Aside from Leica and Fujifilm, none of the major camera brands today have an interest in manufacturing digital rangefinder style cameras. Something I consider a real shame because nothing beats a rangefinder in terms of form factor and style quotient. Editor-in-chief Chris often says that most camera brands have stopped being creative. And when it comes to a style standpoint, he’s absolutely right in this regard.
The idea behind this post camera came from a piece of news that Canon might release an RF-mount vlogging camera. Probably to compete with the Nikon Z30 (which, as fine an entry-level camera as it might be, I struggle to use without a viewfinder). As wild as this might sound, it would be awesome if Canon launched this with a rangefinder design. But given the general direction of the leading camera brands these days, it seems unlikely.
How Hard Can It Be To Design One?
Nikon, Canon, and Olympus – this question is targeted at you. These brands have had some of the most memorable rangefinder cameras in history. If you look at the Instagram page of the expert camera customizer Shueido Camera, you’ll see that a lot of the cameras being sold are Canon rangefinders. Most of them are the beautifully designed Canon VI L model. My Nikon S2 is the camera I most love to be photographed with. It is a thing of absolute beauty. How about the 35mm Olympus Pen-F; wasn’t that simply gorgeous to look at and use?
DSLRs were generally designed in the form factor of a 35mm SLR. The Nikon D1 was built around the shape of the F5. Likewise, Canon’s EOS-1D took styling tips from their EOS-1V. These brands have years of successful rangefinder models in their history. It then befuddles me why they struggle to put digital rangefinder style cameras in their lineup. Surely it can’t be that hard to give us a digital rangefinder style camera that’s a throwback to a former model.
Do They Not See The Success Other Brands Have With Rangefinders?
Let’s set aside the fact that it takes incredible images for now. Or that Fujifilm really needs to bring out an updated version of this 2018 model. I would love to use the Fujifilm GFX 50R for its design and handling alone. Given the right lens, I could see myself traveling with this camera alone.
It’s not just the 50R model. Fujifilm has brought its imaging arm back to life with rangefinders such as the X100, the X-Pro lineup, and even the more affordable X-E series. They didn’t stop at just one; they’ve gone on to produce many rangefinders for more than a decade now.
Why I Love Rangefinders
Maybe it’s the off-center viewfinder usage that appeals to me. It could just be the rectangular, boxy but slimmer-than-usual style body shape with minimal buttons. Or the fact that using a rangefinder isn’t always a run-and-gun process. You need to slow down and enjoy the moment a bit more. They often make you work hard to get the right moment in your frame. Unquestionably, that’s not a bad thing to improve your photography skills.
Surely it can’t be that hard to give us a digital rangefinder style camera that’s a throwback to a former model.
Let’s Get Stylish CAmeras In All Brands
When Nikon launched the Df model, many of us didn’t worry much about its lack of video capabilities. Or that it used the flagship D4 model’s sensor at a much lower retail price. We were bowled over by its looks and style factor. 24-megapixel cameras were around in 2011, but despite having a 12-megapixel sensor, the Fujifilm X100 sales weren’t crippled. Fujifilm reported sales of 100,000 units in under a year. Sure, a rangefinder with crazy good specs would be excellent. But if not being a flagship is what it takes to get this kickstarted, then so be it. I would still settle for Nikon rangefinders that use the Z6II or Z7II specs. How about one from Canon with R5 specs. Not to mention the elegant Olympus PEN-F is long overdue for an upgrade.
Much like how Chris would instantly buy a full-frame Nikon Zfc if one was launched, I would pay a pretty penny for a digital Nikon rangefinder. Keep it to just 24 megapixels for all I care. I don’t need 8K video in there either, and I can make my own film picture profiles too. Let’s have a more comprehensive selection of rangefinders from across all brands. It’ll pay off eventually.
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