one other point about a rangefinder: YOU CAN'T see if the lens cap is off, on an slr you can( literally )as you don't get any image!!, so one amateaur mistake to be very wary of.

@Matt Day Maryland Buckeye here. I'm a Mid 50 year older, and I have been shooting as a enthusiast since the early 80's. I started using a Digital camera since the early 2000's. But I just wanted to say that I found your Channel earlier this year, and I enjoy your videos on film Photography. You have a calm settling Manor in your videos which is so relaxing to watch. Excuse my wording, but I had a Stroke 2 years ago, which causes slight brain issues. No other issues though, thankful for that. By the way, my family roots are from Springfield and Lima, and my dad did move back to Austintown from Maryland for the last 15 years of his life. He left in the early 60's to move to Maryland to find work, and than moved back in the late 90's. Thanks again! 😃

Why choose? Buy them both. ;)

Great overview. What I wish I had thought about a little longer: Rangefinders are really, really expensive to have serviced when they break. That service may take a long, long time.

One other small thing about rangefinder cameras that I appreciate: use of filters. On a rangefinder you always get the same clear view of the scene, on an SLR you have to look through the filter, so will see a dark view in the case of an ND filter, or a yellow one for a, erm, yellow filter (unless you keep taking the filter off to compose of course, which is a big pain).

Do people really have an issue with SLR blackout? It never bothered me, its so quick making its such a small little difference

In this time of isolation having your videos is like catching up with a friend. Keep 'em coming.

I'd never really thought about composition through a rangefinder since everything is in focus all the time, that's a great point, Matt. Great video as always, dude.

Dude this is so perfectly said. That preface at the start about it being down to your personal preference is GREAT too. i love my SLRs, and i can't get into using rangefinders because it is soooo hard for me to visualize my frame on them. thanks for this one dude

Another nifty thing in rangefinders is the ease of use when zone focusing. Unlike SLRs the RF viewfinder patch will sometimes feel like a peek into the future while still being able to see the subject clearly while lining up the shot.

You’re pretty darn good at this stuff Mr Day.

rangefinder all day MD

The comment about layering is pretty interesting. I have always had SLR's but recently have picked up a few rangefinders (35 RD, XA and Canon P). I am warming to then and will explore this idea further. Thank you again.

Thank you!!! Such helpful info and a great approach. Not trying to influence one way or the other is refreshing. Also like that you keep the vids short and on point. Hope it stays this way. Welcome back.

Love my Canon AE-1, but have always been interested in Leicas because I hear they're really nice. But I never really bothered to learn what the differences of a rangefinder actually are. Sounds like I'll be sticking with my SLR!

Thanks for the video, Matt. I had used SLRs and DSLRs for years, but had also used a Canonet 28 in the past so I knew what I was getting in for when I bought a Leica M4 last autumn. Still, I was a little uneasy about switching to frame lines because I like to be very particular with my composition. I actually haven't found it a problem at all (except with fences where both cameras have their own problems - smaller rangefinder lenses fit through fences nicely but then your viewfinder is off to the side and often obscured; larger SLR lenses often can't go through the fence but at least you can see it properly - but I don't shoot through fences every day ... I digress) and have been really happy with my compositions using the rangefinder. Your video made me realise why - it's because I'm seeing everything in the frame in focus and can pick up on things in the background more clearly. It's so obvious now but I hadn't really appreciated that about my rangefinder until now, so thanks, I've learned my something new for today. (This post is another example of why I should not be allowed to use parentheses when writing.)

love how balanced this was!

One other point I'd like to make, that doesn't affect everyone but certainly myself: If you wear glasses, that changes your experience with camera viewfinders drastically. I'm an optical dispenser, and I can also tell you that your prescription also plays a big role in this too and the diopter adjustment on the viewfinder doesn't provide an adequate solution for a lot of us. For me, rangefinders are strictly easier in general when it comes to manual focus, because even though I can't get my eye right into the eyecup, I can still see the patch and framelines clearly regardless (given you have the right lens and magnification setup), and lining things up is easy if you find an edge or something else easy to spot. With SLRs, I find manual focus almost impossible depending on the focus screen style. Most of the time it's a no-go, if I'm honest. I've always relied on autofocus with SLRs as a result, but the downside is also that I can't actually see the entire frame because my eye can't get close enough to the eyecup. I even find the waistlevel finder on my Hasselblad tricky because I can't get my eye close enough to the flip-up magnifier so it takes me a while to get the focus spot on. Glasses wearers, I see ya, haha.

I love your upload time as soon as I wake up I get a new vid!

OMG im so glad you made this video, few days ago I broke my only 35mm camera and was thinking whether or if I should go to SLR or make the transition to range finder. Well let me finish the video may be it will help with my decision

Great Video Matt, a good pros and cons list for both parties without playing favourites. I shoot both and enjoy the different experiences I get.

the reason I got a slr recently is the sound. I LOVE the sound of the mirror and the shutter together. it sound so satisfying

Fantastic video Matt, some excellent point for each.

Thank you so much for taking the time to do such informative videos. I’m just in the process of doing a photography course I couldn’t get my head around what a rangefinder was

I love my FM2 and wouldn't change it for any other analog camera. It's so reliable and easy to use ;-)

Great stuff Matt. Perfect pace and detail. I'm informed!

I love my M6. It brought back the joy of photography.

I REALLY needed this ♥️🙌🏼

Great video man, for me my M6, gets the most use. In my opinion it’s way way quieter and subtle than my Nikon FA and other slr’s I’ve used, also like you mentioned being able to shoot slower speeds is super helpful. The main thing I guess which you touched on is price difference and just the amount of tech within rangefinders, to get a rangefinder with automatic modes, AF or even a meter in some cases you’ve gotta pay a whole lot! Even with that in mind I love how shooting with the M6 you have only the most basic controls and no buttons. I really notice it when going back to my Fuji digital cameras with the millions of menus. Keep up the great work man your channel is amazing

Thanks Matt! Considering picking up my first rangefinder and this was really helpful.

Excellent. Exceptionally well said as always.

Just ordered an SLR, Canon A1 ready to slow down and shoot some film! But been thinking of getting a rangefinder as well! Great video!

Both. Yashica Electro 35 GSN is my favorite rangefinder as a go-to. My SLR is not bad. Medium format range finders are a favorite. Benefits of rangefinder: No mirror, less shake, no mirror lock up, easier to blow air to keep the back clean, and no curtains.

Totally enjoyed your video. I have a rangefinder, and a few slrs, so this cleared up a few questions. Thanks!

Very insightful, great vid Matt!

Sometimes I find difficult to focus with a rangefinder in low light condition (using a Vivitar 35ES, which is a clone of the Minolta 7sII). As well I'm a bit confused when I try to focus in portait mode, searching for the horizontal move of the little square which is... vertical ! But the rangefinder is so much smaller and lighter than the SLR ! It's a pleasure to carry it around the neck.

Having used both an SLR and a rangefinder, I ended up preferring the SLR. Composition wise, you can be sure about what you get in your borders and not ending up with not so great surprises that require some cropping. However, rangefinders are fun to use. Great video Matt!

Great video man, I find it much easier to focus with a rangefinder. Good point with the distracting background also

I like choosing specific rangefinder cameras for their unique viewfinder magnification/lens focal length pairs. .91 for 50mm and .72 for 35mm. For other focal lengths, external finders are usually available to pair with respective focal lengths.

Yo bless your soul for this you really cleared a camera body mess in my head thank you

Thank you for the video, Matt!

Another great video Matt. I’ve got both but I started with slr’s. I love shooting with my Leica but I find that my slr’s are more practical for most of what I do. I did find it interesting that you feel you are faster at focusing with a rangefinder as I find the opposite. I guess it’s a matter of what you get used to. With my slr’s I can focus and compose at the same time. This works well with a wider lens (like my personal favourite 28mm) but I find that it makes me much faster than using a rangefinder patch. Of course zone focus is a different story. Mind you, my rangefinder is a m3 with a 50mm so I’m not comparing apple to apples.

Love your stuff matt keep it up!

Hi Matt, thanks for sharing. I’ve never tried a rangefinder before and I want to try one even more now I’ve watched this. One day!

I’m hooked on the TTL perspective of SLRs. I use the DOF preview button often. I’ve also found it’s easy to use zone focusing on old manual focus SLRs. I’m sure I’d love shooting a Leica, but I’m unwilling to lay out the cash for one. I avoid cameras that are solidly on the collectors’ radar screens.

This was super informative. Never used a rangefinder camera and Now I’m really thinking about it

I think it's pretty clear that the SLR has many technical advantages over Rangefinders to make it easier to get a good photo, whereas Rangefinders only have a few over SLRs. That's why pretty much the whole photography world switched to SLRs in the 1970s. I do like Rangefinders (I like all cameras!) and have some really cool 60s single lens Rangefinders that are great fun to use, but there's no way I'm paying $2K for a Leica M6 when I got my Nikon F5 for $300.

this was really informative and helpful, thank you so much!

Thanks Matt. Great video.

Great points Matt! M2 + F3 and a couple other Nikons are my 35mm go-tos

Wow, I just learned so much in this one video! Thank you so much!

Good comparative between the two kinds of cameras.

This channel is still going strong. That I find amazing.

Did not know that's the way range finders worked , very informative, thankyou.

found your channel for the which leica to buy video, happened to have a nikon FM2 too, and I like the vibe of your channel. Decided to stay. Thank you for sharing your insight Matt. Hoping I could own an M6 as well one day.

Fixed lens rangefinder cameras are worth considering. Many manufacturers produced on in their range. The Fuji X100 is a digital camera in the same idiom.

Thanks man, really great and cleared alot up for me

Hi Matt, you made a lot of good points and you may have said this, but what I REALLY love about my M6's when shooting is how connected and "there" I feel with the outside world. When using my SLRs, I feel as if I'm looking at the world through a tube. I do use both, though.

Well done! I shoot with a DSLR and I am so sick and tired of hearing about how rangefinders are better than DSLRs., and that DSLRs are dead. You presented a very fair and balanced comparison. As you said, each has their advantages and disadvantages. I shoot with a DSLR. That’s what I learned on. I would purchase a range finder if I was photographing live musical performances. I think that’s its strongest advantage. What I love about the DSLR is that there is more variety of lenses, and I know what exactly what the shot is going to look like. And yes, I do stop down. Again, great presentation!

I really love carying my Canon AL-1. It's aperture priority so it's pretty quick, and has focus assist. Plus, it'll take all my FD lenses. Fun little shooter.

Thanks for being awesome quarantine entertainment

best slr and best rangefinder you are presenting here ;) good choice for the video!

A lot of people think rangefinders only exist on expensive camera like the leica. The basic ones you can try is a minolta himatic 7 or a canon g3 QL. Both cameras use split image focusing similar to leica. The drawback is cannot change lenses. I like rangefinder cameras for the frame lines to look at and knows how your pictures will be like if it comes in the frame. Much more prepared as the subject walk into the frame zone, 'clicked' & you know you get the shot.

I absolutely love my M3. But, with some of the Leica lenses, the rangefinder needs calibrating. That's when I miss my SLRs.

Size and sound are really the only advantage for me with my rangefinders. Maybe it’s because I started in high school with slrs? Nothing beats looking through the lens for me. I totally understand the idea of the right tool for the right job though.

I like both and I have both! the Nikon fm2 and the Leica mp! :-) both are great cameras!!!

My go to right now is my Nikon fm. It’s just a solid camera

I have the argus c3 got it, love it and I have a Minolta 202 both are different but great.

Get one of both :D Nikon F3 and a Contax G1 are my two

Hi Matt, thank you so much for the videos. They are helping me a lot since I have just started with film photography. I am learning so much from them. 🙏

Very good item. Worked very well.

I love the aspect, touch and precision of the Leica Ms, but to me the SLR are the ideal camera, specially talking about Nikon Fs and Canon FD, but my ideal SLR is the Mamiya RB67 Pro SD, the focusing screen of that camera is a mystic wonder, of course the Mamiya 7 and 6 are the opposite, small and compact jewels... I believe both are great options, SLR and RF, and TLRs too!!!

Slr for portraits Rangefinder for street photography 120 cameras for film borders 4x5 for gloriously sharp images Point and shoots for fun

I like the versatility of slr cameras. Picked up a canonet ql17 giii, it needs a cla but I'm excited to try it out.

Like the shirt. Here in the UK we have CAMRA which is The Campaign for Real Ale! :) I have a rangefinder after many years of using a Nikon SLR. Took a while to learn zone focusing but I feel it pays off. However, if I want a quick shot without thinking I don't use my SLR, I reach for my...iPhone!

You haven't mentioned the fact that with a rangefinder you can shoot with the lens cap on, without noticing 😂

I recently purchased a Yashica MG-1 rangefinder camera, as I've always wanted to try my hand at shooting with one, having used SLR's pretty much for all my other shooting apart from a couple of TLR cameras I have too. I've been tempted by Leica rangefinders, as I already have a couple of their SLR's but for what they cost I thought I'd get a cheap alternative first to see if I think they're for me. I havent put a film through mine or been out with it yet so I guess when I get the chance I'll see how I like them ( or not, depending on how it handles and what the pics look like when a develop the film also. )

I like rangefinders because it's like looking through a window vs a porthole with an SLR. I find the shallow DoF when shooting an SLR distracting, and if I want to shoot zone focused it's slower on an SLR when everything looks out of focus.

Most of the cameras I own (aside from a couple of compacts and a Pen F) are rangefinders, it just feels so much more natural to me... I guess mostly because I grew up with compacts and am super left eye dominant. The only thing that honestly bothers me about them is the rangefinder parallax. Especially on big cameras like the Mamiya 7. Anyone have any tips on how to avoid it? I did just purchase an OM-1 though (or rather, two, since I was too quick with the bidding finger), and I'm looking forward to finally putting a little film by those OM lenses I already own!

Hey, Matt😃👋! Thanks for another interesting video! I own almost the same combination of 35mm film cameras. But instead of a FM2 I own a FE2 which I like because it offers a much faster shutter speed compared to my M6 (1/4000 vs. 1/1000) and it offers shooting in aperture priority, which sometimes comes very handy. Nevertheless while I really like the FE2, I definitely love my M6. Similar to your experience, I like how fast the rangefinder is to focus (with a little practice) and how small the lenses are. And I think you’ve nailed it with your explanation about considering the circumstances you were using which one of the two cameras. I see it very similar. Thanks a lot!!!

This is helpful! Thank you!!

Right tools for the Job 👍

speaking about the size and weight, there are very small and light SLR's, even with the lens. mount 40mm pancake on a Pentax MX and almost fits the pocket.

Nikon F3 and Leica M6 both are awesome

Back in the day when the Navy had Photo units spread throughout the world, we had choices of what gear we used to shoot a job. Most Photographers used a SLR, Nikon F, because they wanted the latest Techology. Now what most of these Photographers didn't know that the rangefinder, Leica M series, challenged every photographer to shoot with a small window and come back with the proper exposure. I used the Leica because it demanded me to be precise with my composition, exposure, and provide a good product to the customer. I love rangefinder because they are lighter, faster, and being I was shooting with a Leica, accurate exposures using the Leica meter.

Check out the Alpa Alnea Model 7 if you really can't decide. It's an SLR with a built in rangefinder... snd it's Swiss made.

Rangefinder for street/landscape/everyday type of photography SLR for studio/portrait type of photography

Nice video. I have a Spotmatic for my vintage interchange lens film slr system. Looking to try a vintage interchangeable lens film rangefinder system but Leicas are too pricey for me.

And not to forget, the rf are usually quieter due to not having a mirror. And also leaf shutters are great when pairing the camera with a flash!

Maybe worthwhile mentioning camera SLR differences in the viewfinder field of view. Many cut the borders of the frame with only 97% view or smaller. Normally never an issue with a film camera rangefinder (M3 forward) since you can mostly see outside the frame lines.

ohh this is so helpful - gonna find me a rangefinder camera right now :-)

I never understood rangefinders because they tend to be so expensive I haven't had the chance to play with one so this helped a lot!

I so much love the looks of M cameras or rangefinders in general, but for me its SLR all the way. I own a Zeiss folding camera that is a rangefinder camera, and i love it for its compactness, but every other camera is an SLR with WLF even on my F3 i only use the WLF

That 50 f2 nikkor is an amazing lens. I have the pre AI version with the metal focus ring, and I converted it to use on my D700. Holy shit what an amazing pairing. The nikkor 50 f2 has been referred to as the japanese summicron

Price depends on where you buy. Often you can find a CLA Leica, with a guarantee from a Leica dealer, for less than you can find a real dog on an auction sites.

Hey, Matt! It would be cool to compare the sound of the 2 shutters, I believe in street the ambient noise would hide the shutter sound anyway. But people talk so much about nikon shutter sound being so loud... idk

I've been an SLR guy for years but dip my toe into the water with rangefinders at times. The whole calibration thing is a killer though. I just bought a pristine RF I've been dying for straight from Japan and it arrived with the vertical calibration slightly off. Not by much, but the never quite aligned imaged is enough to hurt my eye and make focusing difficult. Reputable seller so back to Japan it goes for repair under warranty.

Interesting video as usual Matt. I've recently bought a few film cameras (Lockdown GAS!) 2 x 35mm rangefinders (Zorki 4K, Fed 5), 2 x medium format (Yashica Mat 124G and M645 Pro TL) but finally and best of all - an Olympus OM1n 35mm + 50mm f/1.4 - probably the sexiest camera ever made (I'm biased as I used one extensively in the 1970s when I was as young as you :-) ). I've not seen you try an Olympus on your channel but you should compare the size of that to your Leica! Prices are quite good at the moment too...

fine with both but more used to SLR camera.

Great video, but I need to know what’s under “Beers and Cameras” and where to get it!!