Speaking Frankly: Rangefinder Revival

Our resident rangefinder expert analyzes three leading models and explains why clicking these shutters is good for the soul.

By Herbert Keppler | Published Dec 17, 2008 7:11 AM EST

Gear & Reviews

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Zeiss-Ikon-Challenger-at-half-the-price

Zeiss Ikon: Challenger at half the price

Open-wide-Zeiss-Ikon-has-oversized-viewfinder-eye

Open wide: Zeiss Ikon has oversized viewfinder eyepiece, all the better to see the whole picture area. Like the Bessa it has useful window to show you what film’s inside.

Zeiss-Ikon

Zeiss Ikon

Carl-Zeiss-Planar-is-only-lens-of-the-three-rangef

Carl Zeiss Planar is only lens of the three rangefinder 50mm f/2 M mount lenses with 1/3 clicked f/stops, and it is most brilliantly marked.

Handsome-Zeiss-Ikon-top-Left-side-is-much-like-Le

Handsome Zeiss-Ikon top: Left side is much like Leica but with rewind crank and lever at bottom of camera. Note shutter speed dial and compensation scale much like Bessa 2A. Hot shoe is non-TTL flash. Automatically set marked frames from 28mm to 85mm.

Zeiss-Ikon

Zeiss Ikon

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