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Whether it's poosible to go landscaping with a rangefinder?


arvay

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Considering that the M8 produces files that are like scanned medium format film, the

posting above doesn't answer the question; but I'm not answering the question either

because the following picture is taken with the Leica D-Lux 3, a small-sensor digital

camera:

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<center><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/186/403252840_cfa8655ef2_o.jpg"

width=864 height=648></center>

<p>

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The real answer to the question is "yes, if you like the look": some people feel that

landscape must be done with the sharpness and gradation of medium format; others like

the "35mm aesthetic", which has more "bite". It's all a matter of taste.

<p>

--Mitch/Potomac, MD

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I use a rangefinder for most of my landscapes. Rangefinders are light in comparison to SLRs, and the wide angle lens are more compact. In the case of Leica, their wide angle lens are among the best available. Leica APO lens reaches it optimal performance at f4 (rather than f8), so you can shoot at a higher speed without paying the resolution penalty. It's especially good for long hikes. However, the problem is you cannot use the graduation filter trick, and polarizer is a pain to use. If you use very wide angle lens (24mm and wider), you'll need a separate view finder for framing.
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http://www.bourseiller.com/US/pb-accueil.html

 

Have a look at this persons work. I first saw it in Leica World January 2004. Its not

rangefinder but he uses an Leica R. I'm not technical when it comes to the lenses, but it

seems Leica can render colors better then most with their ASPH lenses. Combining that

with Velvia 50 (soon to be reintroduced in the US) I'd say you can make some beautiful

nature landscape prints.

 

If you're going out to photograph volcanoes like Bourseiller, I'd suggest using a

90mm ASPH. :)))

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Of course ANY camera will do, but one major criteria for landscape photography is that the composition should be exact. The viewfinder of current Leicas shows only 81% of the actual image field at landscape distances. You will either have to crop the image in printing, or use an IMARECT finder for 100% viewing.
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I always had a Leica for backup when shooting with 4x5 in the mountains. Sometimes you were out of loaded holders, or too dog tired to dig the big stuff out of the pack. Yank out the Leica, lick thumb, take WAG of the light, click.... You can just make out the Landrover in the picture, ....where I'd left the heavy stuff. ;-)

 

<center><img src="http://d6d2h4gfvy8t8.cloudfront.net/6155429-lg.jpg"></center>

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