SUMMARY

Many photographers struggle with rangefinder cameras like the Leica M11, often buying and selling them repeatedly. Leica ambassador Jaime Fernandez suggests a solution: commit to one camera and one lens for trips to build necessary patience and muscle memory. This approach, exemplified by using a 35mm lens, helps overcome the 'Sony sickness' of relying solely on aggressive autofocus and encourages stopping down to f/5.6 or f/8 for greater contextual focus. Practical tips include focus-and-recompose techniques and considering less stressful entry points like the Leica Q3.

TAKEAWAYS

Committing to a single camera and lens is key to mastering rangefinder operation.

This method helps build patience and overcome the frustration of rangefinder use.

Stopping down to f/5.6 or f/8 offers more contextual focus than shooting wide open.

Gear like the Gaston's Owl Crown baseplate can improve the rangefinder shooting experience.

RELATED COVERAGE

LensDigest archive

Browse by date

Every published day shows its story count. Select a date to open that edition.

Archive calendar

Loading available editions…