Rangefinders

When the Leica M5 came out in 1971, it was received with much criticism. Too big, too ugly. The built-in light metering got less praise. Even Leica collectors often ignore this ill-fated M model. We give it a try and show what the M5 is capable of.

It's time for a quarterly recap of the most viewed Macfilos articles. No surprise which camera brand dominated the list this time around. Although the site is not devoted exclusively to Leica-related gear, it's clear that's what our readers are most interested in.

Sales of photographic film are booming. But, despite shelling out big money on the film itself, it looks like the new cadre of film shooters have some new ideas. Film buffs want scans, not negatives. We take a look at this new and rather perverse trend in this week's Newsround.

Keith travels for the first time with only a rangefinder, visiting one of the most scenic places in California: the Monterey Peninsula.

…both for Leica, and for me personally. The first time I saw a picture of the Leica M9 (I think it was on Luminous Landscape)...

Photo fair season is upon us. We preview the forthcoming Photokina and Bievres fairs. We also have news of a new Fujifilm House of Camera in London and a detailed look at how the human eye works.

Here are are my Top 10 favourites in the next Leitz Photographic Auction. I could have shown any number of black or olive-paint Leica M cameras, but these are always there, and they always sell well. I have tried to depict the many steps along the way for cameras and optics since the 1850s

Camera gear addicts love a good camera gear rumour, especially if it's about a long-awaited, highly-desirable piece of kit. This week, we've got a few to share.

Subtititle: It was the world’s first rangefinder camera, two years ahead of the Leica M8. The Espon R-D1 celeberates its 20th birthday in 2024. Episode 25 of The M Files provides an appropriate tribute.

News review from Macfilos.com

It was a shot-lived rangefinder option – maybe because it was too modern. The Contax G System consisted of two cameras and seven lenses. This article gives an overview of history and product range.

Professional photographer Jeremy Walker has spent a year shooting landscapes with his latest Leica rangefinder. Here is his full review…

In this week's news round, we look at the Leica M reimagined, a bold take on bringing the rangefinder up to date. There are new venues for two British photographic events, details of a toy camera that could make a fun present for any photographer, and a glimpse of a new collapsible 50mm f/2 lens for M-Mount. Plus, Fujifilm tells us that without the success of the X100, the company could have been in a difficult position. Finally, we look at all the wild rumours of a revolutionary Leica D-Lux 8. Sorry, but we don't think they are true.

Operation Lock. That’s what Panasonic calls it. All modern Panasonic Lumix cameras, as far as I know, offer this quick and convenient method of locking down the controls so you can be sure none of your settings will be upset by itchy fingers or wandering thumbs. Similar features are common in many modern cameras. But Leica has steadfastly refused to add an easily operated operation lock function to prevent the four-way pad or the joystick (where fitted) from moving the focus point around unbidden.

The Fuji X100VI Limited Edition, celebrating Fujifilm's 90th anniversary in 2024, is to be the subject of a ballot to choose Britain's lucky 110 buyers. With only 1,934 units worldwide, the Limited Edition will be in massive demand everywhere, transcending the already strong debut of the standard model…