What is a Rangefinder?
A rangefinder uses a rangefinder mechanism to measure and set the lens to the correct distance to the subject. Two images are presented to the user, and you twist the lens focusing mount until they coincide for your selected subject. The key point is that you are not looking through the lens when you focus, but a rangefinder viewfinder.
Rangerfinder cameras are in a league of their own. They are fitted with a range-finding focus that allows the picture taker to judge the distance of focus when taking photographs. Older rangefinders use two images merged together to determine focus whereas modern models allow for the photographer to transmit the focus value to the lens focusing ring. Older models had a separate rangefinder piece and newer models have it attached in the center of the viewfinder to allow for greater range of motion during action shots. Telemeters, the very first rangefinders, appeared in the early 1900s. Kodak developed the first rangefinder camera called the Autographic Special in 1916. The rangefinder on the Autographic was coupled with the device, and later models from other companies used it as an accessory to the camera. Models such as the Leica and the Zeiss Contax were such that added the rangefinder on instead of built it in. As the rise of single-lens reflex cameras (SLR) grew, rangefinder camer
A rangefinder is anything that can give the distance between a user and a specific visible point. A rangefinder may make use of a technology such as sonar or lasers, or may use basic mathematics to determine the distance based on objects in the field of view. The laser rangefinder is probably the most popular form of rangefinder available today. Laser rangefinders are also often referred to as LIDAR, or Light Detection And Ranging. A laser rangefinder works on a similar principle to sonar, by sending a narrow laser beam at the target and measuring the time it takes for the beam to bounce back. Even with a tight beam, a laser will tend to spread out if shone over great distances. This can cause inaccuracies in the distance given by the rangefinder, as parts of the beam reflect off of objects not being ranged and bounce back earlier. A higher-quality laser rangefinder will be able to take into account multiple targets and provide all the measurements in a graph so that one can determine
Range-finding instruments are used to determine how far an object or target is from the position of the rangefinder. The technical principles upon which optical range finders are based were first developed during the late 1700s by French astronomer Alexis Marie Rochon. Although they may vary slightly, all optical designs are based upon simple trigonometry. They formulate distances by using a system of lenses and mirrors to establish and measure angles. Through the years, scientific breakthroughs have greatly improved rangefinder precision and accuracy. Most of today’s Bushnell rangefinders utilize high-tech electronics and have found uses in many fields. Laser rangefinder Today, due to advances in laser and digital technology, small handheld digital rangefinders can easily go anyplace where precise distance calculations are needed. Laser Nikon rangefinders calculate distance by two methods: by measuring the time it takes for a narrow-band laser pulse to travel to and from the target, o
