At 10:09 8/14/02, William Sommerwick wrote:
Any comments from those who have just added an RF camera to their photo bag?
I've read some of the other responses. I added an RF to the bag a few
years ago, so it may not qualify as "just added" but will throw in my
tuppence worth anyway.
Different types of cameras require different modes of visualizing, whether
it's a rangefinder, SLR, TLR or technical view camera. Those who cut their
teeth on an SLR and have "just added" an RF to the bag need to allow some
time to develop their skills at visualizing the final image and working the
framing and focusing differently; in a manner that fits the tools an RF
provides for it.
The downside of the RF is parallax between viewing optics and the taking
lens (as with a TLR). However, if it has a reasonably accurate viewfinder
frame this effect only kicks in with objects at close distances. The SLR
has a great advantage with macro and micro photography. One can use a
system RF for this, and prior to the Nik*n F in 1959 there were RF systems
that had accessories for it, albeit more complex and cumbersome
mechanically and optically.
The upside is usually lower noise from only shutter travel. Lens stopdown
and mirror slap are omitted. There may be a slight delay in shutter
release with older ones that have an F, M and/or FP sync in addition to
X-sync for flash (to fire the flashbulb before shutter travel), but it's
still usually shorter than an SLR which must stop the lens down and move
the mirror. In addition, the viewfinder does not go dark during
exposure. There is a visual and aural feedback whether or not one has
exactly captured the decisive moment, and it's easier to pan. The
workaround with an SLR is keeping the other eye open peering around the
prism, but this more difficult with SLR viewfinders that are not 1X, and
part of the view for the other eye is blocked by the prism.
No single type of camera design dominates the others. Each has its pros
and cons which can give each one more suitability for certain specific
types of photography, if the pros are exploited to advantage in use.
-- John
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