For me it works.
I have used / been using Mamiya Press, Mamiya 7 ii and now Fuji X-E2 as rangefinder / rangefinder type cameras. I don't count compacts here.
For me the most interesting part was the last part where Michael, Sean and Mark discuss the subjective feelings towards the rangefinder type cameras.
Having started photography with an SLR (Nikon FE, which has been sold long ago) in about 1983,
switched to the Mamiya Press later (as cheapest MF option for me at that time) and now using a Mamiya 7 II and a Fuji X E2,
I have similar feelings about using this type of camera - I love them.
A similar emotional experience (for different reasons) I only had when I had a loaned Sinar 4x5" camera for a week.
Using a Nikon D700 for a private assignment in 2012 I couldn't really connect to that camera, though the images came out well.
When I ask my self "why?" I think the less bulk and unbtrusiveness (Okay the Mamiya Press was a tank, talking about the Mamiya 7 ii here)
is a main factor for me. The "Big Window" viewfinder doesn't do too much to me - I prefer the EVF of the X E2, which gives me the image
I get on chip later and allows for long lenses (300 mm equivalent - try that on a Leica ...)
The (acoustic) noise level being significantly lower than on SLRs and the camera cases being clearly smaller together with access
to lens designs (Biogon type symmetric wideangles) not working on an SLR I think the features that make it for me are identified.
And there still is this nose issue (thanks to Fuji for their design of the "X" cameras).
Concerning my shooting experience with the X E2 - small case, fast responsive camera, OIS,
fast autofocus, low shutter noise, non-tormenting the nose to me it appears to be a
perfect street shooting machine and great synthesis of old viewfinder and modern electronic features.
An X-Pro 2 with the features of the X E2 (fast phase detection AF!) would probably become my personal wet dream.
Okay - time to end rave mode
The bottom line is:
Anyone thinking about buying a camera and feeling unsecure about rangefinders/non-SLRs should see this video.
I personally find it a bit too much a Leica show (not entirely though), and concerning the history
some important cameras (Like the Mamiya 7) are missing but however - a tribute to the rangefinder class is a good thing to have.
Maybe talking of "rangefinder" at all is not the right term in these times since the classic rangefinder device is not what makes it these days.
"Finally no more mirrors" might be the more appropriate description of this camera class (seems CSC is the term used now):
- Less bulk
- Little noise only
- Lack of mirror slap
- Longer lenses available
- Little things: Macro work possible
- Laufbilder: Video and Burst Mode AF profits having no more mirror.
- Last but not least: Healthier noses!!!
(Why does every item on this list start with an "L" ??? /me scratches head)
Cheers
~Chris
