If you're looking for a different shooting experience than your traditional prism DSLR or electronic viewfinder of your mirrorless camera, perhaps a rangefinder can be just the thing to get your creative photography inspiration going.
A rangefinder is an unapologetically vintage shooting experience: that involves a manual focusing method that utilizes multiple lenses. While it takes some mastering to start with, and getting to know which frame lines are what, once you're used to it, there is nothing like it, and it can increase your success rate while out shooting.
Quick List
Best hybird rangefinder
If you want an optical rangefinder but also want the convenience of a digital EVF the X100VI offers both making this the perfect hybrid rangefinder.
Read more below
Best Leica alterative
If you want the Leica-style, but don't want to pay the hefty price tag then the X-Pro3 from Fujifilm is the camera for you, it also features Fujifilm's famous film simulations!
Read more below
Best overall
If you want a rangefinder camera, they don't get much better than Leica and the latest digital flagship, the Leica M11-P with its 60MP sensor - this is the best rangefinder overall.
Read more below
Best for Black and White
If you love black-and-white photography but also want a rangefinder the Leica M11 Monochrom takes the crown with this Black and White ONLY camera.
Read more below
Best mechanical experience
If you're looking for a rangefinder camera, but your main medium is film then the Leica M-A is the best mechanical experience on the market.
Read more below
best for film overall
If you want the best rangefinder for film overall then the Fuji GW690 with its 6x9 negatives is the best for film lovers.
Read more below
Best rangefinder cameras in 2024
Why you can trust Digital Camera World
Best hybrid rangefinder
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You want a premium compact camera: The X100VI is the king of the hill when it comes to the increasingly narrowing field of compact cameras. If you want a camera that can slip into a pocket but still offers an exceptional camera experience then look no further.
✅ You love retro-inspired cameras: I love the looks of the X100VI, it harks back to beautiful rangefinder film cameras from the last century. It's not just looks, the build quality is exceptional, and feels really good in the hand. If you want to look cool on the streets then the X100VI is one to check out.
❌ You want to shoot at different focal lengths: The X100VI is a fixed-lens camera. This means that the lens cannot be changed, so you are stuck with the 23mm focal length. There are adapters available to alter the perceived focal length but they are expensive with varying results.
❌ You want to shoot lots of video: While the X100VI is capable of good 6K video, but it just isn't as versatile as other interchangeable lens cameras, and the two-way tilting screen limits vlogging and recording from awkward angles.
Fujifilm's X100V was the camera that sparked the internet's current obsession with Fujifilm's retro-styled modern cameras. The launch of the Fujifilm X100VI certainly hasn't slowed down that momentum, and according to many sources – the X100VI is the most preordered camera of all time.
Is this all just overhyped? Absolutely not. The Fujifilm X100VI is still my top choice for anyone who wants a beautiful and premium compact camera without the faff of changing lenses.
The X100VI has a fixed lens that is roughly equivalent to 35mm on a full-frame camera – and is my personal focal length of choice for street or travel photography. There are converters available for the X100V to make the lens wide or more tele, but I find these a little overpriced, they can also be hard to find. However, if you want to use screw-in filters there is an additional $50 purchase of a filter ring, but for the price you're paying, I feel this should really come in the box.
When it comes to image quality, the X100V has the same 40.2MP X-Trans sensor as the flagship-level Fujifilm X-T5, which is an exceptional sensor. This is paired with the latest X-Processor 5, which enables autofocus recognition and tracking for even more subjects including animals, birds, and vehicles. The X100VI also adds 6K video, albeit at a slight 1.23x crop, or there is always 4K video with no crop if you don't need that extra resolution.
Finally, the X100VI adds in-body stabilization, which makes video a little smoother, and the camera better in low light with slower shutter speeds.
Of course, you get access to Fujifilm's beloved film simulations and recipes, taking some of the work out of editing, and are what have made this camera so popular. The wonderful hybrid optical viewfinder is also a major highlight and one of the reasons I am still obsessed with rangefinder cameras as my last-ditch attempt to keep an optical viewfinder in an increasingly mirrorless EVF world.
The main downside is the Fujifilm X100VI's slick design doesn't come cheap, although the premium quality and cool features like the hybrid viewfinder are about justified. But that's if you can get your hands on one in the first place. The Fujifilm X100V was notorious for being perpetually out of stock around the world, with a months-long waiting list, so I am keenly watching to see if Fujifilm has resolved its manufacturing hiccups with this model.
Best Leica alterative
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Styled on a classic rangefinder camera but featuring the latest digital technology, it's aimed at people who want a retro camera with modern features. The X-Pro 3 includes the latest 26.1MP X-Trans sensor, improved autofocus, and a unique screen design. Instead of having a screen that always shows an image, it has a screen that folds flat against the body and uses a small digital screen that imitates film packet slots on the back of film cameras.
The hybrid electrical/optical viewfinder makes it stand out from other Fujifilm cameras as it offers a fully electronic mode, an optical mode with electronic overlays, and a digital rangefinder mode. The Fujifilm X-Pro 3 comes in black, Dura black, or Dura silver.
The Dura models come with a surface-hardening technology called Duratect which is applied to achieve strong scratch resistance so it will look brand new for longer. Released in 2019, the Fujifilm X-Pro3 has retained its high price point, otherwise, it might appear higher in the list. This is certainly a camera that you would buy if you're looking for something a little more specialist.
Read our full Fujifilm x-Pro 3 review
Best overall
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The Leica M11-P continues Leica's blend of classic style and cutting-edge technology. In terms of aesthetics, it takes inspiration from the sleek, minimalist design of the Leica M11 Monochrom, without the usual iconic red dot offering a more understated look that appeals to discerning photographers who want to go unclocked on the street.
However, it isn't just about appearances. Inside, the M11-P mirrors the Leica M11, guaranteeing the same exceptional image quality that we loved in the original M11 model, with Leica's 60MP color sensor, with its triple-resolution tech offering big detailed photos.
What really makes the M11-P notable is the introduction of its content authentication component called Lecia Contnet Credentials, which could yet prove to be a very valuable weapon in the ongoing battle against AI-generated image manipulation. However, its effectiveness in countering this currently appears somewhat vulnerable to those with ill intentions, although it is very early doors for the technology, so it will be interesting to see how it evolves as it is more widely adopted.
Read our full Leica M11-P review for more details
Best for Black and White
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The Leica M11 Monochrom is one of the world’s most niche consumer cameras; a black and white, manual focus only rangefinder camera, which cannot shoot video, and also costs a cool $9000 (£8,300).
These supposed shortcomings are actually its biggest strength, forcing you to carefully consider every shot you take. It harks back to the glory days of film photography and is one of the most enjoyable photography experiences I have had in a while.
This is not a camera for the masses, Leica knows exactly who this camera's specific audience is, and exactly how to please them, and for those select few, there is some good news, it is probably the best version of this camera to date.
Read our full Leica M11 Monochrom review for more details
Best mechanical experience
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Leica M rangefinders will always be controversial. To some, they're overpriced, overhyped throwbacks to an era that's long gone. To others, they're beautifully made classics of engineering that have reached a plateau of perfection.
The M rangefinders take a bit of getting used to. Rangefinder focusing is fast and precise in the right hands but takes some learning, while the pain of paying for an M-A body is only the start because Leica lenses are equally expensive.
But if you like your film photography to be stripped back to its basics, the M-A will oblige. You'll need to work out the exposure yourself, you'll need to apply the settings yourself and you'll need to focus yourself, but for Leica M fans that's what it means to be a photographer.
Read our full Leica M-A Review
Best for film overall
6. Fuji GW690
Our expert review:
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
If you're wanting a great rangefinder experience, while having the chance to shoot the biggest medium format film negative of 6x9, then the Fuji GW690 is the perfect camera for you.
You get fewer exposures (usually 8) on a roll due to the fact it shoots 6x9 images, but the extra-large negatives and transparencies give tremendous detail to your work. This camera can only be found on the second-hand market, but the GW690 is a no-frills fixed-lens manual exposure rangefinder camera that offers huge images in a comparatively portable package - something it is also known as the 'Texas Leica' due to its large size and rangefinder focusing, but the images are truly unique.
Used Fuji GW690 deals on eBay.com
Used Fuji GW690 deals on eBay.co.uk
FAQs
How does a rangefinder work?
The focusing mechanism of a rangefinder camera is incredibly different from anything else on the market, it allows the photographer to measure the subject distance and take photographs that are in sharp focus, with little effort once mastered. Most varieties of rangefinders show two images of the same subject, one of which moves when you move the focus ring on your lens; when the two images coincide and fuse into one your subject is in focus and your images will be pin-sharp.
Most rangefinders display a set of framelines, which match certain lens focal lengths with spacing around each frameline so you can correctly comprise your image and see what is going on around your framing, and who or what will walk within it, this handy feature makes rangefinders the perfect solution for those looking to get into street photography as you can quickly compose an image, while still seeing that is going on around the frameline.
However, there is one very important thing to remember when using a rangefinder camera, especially if you are using a film camera from Leica or an older Mamiya, for example, is that the focusing screen on the rangefinder is separate from that of your lens, therefore you judge your focus through a viewing window, and as such need to make sure your lens cover is off, else you will end up shooting a whole roll of film with your lens cap still on, and therefore destroying your film and your mood for the day - trust from someone that knows! However, if you're using a modern digital camera from the likes of Fujifilm you will notice instantly, and your day will not be ruined, but it's always worth double checking your lens cap is off and safely in your pocket before shooting any rangefinder.
However, once you have gotten over this little caveat, the rangefinder camera is the perfect tool for street photography, landscapes, portraits, and everything else in between - there is a reason why they are still made today, and have a very loyal fan base, below you will find the best rangefinder cameras, both new and old, digital to film, and from high-end to high-mileage, covering everyone's budget.