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It is a common question that, Is it hard to shoot with a Leica Rangefinder?
Let’s find out!
How Hard Is It to Shoot With a Leica Rangefinder?
To shoot with a Leica Rangefinder is easy if you learn a few basics. Using a rangefinder is not hard you should have the know-how of its modes and features, and the buttons that are used to operate the rangefinder.
The user manual can help you know how to use those modes and features is an easy task, so you just have to read the user manual.
Note: If you want to know tutorials about rangefinder click HERE.
Tips
Here are some practical tips on how to master using a Leica or rangefinder:
In order to master shooting with a Leica or rangefinder, you must first learn how to focus. For all manual-focusing cameras, use a lens with a focusing ring.
After research, we came to a conclusion that the best Leica lens for street photography is the Leica Summicron 35mm f/2 ASPH, because it is the sharpest, and has the best ergonomics (with good balance).
The default position of the focusing tab is about 2 arm lengths away. When you move the camera closer, the focusing tab moves towards the center. When you move the lens further away, the focusing tab moves to the right.
You should focus on the middle distance when taking photos of people. Shoot them from a distance of about 1.2 meters. This helps you capture more details of the target.
Here is an example for better understanding. You’re looking at something about 3 meters away. Your camera is focused at f/8 or f/11. So you’ve got a depth of field of 8-11 meters. That means that anything within those distances is in focus. Anything further than that is out of focus.
Note: If you want to know How You Set Up a Halo Xtanium 1000 Rangefinder click HERE.
‘Set It and Forget It’
The good default distance is f/4, pre-focused at 0.9 meters. The best thing about shooting with a Leica M is that it is the ultimate simple camera.
What do we mean when we say that? You ideally want your Leica to be a gloried ‘point and shoot camera’: you want it to be a camera that does what it says on the tin – point and shoot.
That means you should use the lens wide open and set the aperture to f/4, then focus manually before taking the shot. This gives you the most control over the depth of field (DOF) and the sharpest image possible.
Street photographers should use manual focus because it allows them to get closer to subjects than auto-focus does. The ideal setting for street photography is shutter priority mode, which lets you control the exposure by changing the shutter speed.
When you’re using a digital Leica M camera set to shutter priority mode, this is what my recommended settings are:
Shutter Speed: 1/250 sec
Street photographers should avoid wide-open shots because bokeh isn’t as important as sharpness. Shoot at f/8 to achieve maximum sharpness.
How Hard Is It to Shoot With a Leica Rangefinder?
Shooting with a Neck Strap and Flash
There are many advantages of using a flash on a Leica camera. You can always take pictures even if it is very dark. Flash also allows you to focus at f/8. The downside of using a flash is that it does not allow you to use zone focusing.
Increased contrast and saturation in your photographs. When shooting on film, use a flash to improve the quality of your photos. For your Leica camera, use TTL (through the lens) flash settings.
Leica camera is a great tool for taking photos. You should always use Street manual settings when using a flash.
Photography is about capturing quick gestures. You must be fast enough to capture them before they disappear. You should always use a neck strap, so you can quickly capture the gestures.
Note: If you want to know What Is the Difference Between v4 and z6 Bushnell Rangefinders click HERE.
Juggling with One Hand Leica M Shooting Experience
A rangefinder camera is a strange thing. Superimposing a ghostly image in the center of a tunnel-like optical viewfinder is definitely different than focusing with an SLR. Using autofocus is much better than using rangefinder.
Note: If you want to know How You Use a Rangefinder Illuminated Scope click HERE.
Conclusion
Photography is the best with a digital rangefinder. The best ‘street’ photography camera is RICHCGRII Laughing Lady, NYC (Macro). RICHCGRII in Macro But above all, mastering street photography is more importan than mastering your gear.
You should check out the STREET PHOTO STARTER KIT as an strong foundation, but ultimately you must shoot more.
We hope that this article was helpful. If you have any queries feel free to reach out in the comments section below.
If you want to know more information about rangefinder click HERE.
