What is a rangefinder camera?
In simple terms a rangefinder is a type of viewing/focusing system that has a viewfinder window and a second window with a rotating prism actuated by by the focus mechanism that superimposes a smaller, contrasting color “patch” in the viewfinder. Turning the focus ring allows you to align the patch with the image in the viewfinder, thereby achieving focus. Forgive my awkward explanation but it works great when done properly. The classic Leica uses this type of focus and there are none better. In the digital world a lot of cameras are described as “rangefinder type” but that is only because they have optical viewfinders giving the appearance of a rangefinder. The new Epson/Cosina collaboration coming out is a true manual focusing rangefinder camera, but as far as I know there are none others in the DC world. SLR’s have a mirror behind the lens that sends the image to a pentaprism that gives you a real time view of what the lens “sees”. At the time of exposure the mirror flips up and dow
