A rangefinder camera is a camera befit with a rangefinder: a range-finding focusing mechanism permitting the snapper to determine the topic distance and take photos that are in sharpened focus. Most sorts of rangefinder show 2 pictures of the same subject, one of which moves when a calibrated wheel is turned; when the 2 photographs coincide and fuse into one, the distance can be read off the wheel. Older, non-coupled rangefinder cameras display the targeting distance and need the paparazzo to transfer the price to the lens focus ring; cameras without inbuilt rangefinders might have an external rangefinder fitted into the accessory shoe.Earlier cameras of this kind had separate rangefinder and rangefinder windows; later the rangefinder was integrated into the rangefinder. Newer designs have rangefinders joined to the focusing mechanism, so the lens is targeted properly when the rangefinder photographs fuse; match up to the focusing screen in non-auto-focus SLRs.

Nearly all digicams, and mostly the later film cameras, measure distance using electro-acoustic or electronic means and focus mechanically (auto-focus); nonetheless it isn't customary to communicate of this functionality as a rangefinder. For the very first time in the year 2004, the technology of digital imaging was applied in rangefinder cameras, with the advent of the Epson R-D1, the first ever digital rangefinder camera. The RD-1 was a collusion between Epson and Cosina. The R-D1 and later R-D1s use earlier Leica screw mount lenses or Leica M-mount lenses with an adapter. The first rangefinder camera by Leica, the Meica M8 was released in the year 2006. The M8 and R-D1 are dear matched against commoner digital SLRs, and lack a couple of features that are common with modern electronic cameras, for example live preview, motion picture recording, and face detection.