Rangefinder experience with Canon r5 + Voigtlander 35 1.4
p.1 #1Rangefinder experience with Canon r5 + Voigtlander 35 1.4
hi here,
lately seduced by leica/rangefinders and colors typ 240/246/m9/m10m unfortunately have a lot of ef/rf glass and reluctant to change systems
the closest i could come up experience i can get is using voightlander 35 1.4 mf and zone focus. when it comes to images is to use cobalt emulation for leica m/m10/cmos/ccd
wondering if anyone here uses both systems and can provide any insights
is there anything else i should consider? or just give and get a real rangefinder m10/240/246
disclaimer, not a professional photographer, hobby, street, free portraits to strangers https://www.instagram.com/ru5lanru5u?stkn=dnhtenNnNjZiMnQ3&utm_source=qr
cheers
lately seduced by leica/rangefinders and colors typ 240/246/m9/m10m unfortunately have a lot of ef/rf glass and reluctant to change systems
the closest i could come up experience i can get is using voightlander 35 1.4 mf and zone focus. when it comes to images is to use cobalt emulation for leica m/m10/cmos/ccd
wondering if anyone here uses both systems and can provide any insights
is there anything else i should consider? or just give and get a real rangefinder m10/240/246
disclaimer, not a professional photographer, hobby, street, free portraits to strangers https://www.instagram.com/ru5lanru5u?stkn=dnhtenNnNjZiMnQ3&utm_source=qr
cheers
Sep 14, 2026 at 11:01 PM
p.1 #2Rangefinder experience with Canon r5 + Voigtlander 35 1.4
Nice pictures. It is hard to give you an advice because the real answer is "it depends".
I've been using Leica M for 40 years and still do.
I love them and in urban environments, they are my favorite choice. The size, manual focus and most important to me, the viewfinder make them perfectly fit.
But I also use modern AF cameras, Olympus & Sony and get excellent results out of them.
And they are much easier to master than a rangefinder and offer a lot: AF when need, IBIS, precise framing...
If I had to keep only one, it would be the M but I often wonder if this is not because I have decades of practice.
If I was starting as a young photographer today, I would probably be more than happy with a modern camera.
So my advice would be to buy a 2nd hand M240 for instance, use it alongside your R5 for some time, 6 months or a year because you really need to get used to it.
And then decide. If you do not want to keep it, you can sell it with a minimum loss.
I've been using Leica M for 40 years and still do.
I love them and in urban environments, they are my favorite choice. The size, manual focus and most important to me, the viewfinder make them perfectly fit.
But I also use modern AF cameras, Olympus & Sony and get excellent results out of them.
And they are much easier to master than a rangefinder and offer a lot: AF when need, IBIS, precise framing...
If I had to keep only one, it would be the M but I often wonder if this is not because I have decades of practice.
If I was starting as a young photographer today, I would probably be more than happy with a modern camera.
So my advice would be to buy a 2nd hand M240 for instance, use it alongside your R5 for some time, 6 months or a year because you really need to get used to it.
And then decide. If you do not want to keep it, you can sell it with a minimum loss.
Sep 15, 2026 at 12:17 AM
p.1 #3Rangefinder experience with Canon r5 + Voigtlander 35 1.4
I've just sold my M11 because it just didn't captivate me as it seems to do others. I appreciated its files, but in reality the camera wasn't right for the way I like to shoot.
I now use M mount lenses on my R8 and R5 with various adapters. On the R8, the color fringing is quite bad, on the R5 it's not that bad. I'm probably going to sell a bunch of my M lenses, except for the ones I consider really special.
You really don't know until you try.
I now use M mount lenses on my R8 and R5 with various adapters. On the R8, the color fringing is quite bad, on the R5 it's not that bad. I'm probably going to sell a bunch of my M lenses, except for the ones I consider really special.
You really don't know until you try.
Sep 15, 2026 at 02:54 AM
p.1 #4Rangefinder experience with Canon r5 + Voigtlander 35 1.4
Hi there. For Canon system, I have R5, R5 MKII and a RP. For Leica system, I have both M-P 240 and M246 Monochrome. And I also have Cobalt profiles for editing.
Everyone has his/her preference on things in life. We are all different in one way of another. IMHO, I don't think I'm qualified to give you or anyone else any advice.
But I can share my experience using both my Canon and Leica system with you.
Obviously, if you are looking for the so-called rangefinder experience, you need to get a rangefinder camera. R5 can't give you that. I'm sure you know that.
You're using a Voigtlander 35mm f/1.4 with R5 for zone focusing. Are you satisfied with that experience? I have used different 35mm lens, ie, LLL 35mm f/1.4, LLL 35mm f/2 8 elements, with my R5 for zone focusing on the streets and I was very happy with the experience and the results. I would think the Voigtlander would be just as great for this use case.
IMHO, Cobalt did a great job for their emulation profiles.
In short, I'm happy using my Canon and Leica systems. I'm also happy with my OM System gears. But that's another story.
As always, YMMV.
Everyone has his/her preference on things in life. We are all different in one way of another. IMHO, I don't think I'm qualified to give you or anyone else any advice.
But I can share my experience using both my Canon and Leica system with you.
Obviously, if you are looking for the so-called rangefinder experience, you need to get a rangefinder camera. R5 can't give you that. I'm sure you know that.
You're using a Voigtlander 35mm f/1.4 with R5 for zone focusing. Are you satisfied with that experience? I have used different 35mm lens, ie, LLL 35mm f/1.4, LLL 35mm f/2 8 elements, with my R5 for zone focusing on the streets and I was very happy with the experience and the results. I would think the Voigtlander would be just as great for this use case.
IMHO, Cobalt did a great job for their emulation profiles.
In short, I'm happy using my Canon and Leica systems. I'm also happy with my OM System gears. But that's another story.
As always, YMMV.
Sep 15, 2026 at 07:26 AM
p.1 #5Rangefinder experience with Canon r5 + Voigtlander 35 1.4
dumchidumchi wrote:
Hi there. For Canon system, I have R5, R5 MKII and a RP. For Leica system, I have both M-P 240 and M246 Monochrome. And I also have Cobalt profiles for editing.
Everyone has his/her preference on things in life. We are all different in one way of another. IMHO, I don't think I'm qualified to give you or anyone else any advice.
But I can share my experience using both my Canon and Leica system with you.
Obviously, if you are looking for the so-called rangefinder experience, you need to get a rangefinder camera. R5 can't give you that. I'm sure you...Show more →
Interesting, I think all three respondents also use OM System.
Hi there. For Canon system, I have R5, R5 MKII and a RP. For Leica system, I have both M-P 240 and M246 Monochrome. And I also have Cobalt profiles for editing.
Everyone has his/her preference on things in life. We are all different in one way of another. IMHO, I don't think I'm qualified to give you or anyone else any advice.
But I can share my experience using both my Canon and Leica system with you.
Obviously, if you are looking for the so-called rangefinder experience, you need to get a rangefinder camera. R5 can't give you that. I'm sure you...Show more →
Interesting, I think all three respondents also use OM System.
Sep 15, 2026 at 09:49 AM
p.1 #6Rangefinder experience with Canon r5 + Voigtlander 35 1.4
Appreciate your input on this, though admittedly we all have preferences, Im more inclined to listed to your articulated taste and choices. I'm operating with I do not know how much I do not know ))
More context. I committed to 1 year shooting 35mm (that's why I got the voigtlander 35 1.4). + I invented for myself constraints, everything I shoot needs to 35mm, except maybe portraits 85mm.
This stupid exception turns everything upside down, do I do 2 lenses with one body OR 2 lenses and 2 bodies, or one lens 35 do it all.
To answer the question, do I like the experience of shooting 35mm 1.4 on canon? I think good, photographing daily, checking if the focus is where I think is. So far getting shots in focus ))) ... do no have a clear answer for me on will Leica experience help me do great not just good. what gap is it there
The thought that spins in my head is if I use my r5m2 as a rangefinder, maybe getting a proper rangefinder is the way to go for 35mm and use canon for 85mm portraits
I liked the idea of getting one for some time and sell it for minimal loss if I do not like it ... got me thinking
Love this community
More context. I committed to 1 year shooting 35mm (that's why I got the voigtlander 35 1.4). + I invented for myself constraints, everything I shoot needs to 35mm, except maybe portraits 85mm.
This stupid exception turns everything upside down, do I do 2 lenses with one body OR 2 lenses and 2 bodies, or one lens 35 do it all.
To answer the question, do I like the experience of shooting 35mm 1.4 on canon? I think good, photographing daily, checking if the focus is where I think is. So far getting shots in focus ))) ... do no have a clear answer for me on will Leica experience help me do great not just good. what gap is it there
The thought that spins in my head is if I use my r5m2 as a rangefinder, maybe getting a proper rangefinder is the way to go for 35mm and use canon for 85mm portraits
I liked the idea of getting one for some time and sell it for minimal loss if I do not like it ... got me thinking
Love this community
Sep 15, 2026 at 09:32 PM
p.1 #7Rangefinder experience with Canon r5 + Voigtlander 35 1.4
I really don't see how you are using an R5 "as a rangefinder" in any way. You are basically turning it into a point and shoot if you zone focus. The "rangefinder experience" is based on, well, using the actual rangefinder. Also being able to (depending on the focal length chosen) see outside the area covered by the lens can be a huge benefit and is IMO part of the proper experience.
The Leica Q series did a clever thing with its crop modes where in e.g. 35mm mode you get a frame for 35mm marked within the 28mm field of view. That's at least a little closer to the real thing.
The Leica Q series did a clever thing with its crop modes where in e.g. 35mm mode you get a frame for 35mm marked within the 28mm field of view. That's at least a little closer to the real thing.
Sep 16, 2026 at 01:55 AM
p.1 #8Rangefinder experience with Canon r5 + Voigtlander 35 1.4
My advice, if you want the real digital rangefinder experience, is get an M 10 series Leica.
Sep 16, 2026 at 08:11 AM
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p.1 #9Rangefinder experience with Canon r5 + Voigtlander 35 1.4
had to ask claude, but i think what are tou saying is
“
Zone focusing on your R5 replicates the practical outcome of rangefinder shooting (fast, minimal-fuss manual focus for street work) but not the viewing experience itself. The quote is drawing that distinction — the "feel" of rangefinder shooting isn't just about the focus method, it's specifically about that dual-image viewfinder mechanism and the expanded field of view it gives you.
“
subtile but important if true
pingflood wrote:
I really don't see how you are using an R5 "as a rangefinder" in any way. You are basically turning it into a point and shoot if you zone focus. The "rangefinder experience" is based on, well, using the actual rangefinder. Also being able to (depending on the focal length chosen) see outside the area covered by the lens can be a huge benefit and is IMO part of the proper experience.
The Leica Q series did a clever thing with its crop modes where in e.g. 35mm mode you get a frame for 35mm marked within the 28mm field of...Show more →
“
Zone focusing on your R5 replicates the practical outcome of rangefinder shooting (fast, minimal-fuss manual focus for street work) but not the viewing experience itself. The quote is drawing that distinction — the "feel" of rangefinder shooting isn't just about the focus method, it's specifically about that dual-image viewfinder mechanism and the expanded field of view it gives you.
“
subtile but important if true
pingflood wrote:
I really don't see how you are using an R5 "as a rangefinder" in any way. You are basically turning it into a point and shoot if you zone focus. The "rangefinder experience" is based on, well, using the actual rangefinder. Also being able to (depending on the focal length chosen) see outside the area covered by the lens can be a huge benefit and is IMO part of the proper experience.
The Leica Q series did a clever thing with its crop modes where in e.g. 35mm mode you get a frame for 35mm marked within the 28mm field of...Show more →
Sep 16, 2026 at 06:07 PM
p.1 #10Rangefinder experience with Canon r5 + Voigtlander 35 1.4
A great piece by Meyerowitz and to point at about 1:22 in
https://youtu.be/Xumo7_JUeMo?si=sG8hZwFVbyDMhcd2
https://youtu.be/Xumo7_JUeMo?si=sG8hZwFVbyDMhcd2
Sep 16, 2026 at 06:22 PM
p.1 #11Rangefinder experience with Canon r5 + Voigtlander 35 1.4
Not understanding this thread. Shooting rangefinder is like swimming. You have to jump in the water and thrash around for a bit before you can decide if you want to give it another go on a different day. You can’t jump in the bathtub and play with your rubber ducky and decide if you like to swim, or even like to go into the water.
Sep 16, 2026 at 08:06 PM
p.1 #12Rangefinder experience with Canon r5 + Voigtlander 35 1.4
ruslanrusu wrote:
had to ask claude, but i think what are tou saying is
“
Zone focusing on your R5 replicates the practical outcome of rangefinder shooting (fast, minimal-fuss manual focus for street work) but not the viewing experience itself. The quote is drawing that distinction — the "feel" of rangefinder shooting isn't just about the focus method, it's specifically about that dual-image viewfinder mechanism and the expanded field of view it gives you.
“
subtile but important if true
The Leica Q series did a clever thing with its crop modes where in e.g. 35mm mode you get a frame for 35mm marked within the 28mm field of view. That's at least a little closer to the real thing.
Yes, exactly. If you are shooting a 35mm or 50mm lens on an M10 you see a fair amount of stuff outside the actual frame. For street you can for instance see what's about to move into the frame which can help "capture the moment".
had to ask claude, but i think what are tou saying is
“
Zone focusing on your R5 replicates the practical outcome of rangefinder shooting (fast, minimal-fuss manual focus for street work) but not the viewing experience itself. The quote is drawing that distinction — the "feel" of rangefinder shooting isn't just about the focus method, it's specifically about that dual-image viewfinder mechanism and the expanded field of view it gives you.
“
subtile but important if true
pingflood wrote
I really don't see how you are using an R5 "as a rangefinder" in any way. You are basically turning it into a point and shoot if you zone focus. The "rangefinder experience" is based on, well, using the actual rangefinder. Also being able to (depending on the focal length chosen) see outside the area covered by the lens can be a huge benefit and is IMO part of the proper experience.The Leica Q series did a clever thing with its crop modes where in e.g. 35mm mode you get a frame for 35mm marked within the 28mm field of view. That's at least a little closer to the real thing.
Yes, exactly. If you are shooting a 35mm or 50mm lens on an M10 you see a fair amount of stuff outside the actual frame. For street you can for instance see what's about to move into the frame which can help "capture the moment".
Sep 17, 2026 at 01:00 AM
p.1 #13Rangefinder experience with Canon r5 + Voigtlander 35 1.4
Others have already covered the basic workflow/'feel' difference, and I agree there's no substitute. It's not that a rangefinder is better, per se, just that it's a very specific operation which SLR (or SLR-like) cameras can't replicate, just as a rangefinder can't replicate the use of an SLR.
The R5 is a great camera for manual focus and adapting lenses, though, so if getting a more 'classic' or 'film-like' operation and look is your main goal, the R5 can certainly do that. Whack on basically any lens you like; I've not encountered problems with any adapted lens, though I haven't tried any actual Leica-brand lenses on my R5. One Voigtlander, many old Canon FLs, a couple of Zeiss, some Mamiya... all worked great, though.
You mention you use 'cobalt emulation', so I'm guessing you want some kind of stylised look to your images which you associate with rangefinders. If that's the case, check out Canon's Picture Style Editor software (it's free), which allows you to make your own colour and contrast changes (including monochrome; just turn all the colour saturation sliders to 0), save them as a preset profile, and either apply them to raws in Canon's Digital Photo Professional software (slow) or load them into your camera to use with in-camera JPGs and video. Especially if you like using mono, I think having the final look available straight out of the camera (and represented in the EVF) is a big help with composing, and aids getting that imperfect feel that both rangefinders and film force you to live with.
The R5 is a great camera for manual focus and adapting lenses, though, so if getting a more 'classic' or 'film-like' operation and look is your main goal, the R5 can certainly do that. Whack on basically any lens you like; I've not encountered problems with any adapted lens, though I haven't tried any actual Leica-brand lenses on my R5. One Voigtlander, many old Canon FLs, a couple of Zeiss, some Mamiya... all worked great, though.
You mention you use 'cobalt emulation', so I'm guessing you want some kind of stylised look to your images which you associate with rangefinders. If that's the case, check out Canon's Picture Style Editor software (it's free), which allows you to make your own colour and contrast changes (including monochrome; just turn all the colour saturation sliders to 0), save them as a preset profile, and either apply them to raws in Canon's Digital Photo Professional software (slow) or load them into your camera to use with in-camera JPGs and video. Especially if you like using mono, I think having the final look available straight out of the camera (and represented in the EVF) is a big help with composing, and aids getting that imperfect feel that both rangefinders and film force you to live with.
Sep 17, 2026 at 02:45 PM
p.1 #14Rangefinder experience with Canon r5 + Voigtlander 35 1.4
Wow, very insightful, trying the Canon's Picture Style Editor, did not know you can do that
Sep 19, 2026 at 02:48 PM
p.1 #15Rangefinder experience with Canon r5 + Voigtlander 35 1.4
This was definitely something I never heard before or even imagine is possible until asking here. Apologies and super grateful for your generous explanations
Sep 19, 2026 at 02:52 PM