I'd like to buy an R-D1

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mrmarquez

MrMarquez
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Hello everybody,

I'm new to the forum. I'm an amateur photographer and I'm on the market to buy a digital rangefinder, RD1, RD1s, RD1X as I can't afford a Leica 🙂


When reading about it, I became a little scared that it might not be a solid piece of technology - as every other review I checked complaints about repair service - does it really get broken so easily?

My other question is a bit more difficult, where do you find these???
I've seen a second hand auction on the local Ebay (I live in the Netherlands) but it's already gone.


Many thanks and hope to be a part of the rangefinder crew soon.

Alvaro
www.mrmarquez.com
 
Hello from a fellow Dutchie! 😀

I think the R-D1 cameras are pretty tough (even if the paint does flake off a little more easily than other cameras).
I've used my 2nd-hand R-D1 for about a year and a half and I haven't been exactly kind to it. The only problems I have so far are a slight vertical RF misalignment.

Keep an eye on this forum's classifieds, R-D1s show up every once in a while.


Groeten uit Waalwijk,
 
Sorry Alvaro, but I'm keeping my RD1, although I'm looking to sell my Nokton 40 1.4 SC. Anyway that aside I do second the Ffordes recommendation. I've always had excellent service from them. Bought lenses and my scanner from them in the past. Very helpful and will offer advice when needed.
 
DO you want a digital Rangefinder? Cannot afford a Leica? Well that leaves you with the R-D1(s,x). Not that that is a bad thing. Best thing I ever did.
 
Thanks for the comments, I've check the M6 for a similar price range but I'd like to stick to digital for now. When it comes to film I prefer to shoot medium format.

I was also checking some second hand Leica M8 but the prices vary very much too. Is it worth it to invest a bit more in the M8 rather than RD1? I mean, I don't have all the money so if I think about a long term plan, I'm not sure which is better deal.

Cheers
 
mrmarquez said:
Thanks for the comments, I've check the M6 for a similar price range but I'd like to stick to digital for now. When it comes to film I prefer to shoot medium format.

I was also checking some second hand Leica M8 but the prices vary very much too. Is it worth it to invest a bit more in the M8 rather than RD1? I mean, I don't have all the money so if I think about a long term plan, I'm not sure which is better deal.

Cheers
Click to expand...

These are two veeery different cameras (which might be one reason, why the R-D1 still has strong followers, including many, who use both).

When I got my second hand M8.2, I did a short writeup of obvious differences on my site here.

I wrote this before getting more into the then new to me M8.2.

Basically, a M8/ M8.2 will run about twice the initial costs, a similar conditioned R-D1 will do.

The R-D1 has wonderful ergonomics, fits better into bigger hands than the Leica and has a fantastic, big 1:1 finder, which is gold, when shooting with both eyes open.

The main reason, why I use the M8.2 more lately is, that I found printing at up to A3+ with cropped files still very good, while R-D1 files not give this possibility for me.

The M8.2 rangefinder is definitely more accurate (and sticks after proper setup), while the R-D1 needs a touch up from time to time.

Either camera is a rather expensive adventure, buying used with potential damage costing money well towards 1.000,- EUR in worst cases.

If budget is an issue (and you should calculate some margin for a CLA/ first repair, etc…, if buying without warranty), I would steer towards the R-D1.

It is a very fine camera.
 
Hello mmarquez, I bought mine approximately one year ago, I use the camera normaly, some time I brging it in my backpack when I ride moutain bike, and never had a problem with.

I hope one of these days I can afford an digital M, but there is a special feeling with the R-D1(s,x), described above, as long this camera work I will keep it.

And the high iso are a real pleasure.

Leikon/Sylvain.
 
hi mmarquez,
I had the same reflexion as yours, before getting my R-D1. I have to say that the M8 was and still is flawed, as well as the M8.2.
I found that the M8 is overpriced second-hand and has too many flaws : IR weakness meaning user must buy these expensive IRcut filters...; inaccurate RF frames, ugly High ISO (>640), clunky shutter noise, distorted colours (yellowish and reddish faces)...but high sharpness (one must be fair!).
So I chose the R-D1. It's a great camera and looks really old fashion. With its tip-top ergonomics, using the screen is unnecessary with the R-D1 (unlike M8, M9).
I do not find relevant the difference in resolution (4000pix vs. 3000pix width), as I mostly work with raw files and they print very nicely in A3.
just for the info, I've got 2 other leica cameras (M) and they are great too; but the digital RF for me is just the R-D1. Wish there was a R-D2...
 
I was in a similar position not long ago and decided to go with the R-D1. I've been using it for about six months and love the results, even at the highest ISO setting (1600). I steered away from the M8 because of the higher price and the hassle with extra filters.

All stuff that's already been said, but thought I'd raise my hand and say "I".
 
Great stuff, I just posted an ad here on the forum and on ebay selling my DMC L1 so I can purchase it 🙂 Already talking to some of you guys about it in private.


I just can't wait to start shooting with it!!!
 
And I just did!!!!!!


I bought an RD1 from one of our fellow members of the forum altogether with a Canon 35/2.8 plus a leather cover and a 2 Gig card.


Good stuff!!!!!

Can't wait to get it and start sharing the pictures

Cheers
 
Congratulations indeed. And With nice Canon glass too. Which other digital camera (Leica M8/9 excused) can you get hold of so much quality lenses? One must be honest and give a little credit to the glass used on the R-D1, most of which is way better than most SLR lenses this side of stratospheric prices.
 
mrmarquez said:
And I just did!!!!!!


I bought an RD1 from one of our fellow members of the forum altogether with a Canon 35/2.8 plus a leather cover and a 2 Gig card.


Good stuff!!!!!

Can't wait to get it and start sharing the pictures

Cheers
Click to expand...


Good choice.
I sometimes use R-D1 and I know that this camera is amazing powerfull gear, especially with Epson software - Epson PhotoRAW 😉
 
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