Rangefinder tip: which eye to use on your viewfinder?
Yashica Electro GSN 35mm Film Rangefinder Camera
I've recently stepped up my photography-gear game and bought a few 35mm Film Rangerfinder cameras. They're so iconic, and actually very cheap these days, that I just decided I had to get my hands on one (2 actually -_- ). Still though, I believe shooting in film will help me learn more about photography fundamentals and build a better workflow.
I have acquired a Canonet QL17 GIII 35mm Rangefinder and a Yashica Electro GSN Rangefinder on eBay for about $100 a piece. Both are in pretty good condition. These two cameras are in addition to my main shooter which also has the rangefinder styled viewfinder: Fujifilm X-PRO1.
“*A general tip in finding a good condition retro film camera on eBay is to look for cameras which come with the original (dorky/ugly) leather cases. There’s a higher chance that they’ve been stored in there and are in a better condition than those that don’t come with a case. ”
Rangefinder viewfinders are typically positioned to the top left corner of the camera body
One thing I have already discovered whilst playing with my cameras is which eye to use in the viewfinder. The viewfinder on Rangefinder cameras is positioned to the top left corner of the camera body. Most people will use their most dominant eye in the viewfinder; usually right handed people will use their right eye.
So it's safe to assume that you're part of most-people (statistically), and you use your right eye. For me, it wasn't even a conscious decision, I've just always picked up my camera and used my right eye. This means that you've been looking through the viewfinder with your right eye, with the left half of your face inclusive of your left eye exposed. You then squint/close your left eye so that you can focus and frame your shot.
After long periods of shooting, I bet your cheek muscles start getting tired from all that squinting. You've been doing it all wrong!
Use your left eye to shoot with Rangefinder style cameras.
I know it might feel unnatural at first, but try it first, thank me later. It is definitely easier, almost effortless.
Shooting with your left eye, means that the body of the camera is pointblank, right up in the right side of your face. This effectively covers up your right eye for you, so you can easily focus on whats happening inside the viewfinder without any squinting or eye closing! That's right, you can shoot with both eyes open!
Of course, this tip only really applies to cameras who's viewfinder is positioned like a Rangefinder, and for those who are natural right-eyed shooters.
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Friends! I got some photos (and a vlog) for you from a weeked trip away to Mt Fuji. We head to Mt Fuji for the weekend to chase some Autumn colours (with Fooj in the back obviously). If you have never been to Mt Fuji, be warned that depending on the time of year, it might not always be visible. It is kind of crazy thinking about how huge the mountain is and how it can just hide from you so easily in the clouds. I was once told by a tour guide that Mt Fuji is female because she likes to hide from you and will only appear if you are nice. Click through for more word and some photos to match.