getting back into film with the help of RF

[parperdumer]

Hi guys im thinking of getting back into film but this time with a rangefinder.
ive never used a rangefinder before so forgive me if my questions seem noobish.
when you look through the viewfinder and tweak the focusing ring you dont actually see your pictures focusing right? so you'll have to guesstimate the DOF and all that right?
i read somewhere and they said"The longer the RangeFinder Base and the larger the Image Magnification size, the longer the Effective Base Length." can someone explain to me what this means?
also im looking for a camera and lens that produces sharp images, isnt a hassel to focus.
ive been checking out the Voigtländer Bessa range but im more drawn towards the Bessa R2 as it doesnt require any batteries and maybe a 35mm lens to go with it. can you enlighten me on how much this beauty might cost? i dont mind buying 2nd hand as long as the condition is great and cheap so if anyone is here selling, drop me a pm
again i apologize for the lame questions. ive always admired rangefinders and ive finally decided to give them to shot.
thanks in advanced.

 

[Yoricko]

Hi guys im thinking of getting back into film but this time with a rangefinder.
ive never used a rangefinder before so forgive me if my questions seem noobish.
when you look through the viewfinder and tweak the focusing ring you dont actually see your pictures focusing right? so you'll have to guesstimate the DOF and all that right?
i read somewhere and they said"The longer the RangeFinder Base and the larger the Image Magnification size, the longer the Effective Base Length." can someone explain to me what this means?
also im looking for a camera and lens that produces sharp images, isnt a hassel to focus.
ive been checking out the Voigtländer Bessa range but im more drawn towards the Bessa R2 as it doesnt require any batteries and maybe a 35mm lens to go with it. can you enlighten me on how much this beauty might cost? i dont mind buying 2nd hand as long as the condition is great and cheap so if anyone is here selling, drop me a pm
again i apologize for the lame questions. ive always admired rangefinders and ive finally decided to give them to shot.
thanks in advanced.

Wall of text is hard to read.

The rangefinder focusing mechanism requires you to superimpose the "second image" within the focusing area with the original scene.

Image from Wikipedia

You can guess the DOF by looking at the DOF markings on the lens itself.

Guide here - http://stamatisgr.deviantart.com/art/Hyperfocal-technique-tutorial-113305705

The longer the RangeFinder Base and the larger the Image Magnification size, the longer the Effective Base Length

You don't really need to bother about this. long effective base length = more accurate focusing. Thats all, and it isn't really important unless you have a really crappy or tiny viewfinder.

If you're looking for a RF camera that isn't a hassle to focus, get the modern ones, because old fixed focal length ones usually have faded viewfinders and such.

You can visit Chiif's website for Voigtlander stuff, http://www.chiifcameras.com/site2/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1&Itemid=2

Theres the R2A and R2M, A for automatic and M for mechanical, explained on Chiif's site.

Good luck have fun.