The rangefinder camera renaissance

Leonard Goh | Sep 15, 2009

The Leica M9. (Credit: Leica)

While the Olympus E-P1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 both sport rangefinder-like aesthetics, neither comes close to the real deal--the Leica M9 which was announced last week. The classic look of such shooters seems to be a trend this year, but what is it about the retro design that clicks with consumers?

The easiest way is to look at the current fashion landscape, though I'm sure there is an underlying marketing objective pushing forth such a design. For older shutterbugs, rangefinder cameras are sure to evoke a sense of nostalgia. Younger photographers may take to such shooters because they've seen it used by their parents or simply because it's cool to have one. However, given the advancement of technology these days, shouldn't camera manufacturers be churning out futuristic-looking snappers instead? What's your take on rangefinder-like designs for shooters? Share your thoughts below.

Filed under: Digital Cameras
1 Comment | Bookmark | Share

Slashdot

Digg

Facebook

Twitter

Delicious

Google

StumbleUpon

close this

Add tag

To add tags, you need to become a member. It's FREE.

Cancel

Log in or sign in

stravaiger

View profile

Send mail

stravaiger says...
The Leica M9 retro?
That's like saying a ball-bearing is retro, or a bicycle.
Is an egg retro?
Or a pencil?
Understand that rangefinder cameras are simpler, purer and more honest ways to get a picture.
And quicker.
If the M9 didn't look like it does, I'd have been as worried as if there was a different shaped egg in my eggcup for breakfast.

Sep 15, 2009 17:32