A photographer using a rangefinder camera views the scene to be photographed through a peephole equipped with a simple lens system that approximates what the picture will be. A common brand name is Leica. This type of camera is often favored by street photographers and photojournalists because it is small, lightweight, and quiet.

A camera that uses a built in rangefinder that is used as a focusing aid. These are generally considered to be the best for people photography and for use in low light.

a camera fitted with a rangefinder showlaser a range-finding

a camera where you look through a separate viewfinder and not through the actual lens

A camera with a rangefinder focusing system, which provides a double image of the subject in a small central area of the viewfinder. When in focus the double image appears as a single image.

A rangefinder camera is a camera fitted with a rangefinder: a range-finding focusing mechanism allowing the photographer to judge the focusing distance and take photographs that will be in focus. Most varieties of rangefinder show two images that when coincident give the proper focus distance. Older, non-coupled rangefinder cameras may display the focusing distance and require the photographer to transfer the value to the lens focusing ring.