I really really want a “real” rangefinder camera. I am really tempted to replace my old Leica m4p/35mm summicron that I sold a few years ago, but am holding off until digital full frame–what can I say, I want it all!

Absolutely positive focusing in any light sufficient to discern the subject.

Without the mirror, there is no need for retrofocus wide angle lenses, and true wide-angles rule the day.

Very non-aggressive looking cameras, ideal for “street” photography. I always used a Leica when assigned to photograph potentially dangerous people. Very popular with war photographers as well. Easy to use with both eyes open – important in these cases, so you don’t get blind-sided.

You don’t need the camera jammed into your face, since the viewfinder generally has generous eye-relief. Float the bright lines around your subject and shoot. You are in fact, looking directly through the camera, not watching a projection on a viewing screen.

This would be a typical rangefinder shoot. In this case a Leica M4 with a f/1.0 Noctilux 50mm and a f/1.4 Summilux 35mm lens.

http://www.larry-bolch.com/bike-week/

Weaknesses? They don’t work with telephoto lenses much beyond 135mm, nor is there much in the way of zoom lenses.