a crazy idea?

Joe,

I've had my R-D1 for just about two years. I've adjusted the RF twice in that time, the most recent about two months ago - minor vertical drift. It is a really easy DIY job. In the right hands it can take as good an image as any camera. The lack of support is no worse than for the Hexar RF and recent threads suggest that there is support out there (from sources other than Epson). If you don't chimp, the experience is very film camera like, but the workflow is so much easier and quicker. I have A3+ prints that non "technical" photographers have chosen over both 35mm and 645 film prints (all produced on inkjet). It isn't film and I probably shoot a bit more film than digital, because I like the process (MP, M6, RF645, Canon F1). However, when I can't decide what camera and film combo to take out, the R-D1 is the one that goes into the bag. looking at shots I have taken over the last year, I can honestly say that my R-D1 shots have a higher success rate than film (I'm probably just crap with film:) ) As has already been said, you get 200 to 1600 ISO at the flick of a switch and get to choose (or have both) colour or black and white when you get home (if you shoot RAW). If you can afford it, then go for it, I doubt that you will regret it.

Good luck with your deliberations.
 
Not crazy. Just go ahead. And pls start a new thread 10 days later , which says,

"should I sell the RD1 plus my only ZI for a M8? "
 
Not crazy. Just go ahead. And pls start a new thread 10 days later , which says,

"should I sell the RD1 plus my only ZI for a M8?
 
the replies have been great and i appreciate them.

it seems this sort of question drives some people a bit nuts and i feel sorry for them, having such a low tolerence level.
and i envy them, for they must have folks in their lives that they can talk to in person about such matters.
me, i have good friends with point & shoot digital cameras that think it's quaint that i shoot b&w film.
this is where i come for those conversations.
 
Joe, you have two ZIs, right? Go for it! Digital is *incredibly* liberating.

Besides, it's not like trading a ZI for an R-D1 would be a downgrade in quality or anything... ;)
 
Joe, don’t do it. If you do, you will quickly get sick of perfect exposures, crystal clear images, gorgeous shadow details, amazing color balance, etc., etc. The R-D1 is like having a picture-perfect girlfriend, lots of fun at first but then the perfection starts wearing you down, life gets boring, you catch yourself noticing that other girl next door with a crooked tooth (have you ever had that feeling?) I am “this close” to selling my R-D1 ‘cause I want the imperfections and surprises I get with film, it’s so much more fun.
 
akptc said:
Joe, don’t do it. If you do, you will quickly get sick of perfect exposures, crystal clear images, gorgeous shadow details, amazing color balance, etc., etc. The R-D1 is like having a picture-perfect girlfriend, lots of fun at first but then the perfection starts wearing you down, life gets boring, you catch yourself noticing that other girl next door with a crooked tooth (have you ever had that feeling?) I am “this close” to selling my R-D1 ‘cause I want the imperfections and surprises I get with film, it’s so much more fun.
Click to expand...

Andy,

I know what you mean, but when I feel like that I just shoot film. Then I get a backlog of films to be developed and scanned (don't like scanning) and I end up wishing I'd shot digital :( . The problem with selling your R-D1 is that you will almost certainly regret it, which is why I won't.
 
Gid, deep down in my gut I know you are right. Problem is I have little will power when it comes to gear-toys, I want to play with all of them, all the time :). As odd as this may sound, distractions like the R-D1 are tough for someonel like me, who's just learning how to take pictures. I really feel that I've not progressed much at all in my photo-self-education since getting the R-D1, it does too much for me. the put-it-up-on-the-shelf idea doesn't seem to work for me. I am weak, so weak!
 
First off, you need to realize that you cannot equate an R-D1 with something like a Leica M. The M will be around forever with CLA's every few years. Something electronic will not. You are not buying an R-D1 for longevity.

That being said, mechanical problems have been fixed by DAG, or in case of VF alignment, can be a DIY project. If something electronic goes wrong, you are probably stuck. Point is, there is a finite life expectancy for something like the R-D1.

When was the last time you sent a computer, TV or DVD player in for repairs?

Once you accept that, the next step is to figure out how much would be reasonable to spend. If it lasts me 4 yrs, and I spend say $1400, that's less than $30/month. Less than what I pay for cable. Do you think you buy $350 worth of "less than necessary" stuff off ebay every year? Is it worth that to you?

The good news is, digital RF's don't change models as quickly as DSLR's, so it won't be obsolete as quickly.

Sure you can shoot with a DSLR, but if you want to shoot with a rangefinder, if you want to use your zeiss lenses, if you do not like tunnel vision, if you want to shoot handheld at low shutter speeds, and an M8 is too expensive for you, then the R-D1 is the only option you have. Life's too short.
 
akptc said:
Gid, deep down in my gut I know you are right. Problem is I have little will power when it comes to gear-toys, I want to play with all of them, all the time :). As odd as this may sound, distractions like the R-D1 are tough for someonel like me, who's just learning how to take pictures. I really feel that I've not progressed much at all in my photo-self-education since getting the R-D1, it does too much for me. the put-it-up-on-the-shelf idea doesn't seem to work for me. I am weak, so weak!
Click to expand...

Why don't you do a temporary swap with Joe - Ikon for an R-D1. You both get to play with something new without long term commitment ;)
 
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