Who shoots with both an RF & SLR?

[c.poulton]

I have just been given a Chinon CE-4 & a bunch of lenses by my father who no longer shoots film any more.

Now, I am a die-hard rangefinder type of guy who has been using RF's for over 20 years. OK I started my photographic 'journey' using an SLR in the early 80's, but I haven't used one since then.

I own a M2 which is my main camera, and I have toyed with the idea of getting another body so that I can easily and very quickly swap between films / focal lengths. Having been given the Chinon it seems crazy not to use it. So I have the idea that as a complement to my M2 I use the SLR as a second body - M2 for the shorter focal lengths, SLR for anything longer then 50.

The question is this - does anyone else shoot with the two formats at the same time - would I find it difficult switching on the fly between the two or is it a case of "never the twain shall meet", either shoot exclusively with an RF or an SLR but not both?

[certifiable]

I shoot both, also D-SLR and film SLR, and switch on the fly when I'm out taking photos.
For me there is definitely a difference in taking photos, composing seems more natural with a (D-) SLR, maybe because you're looking straight trough the glass? but focusing seems easier with a RF.

[setyotomo]

i know Sebastiao Salgado is... R6 & M's... see here http://youtu.be/QOUvjLDBym8

[peterm1]

Me. A Nikon D200 plus various lenses - mainly a 17-55mm f2.8, an 85mm f1.4, 105mm f2.8 macro and a 50mm f1.4. Plus a Leica M8 with 35, 50, 75 and 90mm lenses. It sort of depends on a whim which ones I use on a given day unless I go out with a specific focus in mind. Sometimes I will carry both at once but even if I am very selective about lenses on the day its pretty heavy given the Nikon has a battery grip and its pro lenses are big.

[kshapero]

Leica and Nikon all the way baby.

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

I think most of us do. There are some things, like Macro and Telephoto work, that SLRs excel at, and other things that rangefinders excel at. Best to have both! I use Leica M6 rangefinders and Olympus OM-4T SLRs.

[Rob-F]

Nikon SLR and DSLR; Leica film & digital RF. Obviously the Nikons for the longer lenses; but I use both systems for wide angle work, as well as a Hasselblad with 40, 50, 60, 80, 100, & 150. Sometimes I wonder why I put myself through all that! Answer: they all feel like an extension of my own hand, eye, and brain.

[taskoni]

I shoot R7, M2, Leica III, Canon A2E & Canon 5D with Leica R lenses (rarely but true).

[fuwen]

After start using rangefinder few year back I have been shooting less on SLR with wide angles. I use 15, 21, 28, 50 and 85 most on my rangefinders, occasionally 35 and 40. On the SLR mainly 16 fisheye, 28, 50, 100 macro and 135, and longer focal length tele.

[Michiel Fokkema]

I shoot with ahything that fits the job the most. Mostly though RF and DSLR. Since a week also the Fuji x100 a lot.
CHeers,

Michiel Fokkema

[Spyro]

RF & DSLR...and also various other mirrorless, and scale focus, view cameras and hybrids like the x100 or the Hexar AF.

It does get confusing, sometimes I have to stop and think what I'm doing or take a few moments to get in the "mode" of each camera before I start shooting it.

[Archiver]

DSLR for work, RF's and compacts for personal photography. After getting the M9, I found myself using my DSLR exclusively for work, or if I have a personal task that requires precise framing and/or long zoom.

[jwnash1]

In addition to my RF's(Canon 7 & Kiev 4AM) I shoot a Pentax MX and Pentax K20D. I use the Pentax, primarily for macro and nature photography
John

[Kolame]

Of course both! :)

[paulfish4570]

all film: bessa r2m, now a iiif, plus two two nikon bodies - fe2 and now an f2a. i seem to shoot much closer with an slr, particularly on abstracts. RFs are more people/walk around/always with me kit.

[oftheherd]

I don't use 35mm RF that much. I do use MF RF some, and may well have a 35mm SLR kit along. So I use all as the mood dictates, and may combine with 35mm and MF.

[rover]

I think most of us do. There are some things, like Macro and Telephoto work, that SLRs excel at, and other things that rangefinders excel at. Best to have both! I use Leica M6 rangefinders and Olympus OM-4T SLRs.

This is how I feel. I tend to not want to be dragging around both though so I grab one or the other when I go out. I am finding that the way my vision is changing focusing a MF SLR is not that easy. So, for me a RF is a much better option. I did just pick up an Elan 7ne again, very cheap, obedient in that it will focus quickly on what I am looking at and light for easy carry. I still like my M6 and 35 Ultron though. It just works for me.

[MartinP]

i know Sebastiao Salgado is... R6 & M's... see here http://youtu.be/QOUvjLDBym8

Not any more he doesn't, unfortunately! The film is from nearly two decades ago. Due to having film regularly lost and destroyed in airports and security-checks he switched to mainly digital slr many years ago - still post processed for the same 'look' though. He's not doing the volume of international work he used to either, but increasingly ecological stuff in Brazil.

EDIT: I use SLR, rangefinder, TLR, point-and-shoot, pinhole and recently even DSLR. As to when, 'it depends'.

[TaoPhoto]

I also use both, frequently. Unless I'm just out working on a personal project or taking a photo walk, I'll almost always have an Olympus SLR in hand and one of my RFs in my bag. Each is suited to different needs. The SLR, for me, is the workhorse, but for events and fast moving street shots, the RF cameras are really useful. Another benefit: since my RF's are, for the most part, meterless, the SLR meter keeps me up to date on light changes.

[buzzardkid]

Those Chinons are great cameras. The CE-4 has a Pentax lens mount and you can find lots of good lenses cheap for it.

It is an aperture-priority body that is also fully metered when used manually. Electronic shutter makes it excellent for shooting slides, it will simply set the shutter speed to any intermittent speed if that is what it takes to expose correctly.

For many years I used a Chinon CE-2 Memotron, which is brass&black paint (built like a tank) and had M42 lenses and a top speed of 1/2000th. Recently I switched over to Nikkormats and non-AI lenses because the Nikkormat shows a meter readout on top. With a 105mm Nikkor I can use it as a spotmeter without bringing it to my eye. Still have the CE-2, it will be good for years to come and sells for peanuts so I'm hanging on to it.

My setup was: a 100mm or 135mm lens on the CE-2 and two meterless Leica M's with a 50mm and a 28mm, now 21mm. CE-2 provided the meter and longer-lens shots in one. I now use the Nikkormats for that. Just have the CE-4 dangle from your shoulder with the lens inward, it will be under your elbow until you need it.

I'd say give it a try, if it's not for you, you can always decide against it.

[molsondog]

Both, depending on what I'm shooting. For landscapes and other static subjects Nikon DSLR. For urban subjects, people and most anything close up, Leica with B&W film, 35 or 50 Summicron. Different tools for different jobs.

[DNG]

I had an SLR and RF for a short while, and the lenses where redundant (my doing mostly), but, I picked the RF 90% of the time, so I sold the SLR kit. I had no problems switching from form factor to the other.

I do have a Panasonic G1 with a 2 m4/3 lenses and 4 adapted lenses + a LM adapter.. Which I use more than the RF with one lens. I just like the taking a break from the digital world every now and then and go 100% analog... (except the scanning of course).

[sonofdanang]

4x5 with a coupled Kalart rangefinder. This is slow, exploratory work, little of which has seen other eyes. The 4x5 is where I started over 35 years ago.

Nikon digital SLRs and for 99% of the paying and personal work.

P&S cameras occupy a spot in the ranks. Mostly Canon digitals. Fantastic little picture-taking machines. An electronic, if not optical, rangefinder.

I shot on and off with a variety of M-bodies but no longer. Everything there is covered off somewhere else.

[Jack Conrad]

For me, anything wider than 50mm I prefer rangefinders,
and anything longer I prefer a dslr/slr.

[dave lackey]

I have just been given a Chinon CE-4 & a bunch of lenses by my father who no longer shoots film any more.

Now, I am a die-hard rangefinder type of guy who has been using RF's for over 20 years. OK I started my photographic 'journey' using an SLR in the early 80's, but I haven't used one since then.

I own a M2 which is my main camera, and I have toyed with the idea of getting another body so that I can easily and very quickly swap between films / focal lengths. Having been given the Chinon it seems crazy not to use it. So I have the idea that as a complement to my M2 I use the SLR as a second body - M2 for the shorter focal lengths, SLR for anything longer then 50.

The question is this - does anyone else shoot with the two formats at the same time - would I find it difficult switching on the fly between the two or is it a case of "never the twain shall meet", either shoot exclusively with an RF or an SLR but not both?


For almost 40 years, I used nothing but Nikon SLR's, the last 10 being digital, both personally and professionally. About 4 years ago, I discovered the world of Nikon S3 2000 and loved it immediately but just could not get the hang of it for some reason.:confused: My keeper ratio was terrible wide open.

Sold it, got a less expensive M3 a few years ago and it took me awhile to really begin to use it without thinking. A few months ago, I picked up a Leica R4 + 50mm Summicron and now have a perfect RF and SLR combination. Even the focusing rings work the same direction!

Now, what would be my dream combination for everyday use? Two M bodies for two different films and a Leica R body for using the 35 and 80 Summilux lenses + a D700 with adaptor to use the same Lux lenses.:cool:

[Damaso]

I used to shoot both for several years but went full RF last year (including digital). I didn't find shifting back and forth too disturbing (I shot SLR and RF side by side) I just started to like shooting with an RF more...

[newspaperguy]

Both... and both film and digital.

(Canons, Bessas, Leica CL, FSUs in film, Nikon and Olympus SLRs.)

Lately, I find myself using the digitals (Canon G5, Olympus C-5050)

and E-1) more and more.

Maybe at my age, you can't afford to wait to see the results?

[jdos2]

(raises hand)

I've a D3 and M9 kit- I'm very happy with the both of them- the "looks" appear very close- a good match.

[presspass]

For work, Canon EOS digital with a couple of zooms. For myself, rangefinder and Nikon SLR with film. I know, Nikon focuses backwards, but my hands seem to know the difference even when my mind's confused.

[Lilserenity]

I use both for what it's worth although at the moment I'm mostly using my SLR or my TLR. The Leica hasn't been used much over the past 6 months but that will change.

[venchka]

I do. Both ways. 3 ways actually. If you include single lens, direct viewing 4x5 cameras.
What other way is there?

...and film & digital too.

[gb hill]

I have carried both in the past but don't like to be weighted down so now I carry either or. I want to shoot some abstracts & landscapes with my Canon slr using some Pan F. I like to stay focused so the rangefinder will stay home.

[Nokton48]

I use Minolta SRM and SRT reflex bodies for 35mm. Hasselblads and Plaubel Makiflexes for 6x6/6x9/9x9 reflex. Canon for 35mm RF. Sinar Norma for larger format 4x5/5x7/8x10. All are excellent. The right tool for the right job.

[pachuco]

It's no problem at all switching from RF to SLR for me and for 99% of the work I do I have both in my bag. A SLR does not have to be much bigger than a RF so I think they work together well.

[dshfoto]

I use the Leica R8 with DMR (Digital Module R) for shooting in the studio and shooting art, copy work, and also copying negatives (my scanner). However, I found that it was (1) heaver and (2) slower to use on the street or for more candid shots. Also, when I first got it, it was just too much money to be carrying around. I just added an M8 to my M cameras, and found that it works well for traveling and on the street.

[SciAggie]

I use both. I have begun to notice recently that I use rangefinders when I am "a part" of what I'm shooting - like at a party, or in a classroom, or when I'm out shooting just for me. I tend to use a DSLR when I'm more of an observer - like shooting sports for example. I guess I find that both types of cameras have strengths and weaknesses. I do know if I just grab a camera to take with me, it is always a rangefinder.

[Ariefb]

Canon 7D at work (i'm a videographer, not a photographer).
For personal photography, i use TLR, SLR, RF, even a Jiffy Folder. Sometimes carrying several in my bag just for the fun of it.

I dont feel awkward changing cameras and formats when shooting for personal project. Instead, i look forward to it. But i tend to use similar cameras when shooting for paid job.

[Roger Hicks]

At the same time (in the original post) does not seem always to have been addressed.

Yes, 20-30 years ago I used Leicas and Nikon Fs side by side (which was also, of course, the classic Vietnam war photographers' outfit 40 years ago), with Leicas for 21mm to 90mm, Nikons for 135mm to 800mm. But then, like Damaso, I just found that I preferred working only with Leicas. Of course I lose some pictures where a longer lens would be good, but I just don't bother with those pictures any more: it's quicker, easier and more intuitive to use one system. When I used both, I never found it hard to switch from M to F; just not worth the effort.

I still have a few Fs (and a range of other cameras from 9.5mm to 12x15 inch), but normally, if I'm using another camera, I may take a Leica more as a comfort blanket and a backup than to be used alongside.

Cheers,

R.

[dave lackey]

At the same time (in the original post) does not seem always to have been addressed.

Yes, 20-30 years ago I used Leicas and Nikon Fs side by side (which was also, of course, the classic Vietnam war photographers' outfit 40 years ago), with Leicas for 21mm to 90mm, Nikons for 135mm to 800mm. But then, like Damaso, I just found that I preferred working only with Leicas. Of course I lose some pictures where a longer lens would be good, but I just don't bother with those pictures any more: it's quicker, easier and more intuitive to use one system. When I used both, I never found it hard to switch from M to F; just not worth the effort.

I still have a few Fs (and a range of other cameras from 9.5mm to 12x15 inch), but normally, if I'm using another camera, I may take a Leica more as a comfort blanket and a backup than to be used alongside.

Cheers,

R.


Agree with Roger and Damaso... I prefer by far to use the Leica RF...that is why I would love to have an MP.;)

[Ezzie]

The lot, an RF, several SLR´s (d, MF and 135), TLR´s, scale focusing folders, scale focusing MF/LF/pano cameras, view camera (though no movements), P+S, cameraphones...., but still no pinhole or toy cameras!

[SciAggie]

Oops! I guess I misunderstood the original question. I do occasionally use both at the same time. It tends to be when I have a long focal length on the DSLR at a sporting event and then I will have a RF with a wide angle in the bag for up close player/ spectator and sideline action. I don't have a problem moving between the systems.

[n5jrn]

Very seldom at the same time -- I'm not big on lugging lots of gear around. I pick which I'll take based on what I think I'll be shooting, and how much weight and bulk I want to take with me. SLR lets me shoot macro and telephoto, RF is smaller and lighter, compact digicam is smaller and lighter yet (but manual focus is a PITA).

[jmkays]

Leica M9 + Nikon D3s. I take the M9 when traveling light; otherwise, I stick with the Nikon because of its broader genre application (macro, sports, tilt/shift).

[pachuco]

At the same time (in the original post) does not seem always to have been addressed.



I suppose it would be really difficult to shoot a RF and a SLR at exactly the same time... :p

[Bobbo]

to the OP: I would, if I could find a rangefinder I liked for sale :).

I've used an M6 for a short time (in college) with a 90mm lens. I was not impressed, either with the lens or the view through the finder. I ran back to my F2 and 105/2.5. For wide angle, there's no reason a rangefinder wouldn't be a good shooting companion to an SLR. I was thinking of selling my F3 for an F to mount the 105 on and getting a Canon LTM rangefinder for a 35mm. 50mm lenses are too mainstream :)

I really haven't found an RF I like since then, but I'm on the war path, so to speak.

[Roger Hicks]

I suppose it would be really difficult to shoot a RF and a SLR at exactly the same time... :p

For a given value of 'at the same time'...

Cheers,


R.

[c.poulton]

I suppose it would be really difficult to shoot a RF and a SLR at exactly the same time... :p

Haha, nice! I guess it would be difficult...:D

Thanks for all your comments guys - very helpful. Therefore I'm probably going to give working with two bodies (RF & SLR) a go in a few weeks time when I am on holiday in Italy. 35 & 50 on the M2, 75-200 zoom on the SLR. It should work out quite well as there is a particular street festival going on the time I will be over there, so I'll use the SLR for the long shots and the M2 at all other times, just got to remember that the focusing and f-stop rings turn in the 'wrong' direction on the SLR.... ;)

[konicaman]

Whatever gets the job done - film RF (Konica S2, C35 + FSUs) and SLR (Konica Ts and As), DSLR (Canon). Never had any problem switching.

[SimonSawSunlight]

from time to time, you might find yourself holding the camera to your eye where there's no viewfinder. apart from that, why not?

as for me, the only thing I have been using an SLR for within the last 2 years is taking photos of cameras every once in a while.

[shimokita]

I found that the combination of RF with UWA and high speed b&w film plus a DSLR with a normal or short tele work well together in some situations (e.g. museums). I guess digital with a good zoom could do most of the situations, but the resulting presentation a of film / digital "slide show" works for me.

Casey

[kuzano]

Frankly, they are both just slightly different focusing mechanisms and I can switch back and forth without any practical effect. I prefer split image with a focus spot in the middle as with SLR. A well calibrated rangefinder with a contrasty patch acts very similar.

An analogy for me is when I learned to hunt in my teen years. I used iron sights for the most part. If you understand the principle of putting the front sight in the notch and put that sight/notch right under the target spot, then using a scope with a crosshair really offers no advantage over slight magnification accompanied by a need to hold the rifle steadier.

The real equalizer in the iron sights vs scope comparison is the stabilization of the rifle with a bench rest, or bipod on the front of the barrel.

In the same way, the great equalizer for a rangefinder vs SLR focus is a monopod or tripod. If you are not using one of these tools, the argument as to which is the better focus system is moot. Either system enhanced by a tripod is the best arrangement, bar none.

Handholding without a physical stabilizer is all ego, whether photography, or shooting a firearm. As a match shooter with revolver, or semi-automatic pistol, I use iron sights and good technique.

[rbsinto]

I use both Nikon F mount manual focus film SLRs (F, F2, FA, FM) and Nikon S mount rangefinders (S3s, SP and CV R2S). Except for very specialized applications such as macro or long telephoto shooting, which system I use which is essentially dependant on what I feel like schlepping at any given time.

[tbarker13]

Virtually all the time.
When doing documentary stuff, I'll have the M8 with 35 or 15. Then I'll have a D700 with a telephoto.
Even in studio or portrait shoots, I'll use both. The leica will have a vintage lens, while the Nikon provides the modern glass.
The two cameras have a great working relationship.

[randolph45]

Well since I just came into possession of my fathers Canon L1 and 2 lens from the 60t's Most of my cameras have been SLR .Started with Nikon photomic and FTN bodies until they were stolen in 1987.Moved to Canon with a good deal from a friend who was moving out of state. So now I'm buying bits and pieces to augment my rangefinder kit. I never had a proper darkroom,but I still have enough stuff to process my own negs .All my kits are Canon from FD to Eos film and digital

[BobYIL]

I do.. Not only for tele or macro but take the prism off of a Nikon F and use it for ground level pictures especially with superwides or like a Rolleiflex on a street, inconspicuous most of the time; once you set the view you look only at the "victim" and press shutter by not needing to look at the groundglass . Nikon F's are practical and very reliable machines... I still keep three with standard prisms.

Bob

[semilog]

M6 with a wide + an SLR or DSLR with a tele or a mid-range zoom. Frequently.

[TXForester]

Film and digital SLR and thanks to a friend, I'm now into rangefinders. The first 35mm I shot was my mom's Electro 35 in the late 70's, but it's been SLRs until about two years ago.

I shoot whatever I'm in to mood to shoot, though sometimes I it's an SLR for the versatility that a rangefinder can't quite match. However, a rangefinder looks more hip. :D

[Steve Bellayr]

I would recommend that you go with the ssecond M. As for the Chinon & its lenses it is a system that does not compares favorably to an M with Leica lenses. If you go with an SLR system pick one that has outstanding lenses that compare favorably to the Leica lenses or you will be disappointed when you switch. On a personal note the only SLR system that I prefer is the Nikon F3HP with certain select lenses. A 24mm f2.8 is reasonably priced, and 4mm wider than the 28mm for Leica, the last lens that does not require the attachment of an exterior viewfinder, and the 28mm is also superb. The 105mm f2.5 Ai-S is legendary. In addition, Zeiss makes outstanding lenses for Nikon.

[shadowfox]

Yes, at the same time (not the same moment).
I use SLR for tight portraits, usually 135mm lens.
I use the RF for 35mm only, and for me, that covers the rest of the situations involving people and their surroundings.

Chinons are good cameras, your dad have a good taste.

[Gabriel M.A.]

The question is this - does anyone else shoot with the two formats at the same time - would I find it difficult switching on the fly between the two or is it a case of "never the twain shall meet", either shoot exclusively with an RF or an SLR but not both?

You mean, simultaneously, during the same photo shoot, or in general?

Although, for any of those, I have to say "yes". I don't have any difficulty moving from an SLR to a rangefinder or vice-versa. I don't even have a problem (although it is very annoying) on using lenses that go the Nikon/Contax way vs. the Canon/Leica way; very very annoying when you have a mix of SLR lenses (Tamron does it the odd Nikon way). But that's certainly OT.

Yes.

[RanceEric]

I often shoot with my Nikon F around my neck and S3 on my wrist. I love combining the two. I normally have the wider angles on the RF and longer lenses on the SLR

[rbsinto]

does anyone else shoot with the two formats at the same time - would I find it difficult switching on the fly between the two or is it a case of "never the twain shall meet", either shoot exclusively with an RF or an SLR but not both?

When I go rangefinder, I also use an SLR without problems because the S3, SP and F bodies are essentially identical in their control layouts which makes going from one body to any other very easy.
And the R2S body's controls are also so similar that using it with the others presents no problems.

[stupid leica]

i shoot about equal parts RF and SLR these days... which equates to not much haha.

[literiter]

For 35mm stuff I like my M2. Then, should we even mention SLRs, I like my Nikon F2.

I like to hike and the M2 is reasonably lightweight and the only time I have ever had trouble with it, was the time long ago, when I forgot to put film in it (Oh yes, and then there was that embarrassing lens cap issue.........).

The F2 has never had trouble in the 30 years I've owned it. I suspect it never will in my time. The meter needle isn't even jumpy. If the camera were to fail for some reason, I wouldn't hesitate to pay to have it repaired or overhauled.

For 35mm these cameras are more than enough for the likes of me. I've had and used these cameras for a long time, but I realize that in truth the older I get the more I realize how little I know about how good they really are.