how much margin of error for focusing typically?

Rurouni · 29th October 2005

Been playing with a Bessa-R and its a really nice cam. Since I'm very new to Rangefinders, I'd like to know if there's a large margin of error with the focusing, the center focusing area is kinda small so its hard to tell for complex objects if the image is in focus, or maybe I have been spoilt too long with AF cams

Been shooting in low light also so the DOF is very limited : P

Any tips?

ricohflex · 30th October 2005

accuracy of rangefinder depends on the "base"
the distance between the two windows
the longer the base, the more accurate

in war films you can see
the rangefinder they use sticking out of the bunker.
a tube with two lenses wide apart.
probably to gauge distance for artillery direction

AF is also a best guess and is also "zonal"
it is not foolproof

good rangefinders have "snap" when the two images overlap or two half images coincide depending on the type you use.

Rurouni · 30th October 2005

Hmm thanks, what's this 'snap' you refer to? A kind of instant realisation that 'yes the pic is in focus'?

ricohflex · 30th October 2005

Refers to ease of realising that the rangefinder has "found" the correct focus distance.
Dim rangefinders using less expensive optical arrangements, so are harder to see this snap.
Leica seems to be good. Although many have complained of a problem in some newer Leica M rangefinder models. They say there is flare. Very odd as you pay $3,000+ for the body.
You don't expect this poor performance after paying so much.
Have seen one knowledgeable buyer of Leica M6 insisting on buying the older (1980 to 1990) made Leica M6s in second hand shop and very willing to pay EXTRA. He refused to buy the newer Leica M rangefinders. Apparently some cost cutting measures and internal parts use cheaper materials. Not so sure about this issue. Anyway I had 3 in the past and these were the 1980's variety so I experienced no problems at all.

I have an old Shanghai rangefinder that cost very little but has snap.
In those days, they did not stinge on materials. Could have been made in the 1960s or early 70's. Nowadays cost cutting equals more profits equals higher bonuses for staff.

Once in a while you get a piece of BRAND NEW lens that has problems (psst...go to Canon thread and read messages on the latest L lens).

kex · 30th October 2005

i always look for vertical lines to focus in low light situation,once u "feel" it is in focus,just release the shutter.

dun hesitate.

a good shot is still a good shot even slightly blur.

XXX Boy · 30th October 2005

Originally Posted by ricohflex

Refers to ease of realising that the rangefinder has "found" the correct focus distance.
Dim rangefinders using less expensive optical arrangements, so are harder to see this snap.
Leica seems to be good. Although many have complained of a problem in some newer Leica M rangefinder models. They say there is flare. Very odd as you pay $3,000+ for the body.
You don't expect this poor performance after paying so much.
Have seen one knowledgeable buyer of Leica M6 insisting on buying the older (1980 to 1990) made Leica M6s in second hand shop and very willing to pay EXTRA. He refused to buy the newer Leica M rangefinders. Apparently some cost cutting measures and internal parts use cheaper materials. Not so sure about this issue. Anyway I had 3 in the past and these were the 1980's variety so I experienced no problems at all.

I have an old Shanghai rangefinder that cost very little but has snap.
In those days, they did not stinge on materials. Could have been made in the 1960s or early 70's. Nowadays cost cutting equals more profits equals higher bonuses for staff.

Once in a while you get a piece of BRAND NEW lens that has problems (psst...go to Canon thread and read messages on the latest L lens).

Older Non-TTL M6 and the late TTL M6 have the same rangefinder. So it is not worth to pay more. And somemore since older M6 are around 18 years of age and it is also most likely to go for a CLA liao...so in other words, not worth it unless you get it damn cheap.
I would rather go for a M2, M3 or M4.

Rurouni · 30th October 2005

thanks for the tips on focusing, will experiment with a few more rolls, my slides will only be processed next week so I can't see if my technique for focusing worked well with the cam

29th October 2005	#1
Rurouni Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 384	how much margin of error for focusing typically? Been playing with a Bessa-R and its a really nice cam. Since I'm very new to Rangefinders, I'd like to know if there's a large margin of error with the focusing, the center focusing area is kinda small so its hard to tell for complex objects if the image is in focus, or maybe I have been spoilt too long with AF cams Been shooting in low light also so the DOF is very limited : P Any tips?

30th October 2005	#2
ricohflex Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: sing Posts: 1,537	Re: how much margin of error for focusing typically? accuracy of rangefinder depends on the "base" the distance between the two windows the longer the base, the more accurate in war films you can see the rangefinder they use sticking out of the bunker. a tube with two lenses wide apart. probably to gauge distance for artillery direction AF is also a best guess and is also "zonal" it is not foolproof good rangefinders have "snap" when the two images overlap or two half images coincide depending on the type you use.

30th October 2005	#3
Rurouni Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 384	Re: how much margin of error for focusing typically? Hmm thanks, what's this 'snap' you refer to? A kind of instant realisation that 'yes the pic is in focus'?

30th October 2005	#4
ricohflex Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: sing Posts: 1,537	Re: how much margin of error for focusing typically? Refers to ease of realising that the rangefinder has "found" the correct focus distance. Dim rangefinders using less expensive optical arrangements, so are harder to see this snap. Leica seems to be good. Although many have complained of a problem in some newer Leica M rangefinder models. They say there is flare. Very odd as you pay $3,000+ for the body. You don't expect this poor performance after paying so much. Have seen one knowledgeable buyer of Leica M6 insisting on buying the older (1980 to 1990) made Leica M6s in second hand shop and very willing to pay EXTRA. He refused to buy the newer Leica M rangefinders. Apparently some cost cutting measures and internal parts use cheaper materials. Not so sure about this issue. Anyway I had 3 in the past and these were the 1980's variety so I experienced no problems at all. I have an old Shanghai rangefinder that cost very little but has snap. In those days, they did not stinge on materials. Could have been made in the 1960s or early 70's. Nowadays cost cutting equals more profits equals higher bonuses for staff. Once in a while you get a piece of BRAND NEW lens that has problems (psst...go to Canon thread and read messages on the latest L lens).

30th October 2005	#5
kex Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: beebox Posts: 2,101	Re: how much margin of error for focusing typically? i always look for vertical lines to focus in low light situation,once u "feel" it is in focus,just release the shutter. dun hesitate. a good shot is still a good shot even slightly blur.