cameras from users is not the same. There are many options for choosing devices for shooting: from simple "soap boxes" to professional and expensive "DSLRs".

Between these whales of the phototechnics market are rangefinder cameras.

Distance gauges - what is it?

Even the uninitiated know what a "soap box" is, and what is a professional camera. But what is rangefinder? We will try to answer this question.

Distance-measuring camera - this is one of the subspecies of photographic equipment, which uses a rangefinder to fix the sharpness. The latter is a device that is used to measure the distance from the shooter to the desired target. Everything is extremely simple and understandable.

Distance-measuring cameras have evolved over time:

• The range finder is not conjugate - with its help the distance in one window is determined, and the frame looks in another.
• Range finder + viewfinder.
• A distance meter connected to the lens.
• Range finder complete with a parallax compensator.

History of creation

Having dealt with the fact that such a rangefinder, let's move on to the essence of the creation and history of this photographic technique.

Range-finding cameras appeared in the distant revolutionary 1917. The first such camera at one time was the Kodak product. By the way, at the moment this company as the founder of rangefinders continues to produce them.

In 1925, a new player appeared on the market of such photographic equipment - the firm "Lake." The range finder to such devices was provided as an accessory.

In 1932, the company "Lake" and "Kodak" produce new cameras that are much more compact and efficient than their predecessors. The range finder is already beginning to be combined with a video scanner.

Since the 1930s. Rangefinders are becoming leaders in the market of cameras. Only in the 60-ies of the twentieth century, the SLR cameras will begin to force them out of the market.

At present, the Sony camera is the most progressive and high-quality rangefinder unit that will suit a wide range of users.

When it became clear what the rangefinder is, and what prospects it has in the market, the companies began to expand the range of such goods. Range-finder devices were produced in different variations: small, medium and large format. To small-format rangefind cameras since the 1950's began to include and devices of the brand "Nikon", which took their niche in the photographic equipment market abroad.

Advantages

It's time to talk about the advantages and disadvantages of the described devices. What is rangefinder? This is a complicated technique that has its positive and negative sides. Having dealt with the fact that such a rangefinder, you can go to their positive side.

• Unlike simple "soap boxes", the rangefinders have a less noisy shutter. This allows the photographer not to pay attention to himself.
• The camera-rangefinder is much better than its competitors making photos in motion due to a short interval of pressing the shutter release button.
• In the viewfinder, the picture does not overlap when shooting.
• The camera is very compact unlike bulky cameras. In the rangefinder, you can use a folding lens. This makes it even more compact.
• In modern rangefinder there is a viewfinder. It shows the frame completely, while the "DSLR" viewer displays only 90-93% of the necessary information. In some rangefinders, the field of view is even wider than that of the "DSLRs". This makes it easier to crop the picture.

disadvantages

Unfortunately or fortunately, the disadvantages of rangefinder cameras are not less than the advantages. Some moments are considered negative because the photographic technique is moving forward with leaps and bounds. Much of the technical plan has already been changed.

• If the distance from you to the subject of photography is about five meters, then focusing in this case will work poorly. This is one of the main drawbacks of the rangefinder camera.
• It is not easy to work with a polarization filter. It is very specific.
• It is difficult to produce macro photography.
• There is an inaccuracy in the framing due to the parallax.
• Using the rangefinder you can take pictures without removing the lens. This is a typical mistake that is not intentionally corrected by manufacturers. In SLR cameras, it is not possible to photograph with a closed lid.
• The range-lens is inferior in performance to its direct competitors in the market.
• It is difficult to work with light filters.

"Jupiter-9" - high-quality rangefinder lens

It would be wrong if long-range cameras were used without additional accessories. There are devices that make shooting more productive, quality and effective.

"Jupiter-9" rangefinder is a long focal lens, which is now used for both specular and long-range cameras.

Originally it was called "ZK-85". This means that Sonnar Krasnogorsky had a focal length of 85 millimeters. To be more precise, this value was 84.46 millimeters.

The range-lens was produced in Krasnogorsk. Later he was collected in Lytkarino. It was designed for long-range or SLR cameras that had an adapter ring (Jupiter-9A).

In fact, there are several modifications of the device "Jupiter-9":

• Distance meter with mount M39.
• Mirror with M39 mount.
• Nine "Jupiter" with the bayonet "Kontax".
• Mirror with M42 mount.

The difference between distance and mirror / mirrorless technology

The principle of the rangefinder is different from other cameras. For example, to get maximum sharpness when aiming in a distance camera, you need to rotate the lens ring. In the "DSLR" this is not required.

• Distance gauges have higher quality photos.
• They are much lighter in weight.
• Their lenses are more compact.
• The rangefinder lens is always of high quality.
• Excellent focusing in the dark.

BUT!

• You never know what you get in the end. When shooting, the viewfinder is distant from the lens. It is difficult to expect an unambiguous result.
• The lenses for the rangefinder are not designed to be fitted with special effects lenses.
• You need constant maintenance of cameras and their adjustment.
• Weak focus.
• There is no macro.

Digital rangefinder camera "Lake M9". Short description

Modern cameras rangefinder series are on the market and now. This is not the case when things are sent to the dump of history or forgotten at all.

The firm "Lake" to date produces the best rangefinder cameras. Consider the model "Lake M9". This is the best rangefinder camera of our time. We list only the main advantages of this device:

• M9 - the chamber of the compact size. Despite this, it is very practical and convenient.
• The camera is smaller than any lens for the "SLR camera".
• Excellent build quality.
• Simple and intuitive menu. Settings are adapted to the ordinary amateur photographer and everyone can cope with them.
• "Lake M9" is compatible even with those lenses that were released in the 1950s of the twentieth century.
• Resolution - more than 18 megapixels.
• There is no need to use large ISO figures.

Well, everything, I buy!

Often amateur photographers prefer long-range modern digital cameras. They have the right to do so. We will only try to briefly explain why it is worth buying these cameras, and why not, starting with an unambiguous option - "buy!".

• Style and charm. From these chambers blows the spirit of history. You will stand out against the background of other photographers.
• Ease. The device is light and comfortable. This will take him with you, anywhere.
• Quality of images. It has been consistently high throughout the century.
• Easy control. The camera settings are very simple and will not cause any difficulties.
• Photo on the go. With a high-speed mode, the rangefinder camera can please with its quality.
• In the modern market of range-finding technology, Sony is a great choice for a photographer. This company specializes in similar technology.

Buy? Well, I do not!

There are moments that should be considered when buying rangefinder. And they have a minus sign:

• There is no macro. The amateur will ask: "What is this in general?". However, we know that without this option it is difficult to imagine a modern high-grade camera.
• Price and quality inconsistency. It has long been proven that modern SLR cameras are better than modern rangefinder digital cameras. However, the price of rangefinder can be at or above the "SLR". For example, for the "Lake M9" will have to pay $ 6,500. Given the growth of the dollar, this is a huge amount of money.
• "Trash of history." It is proved that there are cameras that make photos much better than distance meters. They lost leadership in the market in the middle of the twentieth century. From a technical and professional point of view, the rangefinders go to the background, remaining only an expensive toy in the hands of history lovers.