“Rangefinders” are primarily targeted at the business market and are priced accordingly. These cameras include a few 35mm models like the Leica and Contax, several medium-sized roll film cameras, and a few large-format portable options. The viewfinders in these cameras are mostly “parallax-corrected,” meaning the lenses adjust the image lines slightly downward as you focus.
One of the attractions of these cameras is their silent shutters and the reduced weight compared to single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras with the same image format. They are also sturdy and feature high-precision optics. The Leica rangefinder, for instance, boasts a virtually soundless focal plane shutter and a modest range of interchangeable lenses. The viewfinder automatically adjusts its frame lines depending on your settings. Exposure readings are taken through the lens via a light sensor positioned just in front of the shutter, which moves into place immediately before you photograph.
Medium-sized direct-sight cameras often share characteristics like interchangeable lenses and remote-sensing focus, or they may have automatic zoom and focus capabilities. Everything is magnified – for instance, a 6x7cm camera might have a standard lens around 80mm or a zoom lens between 55 and 90mm on a 6×4.5cm format.
These cameras are popular among professionals for studio work and event photography where both formal groups and spontaneous shots are required. Wedding photographers, who traditionally used medium-format cameras, are now frequently converting to high-end 35mm digital cameras for the vital preview facility and the security of knowing they have captured the shot.
Specialized direct-viewfinder roll-film cameras are designed for niche applications. These include wide-angle cameras for panoramic formats like 6x17cm and portable displaced-lens cameras for architectural photography, which allow for lens elevation to control perspective.
Advantages of direct viewfinders include:
- Fast activation and capture, ideal for press photographers needing to seize spontaneous moments.
- A crisp, brilliant viewfinder image that allows you to see part of your subject before it enters the frame, beneficial for sports and action photography.
- Modern compacts offer a range of features such as motor drive, autofocus, automatic exposure adjustment, zoom, and flash, while remaining small.
- Medium-format direct-viewfinder cameras can be designed for specialized roles, such as portable architectural photography or panoramic shots, where medium format results are required.
However, there are drawbacks:
- Parallax error can be a problem when working close to the subject, even with “parallax-corrected” cameras, as the difference in viewpoint can disrupt critical compositions.
- There is no practical way to visually verify the depth of field.
- It’s easy to accidentally block the lens, exposure sensor, or autofocus sensor with a finger or strap.
- Inexpensive autofocus compacts can take a noticeable amount of time to focus, potentially causing you to miss key moments.
- The small built-in flash of compact cameras is not very powerful and produces flat light; it cannot be bounced unless the camera has a shoe for an external flash.
- Most small-format compacts are entirely dependent on battery power.
