The common question I'm always asked is: 'which one to buy?' The choices are varied and rangefinders have been in production for years. They are essentially do the same thing, abeit, with varying degrees of functionality.
What are rangefinders to begin with? The main difference lies in the manner in which one will focus the camera, using a measuring instrument (a rangefinder). Using triangulation, the photographer is able to focus the lens using a 'rangefinder spot' in the viewfinder to ascertain if the subject is in focus or not. Unlike SLRs, the view is not through the lens, so you have the benefit of having a compact sized body, no mirror (less vibration and less noise) and the ability to focus in super low light as the viewfinders are typically very bright.
But what's the hype about? The answer to the question is best answered by what you choose to shoot. Their small and unobtrusive appearance makes photographers more welcomed in areas where occupants may be hostile to photographers. The lack of a mirror also means they're more quiet, allowing for photographers to get reasonably close to subjects without them feeling intimidated by the noise usually associated with SLRs. Travel photographers may also find comfort in using them since their small size and equally small lenses, allow high quality reproduction without added weight. They're unsuitable for sports photography and other similar activities requiring long lenses and fast frame rates. That's where an SLR comes in handy.
Some comparisons for would be buyers:
Leica M6 (and variants) - in production for nearly 20 years, it remained one of Leica's best sellers. A workhorse by nature, it was often panned for having a 'cheapened' feel compared to its predecessors such as the original M3 from the 50s. It was arguably a mixed bag of tricks from a purely comparative standpoint between earlier Leica cameras. Introduced as a 'metered M4-P', the M6 would see camera production return to Germany. Originally offered with a 0.72x magnification finder, it was a development based on the original M4 form factor. For the bulk of its shelf life, the M6 had no real competitors on the market in the 80s and 90s. Its finder was sound, offering users bright crispy images and a precise rangefinder, which did have a minor tendency to flare under extreme conditions. Arguably, the best bang for your buck used Leica today would be the M6 of which 130,000 were made. The M6 TTL variant had good internal metering (compared to earlier cameras), came with three viewfinder magnifications (0.58, 0.72 and 0.85) and also a rather primitive TTL flash system. They were also fitted with an oversized shutter speed dial which made it easier to turn, alas the direction of travel was reversed, much to the annoyance of old Leica users. This minor oversight can be forgiven considering these cameras can be bought for less than half the price of the current Leica MP.
Zeiss Ikon - this new offering which currently heralds with a 'Made in Japan' sticker on it is one of the latest and more serious contenders in the rangefinder market. In both chrome and black paint bodies, it's handsome, refreshing and honestly a lot more ergonomic in some ways than a Leica M. It has a ENORMOUS viewfinder (with marked framelines to show you the focal length) that is somewhat brighter than the Leica though the rangefinder patch is somewhat susceptible to disappearing if your eye isn't dead centre to the viewfinder. The larger body is much easier to handhold and the body material is very 'grippy'. It weighs less than any of the Leicas and is highly suited for travel or a LOT of walking around without going out of breath. Metering is reasonably accurate though there is a tendency to slightly overexpose. Film advance is light though the crank does make a whiny sound. Film loading is a no-brainer since it loads like a regular camera. The film rewind knob is on the bottom of the camera but it's no problem at all. The rangefinder is accurate and has a longer base than the Voightlanders, making it usable with longer lenses or fast lenses. A new one will cost as much as a used M6. This camera wins in the ergonomics department and its large viewfinder. It does require batteries to operate but also sports Aperture Priority automatic exposure, making it a worthy contender against an M7 instead of an M6. A 0.74x finder is standard.
Leica MP - the current offering as a replacement of the M6 was the much sorted out MP which went on sale in 2003. Unlike previous cameras, the demand is obviously lower considering its high cost and the prevalence of digital cameras. Alas they did manage to finally sort out many gripes many M6 users had over the years, including returning the super smooth film advance lever from the M3 and a more quiet shutter than the M6 it replaces. The viewfinder patch seems to be perfect with no flaring in bright sunlight. Styling tweaks included the the removal of the infamous 'RED DOT' in front of the camera, which was often an open invitation to thieves to rob would-be Cartier Bressons in the street. It's literally anonymous in use on the street. Available in chrome and black paint, the latter finish seems to be the most popular though it does characteristically wear quite differently from the black chrome cameras. All said, it is very well made and even the rear film pressure plate door appears to have a much smaller gap than the older M6 and the old engravings from the M3 have been returned. Shutter bounce is lower, noise levels are lower, flare seems to be absent. A 0.72 finder is standard though 0.58x and 0.85x finders are available on special order.
Which rangefinder?
Personally, I still love the Ikon's film loading system which is conventional and doesn't require too much mental or physical dexterity to figure out. The Leica film loading system has and still is a pain and requires two hands and a pocket to put the film baseplate away. There are times the film won't take up in the takeup spool and you MUST check it before taking pictures. The lower weight of the Ikon also makes it a clear contender for those that spend hours walking the streets. The Leica scores on traditional build quality, noise suppression and lack of battery dependence. Its rangefinder was and still is the benchmark in terms of operation and accuracy though the Zeiss has no peer when it comes to its huge finder.
The reason the M6 was included in this line up is simple: it's almost ubiquitous and is still a popular camera that is in daily use. The MP and the Ikon are both 'current' offerings. The Ikon would be the best of both worlds, being both modestly priced and having automation that the MP and M6 do not. The M7 cost nearly 3 times more. The M6 remains popular as a modern classic and was for nearly 20 years, the 'de-facto' rangefinder on the market. Its popularity and vast production means prices are relatively low on the used market, making it an attractive proposition for would be Leica buyers. The MP is thought to be the last mechanical Leica camera they'll make. It brings back much of the original feel of the classic Leicas in the 50s and 60s. If you have used an old Leica, you will feel right at home with the MP. It's amazing how old recipes are sometimes the best.
Ratings
Value for money:
1) Zeiss Ikon (around RM4000 new)
2) M6 (around RM8500 new and RM4000 on the used market)
3) MP (around RM14,000 new and around RM8500 on the used market)
Automation:
1) Zeiss Ikon
2) M6/MP (tied)
Viewfinder Brightness:
1) Zeiss Ikon
2) MP
3) M6
Rangefinder Patch
1) MP
2) Zeiss Ikon
3) M6 (can still flare under extreme cases)
Weight (lowest to highest)
1) Zeiss Ikon
2) M6
3) MP
Shutter bounce
1) Zeiss Ikon (lowest)
2) MP
3) M6
Shutter Noise
1) MP (most silent)
2) Zeiss Ikon
3) M6
Ergonomics
1) Zeiss Ikon (large shutter speed dial + good rubberised exterior + well placed shutter release)
2) M6 TTL (large shutter speed dial)
3) MP (a repackaged M3)
FIlm Loading
1) Zeiss Ikon (easiest)
2) M6/MP (tied)
Metering
1) MP/M6 (tied - reasonably accurate)
2) Zeiss Ikon (tendency to overexpose slightly)
Shutter Speed Accuracy
1) Zeiss Ikon (quartz controlled to 1/2000)
2) MP/M6 (mechanical shutter control courtesy of the Black Forrest)
Battery Dependence
1) MP/M6 (tied - does not require battery for the shutter)
2) Zeiss Ikon (requires a battery to operate)
Build quality
1) MP
2) M6
3) Zeiss Ikon
Flash Control
1) M6TTL - primitive TTL flash
2) MP/Zeiss Ikon (standard flash sync with no TTL control)
Intuitive operation
1) Zeiss Ikon (easy layout and conventional film loading and push-button rewind release)
2) MP/M6 (fiddley film loading can be intimidating and peculiar rewind release lever is non-standard)
What are rangefinders to begin with? The main difference lies in the manner in which one will focus the camera, using a measuring instrument (a rangefinder). Using triangulation, the photographer is able to focus the lens using a 'rangefinder spot' in the viewfinder to ascertain if the subject is in focus or not. Unlike SLRs, the view is not through the lens, so you have the benefit of having a compact sized body, no mirror (less vibration and less noise) and the ability to focus in super low light as the viewfinders are typically very bright.
But what's the hype about? The answer to the question is best answered by what you choose to shoot. Their small and unobtrusive appearance makes photographers more welcomed in areas where occupants may be hostile to photographers. The lack of a mirror also means they're more quiet, allowing for photographers to get reasonably close to subjects without them feeling intimidated by the noise usually associated with SLRs. Travel photographers may also find comfort in using them since their small size and equally small lenses, allow high quality reproduction without added weight. They're unsuitable for sports photography and other similar activities requiring long lenses and fast frame rates. That's where an SLR comes in handy.
Some comparisons for would be buyers:
Leica M6 (and variants) - in production for nearly 20 years, it remained one of Leica's best sellers. A workhorse by nature, it was often panned for having a 'cheapened' feel compared to its predecessors such as the original M3 from the 50s. It was arguably a mixed bag of tricks from a purely comparative standpoint between earlier Leica cameras. Introduced as a 'metered M4-P', the M6 would see camera production return to Germany. Originally offered with a 0.72x magnification finder, it was a development based on the original M4 form factor. For the bulk of its shelf life, the M6 had no real competitors on the market in the 80s and 90s. Its finder was sound, offering users bright crispy images and a precise rangefinder, which did have a minor tendency to flare under extreme conditions. Arguably, the best bang for your buck used Leica today would be the M6 of which 130,000 were made. The M6 TTL variant had good internal metering (compared to earlier cameras), came with three viewfinder magnifications (0.58, 0.72 and 0.85) and also a rather primitive TTL flash system. They were also fitted with an oversized shutter speed dial which made it easier to turn, alas the direction of travel was reversed, much to the annoyance of old Leica users. This minor oversight can be forgiven considering these cameras can be bought for less than half the price of the current Leica MP.
Zeiss Ikon - this new offering which currently heralds with a 'Made in Japan' sticker on it is one of the latest and more serious contenders in the rangefinder market. In both chrome and black paint bodies, it's handsome, refreshing and honestly a lot more ergonomic in some ways than a Leica M. It has a ENORMOUS viewfinder (with marked framelines to show you the focal length) that is somewhat brighter than the Leica though the rangefinder patch is somewhat susceptible to disappearing if your eye isn't dead centre to the viewfinder. The larger body is much easier to handhold and the body material is very 'grippy'. It weighs less than any of the Leicas and is highly suited for travel or a LOT of walking around without going out of breath. Metering is reasonably accurate though there is a tendency to slightly overexpose. Film advance is light though the crank does make a whiny sound. Film loading is a no-brainer since it loads like a regular camera. The film rewind knob is on the bottom of the camera but it's no problem at all. The rangefinder is accurate and has a longer base than the Voightlanders, making it usable with longer lenses or fast lenses. A new one will cost as much as a used M6. This camera wins in the ergonomics department and its large viewfinder. It does require batteries to operate but also sports Aperture Priority automatic exposure, making it a worthy contender against an M7 instead of an M6. A 0.74x finder is standard.
Leica MP - the current offering as a replacement of the M6 was the much sorted out MP which went on sale in 2003. Unlike previous cameras, the demand is obviously lower considering its high cost and the prevalence of digital cameras. Alas they did manage to finally sort out many gripes many M6 users had over the years, including returning the super smooth film advance lever from the M3 and a more quiet shutter than the M6 it replaces. The viewfinder patch seems to be perfect with no flaring in bright sunlight. Styling tweaks included the the removal of the infamous 'RED DOT' in front of the camera, which was often an open invitation to thieves to rob would-be Cartier Bressons in the street. It's literally anonymous in use on the street. Available in chrome and black paint, the latter finish seems to be the most popular though it does characteristically wear quite differently from the black chrome cameras. All said, it is very well made and even the rear film pressure plate door appears to have a much smaller gap than the older M6 and the old engravings from the M3 have been returned. Shutter bounce is lower, noise levels are lower, flare seems to be absent. A 0.72 finder is standard though 0.58x and 0.85x finders are available on special order.
Which rangefinder?
Personally, I still love the Ikon's film loading system which is conventional and doesn't require too much mental or physical dexterity to figure out. The Leica film loading system has and still is a pain and requires two hands and a pocket to put the film baseplate away. There are times the film won't take up in the takeup spool and you MUST check it before taking pictures. The lower weight of the Ikon also makes it a clear contender for those that spend hours walking the streets. The Leica scores on traditional build quality, noise suppression and lack of battery dependence. Its rangefinder was and still is the benchmark in terms of operation and accuracy though the Zeiss has no peer when it comes to its huge finder.
The reason the M6 was included in this line up is simple: it's almost ubiquitous and is still a popular camera that is in daily use. The MP and the Ikon are both 'current' offerings. The Ikon would be the best of both worlds, being both modestly priced and having automation that the MP and M6 do not. The M7 cost nearly 3 times more. The M6 remains popular as a modern classic and was for nearly 20 years, the 'de-facto' rangefinder on the market. Its popularity and vast production means prices are relatively low on the used market, making it an attractive proposition for would be Leica buyers. The MP is thought to be the last mechanical Leica camera they'll make. It brings back much of the original feel of the classic Leicas in the 50s and 60s. If you have used an old Leica, you will feel right at home with the MP. It's amazing how old recipes are sometimes the best.
Ratings
Value for money:
1) Zeiss Ikon (around RM4000 new)
2) M6 (around RM8500 new and RM4000 on the used market)
3) MP (around RM14,000 new and around RM8500 on the used market)
Automation:
1) Zeiss Ikon
2) M6/MP (tied)
Viewfinder Brightness:
1) Zeiss Ikon
2) MP
3) M6
Rangefinder Patch
1) MP
2) Zeiss Ikon
3) M6 (can still flare under extreme cases)
Weight (lowest to highest)
1) Zeiss Ikon
2) M6
3) MP
Shutter bounce
1) Zeiss Ikon (lowest)
2) MP
3) M6
Shutter Noise
1) MP (most silent)
2) Zeiss Ikon
3) M6
Ergonomics
1) Zeiss Ikon (large shutter speed dial + good rubberised exterior + well placed shutter release)
2) M6 TTL (large shutter speed dial)
3) MP (a repackaged M3)
FIlm Loading
1) Zeiss Ikon (easiest)
2) M6/MP (tied)
Metering
1) MP/M6 (tied - reasonably accurate)
2) Zeiss Ikon (tendency to overexpose slightly)
Shutter Speed Accuracy
1) Zeiss Ikon (quartz controlled to 1/2000)
2) MP/M6 (mechanical shutter control courtesy of the Black Forrest)
Battery Dependence
1) MP/M6 (tied - does not require battery for the shutter)
2) Zeiss Ikon (requires a battery to operate)
Build quality
1) MP
2) M6
3) Zeiss Ikon
Flash Control
1) M6TTL - primitive TTL flash
2) MP/Zeiss Ikon (standard flash sync with no TTL control)
Intuitive operation
1) Zeiss Ikon (easy layout and conventional film loading and push-button rewind release)
2) MP/M6 (fiddley film loading can be intimidating and peculiar rewind release lever is non-standard)
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