A new member and interested in the RD-1

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washy21

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Hi Everyone

I am new to this forum and I have joined because I am interested in rangefinders but in particular the RD1.

I own two DSLR's with expensive optics but I am considering selling off some gear to buy an RD-1. My only concern I suppose, is the high price tag, which knowing me if I bought one the RD-2 would appear within a few months.

What attracts me about the RD-1 is probably it's size and the lens variety availability. I want a smaller camera than my Canon 1DS which you simply can't lug around all day without feeling shot.

I'll be honest I have never ever used a rangefinder camera but I have read about them and they appeal to me.

So I will be keeping an eye on the forum over the next few weeks and reading some more about the camera before I plunge in (or don't).

Any advice for a potential RD-1 buyer would be useful - also apart from Robert Whites - where on earth do I get one from in the UK should I decide to purchase - they seem a bit scarce.

Thanks
 
Hi and welcome to the forum.

I have an R-D1 as well as EOS DSLR, there are several people who contribute here who are in a similar position.

I find the cameras complement each other well, and I like having both. Their personalities are so different that there is hardly any overlap.

I bought my original camera from Robert White, who gave excellent service. Unfortunately, it had a couple of techinical issues and had to be replaced. I ended up getting the replacement from Calumet, as I could try the camera in their showroom before buying. On the other hand, Robert White will exhange a dud camera, whereas Calumet have no returns policy. So either try before you buy, or buy blind and exchange if necessary.

Hope this helps.
Phil
 
Welcome.

I bought mine used but before hand was dickering with a guy in Germany who was discounting them. I found him on eBay, I think his store name was Hasselblad shop or somesuch.

Anyway, I own 2 F3's and some Leica, Voigt and now an RD-1 and yes, the rangefinder certainly is different than the SLR. However, for me, it is the prefered of the two. For you to get your feet wet, without dropping the price of a small used car, why don't you buy a cheap-o film rangefinder to play with?

Don't make it so cheap that the quality comes out poor and you get turned off, but by the same token, don't make it so expensive you won't want to drop the bucks on the Epson. Either way of course you can flip it when you are done with it, or, keep it!

I really do like the rangefinder shooting.
 
Thanks for this.

I did consider buying a new bessa and a lens and I know it sounds stupid but I don't have the time to process film and scan etc and my experience is firmly rooted in digital.

I think I will just keep an eye on the RD-1 and see if any come in at a better price - It's not that I can't afford it - It's a wife thing you know.

But from what I have seen it is a truly nice camera and I think I want one.
 
LOL - I know I NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED it and I WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANT it as well.

Seriously though, I am perhaps one of those many photographers who sees little use for any of the current compacts. I am not of course comparing the RD 1 with the compacts but I do want to own a top quality camera that is much smaller than a big heavy DSLR. I mean even my 1DS with a 35mm 1.4 prime is like a sack of potatoes.

Yep, I will hang around here and keep reading - I am just pondering it. I wish there was someone nearby who could actually show me this camera in action - having never used a rangefinder before I would be interested to actually have a go with one under tuition with someone who knows how to use it.
 
Bear in mind that there are several other advantages to the RD-1 (and RF in general) that are a real boon:

1. Small, compact size body and lenses means not just less bulk and weight to drag around but a much less obtrusive setup for shooting. You get far less attention than a pro DSLR and fast glass.

2. The quality of even inexpensive (CV) fast lenses is fabulous, and if you go for Leica, it is even better. Plus, unless you're using the CV 35mm f1.2 or the Noctilux, the lenses are light and you can carry a good selection without hauling around a backpack.

3. In many cases, quicker shooting than even a fast AF system because you can take advantage of the hyperfocal (or zone) focusing. Once set, you can just raise, frame and shoot.

The disadvantages are that there's no long telephoto (90mm for an effective 135mm is the longest I shoot), and there's no macro. Additionally, there's a learning curve associated with transitioning to a RF camera. It takes a bit of practice to get used to framing and getting the patch lined up with your eye and then focusing, but perseverance pays off and you'll soon love the freedom it brings to your shooting.

I came from the pro DSLR/fast-glass camp and now shoot with the RD-1s and would never go back.
 
washy21 said:
I think I will just keep an eye on the RD-1 and see if any come in at a better price - It's not that I can't afford it - It's a wife thing you know.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I wanted one of those too, but I couln't afford one, so I got an R-D1 instead 😉

Phil
 
washy21 said:
Any advice for a potential RD-1 buyer would be useful - also apart from Robert Whites - where on earth do I get one from in the UK should I decide to purchase - they seem a bit scarce.
Click to expand...
For outlets in the UK, Jim Watt mentioned Camulet, Robert White, Jacobs and Warehouse Express. You might query Jim for other options.
 
Wow - a nice friendly bunch here as opposed to that other well known forum.

Simon thanks for that information.

My photography is varied but I do have a passion for street/people photography.

see the archives on my site at shots photography

I am not in the least afraid to photograph people in the street but as Simon says the big DSLR does raise a few eyebrows not least from potential theft from the little ------ that wander past.

Well - I think I will put some money away and get one as soon as I can. But thatnks again everyone for the advice.
 
Hi Washy,
Welcome to the forum. Good to see yet another U.K. member interested in an R-D1. 🙂
As Francesco says MW Classic in North London: http://www.mwclassic.com/ has the cheapest new one we know about for sale in the U.K. at the moment, but 1 only see Thoughts on a Digital M thread http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10910&page=2). I have not used this dealer so cannot say what they are like to deal with. R.G. Lewis in London: http://www.rglewis.co.uk/ sell new and had a mint secondhand one at 1500 GBP a couple of weeks ago and I have had good experience with them in the past. Allso with Robert White who are doing a bit of a discount if you buy a VC lens as well.
Some people here (with Phil having something of a monopoly on U.K. bad examples :bang: 😉 ) have experienced QC problems with this camera so its as well to know you have a helpful and knowledgable dealer with a good returns policy. I brought mine last December from the Jacobs branch in New Oxford Street, London where some of the guys are very knowledgable and real enthusiasts. They have a branch in Manchester in Cross Street, but I don't know the level of expertise at this branch. http://www.jacobsdigital.co.uk/content.php

As you are not familiar with rangefinder cameras I think Ducttape's suggestion is a good one. Buy a secondhand Bessa to see if the rangefinder way of working is for you before you make the big investment. The lenses will transfer to the R-D1 and you can either keep the body as a backup or resell for not too great a loss I would think.

If you do decide to go straight for the R-D1 at least make sure you check out the threads here about the main QC problems, rangefinder accuracy, framelines and hot pixels and then try to check the camera in the shop before purchase for any problems. This is where a good dealer can be invaluable, especially if he knows about potential problems. Don't be put off by the talk of the problems. I and many others here got a good camera first try. It's just something to be aware of.
Jim
 
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Note MW Classic list the R-D1 as 1595 GBP in this weeks Amateur Photographer (I only got it for the interview with Philip Jones Griffiths 😱 ) but it is listed as 1695 GBP on their web site?
 
Jim gave some great advice above. Some of the R-D1s have QC problems and you'll want to buy from a dealer who will work with you to exchange or replace if needed. That said, my R-D1 has not been repaired or exchanged (yet) and I've had it for just about a year and 8000+ exposures. I do have a "double shutter press" problem sometimes when the LCD is out and various cosmetics need attention but basically the camera has been a good workhorse and I don't hesitate to use it for professional work. It's still my favorite camera and I'm getting a second body. Have you read my reviews of the camera and lenses on LL? Bottom line is that the newest Leica lenses are, technically, the best performers on the R-D1 but many of the CV lenses are excellent, far better than many SLR lenses from any maker. I own the CV 28/1.9, 35/1.7 and 50/1.5

The other cameras I work with regularly are the 1Ds and 10D

Cheers,

Sean
 
Thanks again for so much information - obviously I am mulling this over and I know it sound stupid but I have a feeling in my bones that it won't be long before an RD-2 comes out (obviously could be completely wrong)

I have been stung twice with this on my last two expensive camera purchases so for once in my life I am being a little sensible on this.

I will however be sicking around here and seeing what goes on both in terms of discussion and of course watching prices.

But I remember a couple of years ago I paid £2000 for a camera which was suddenly and unexpectably replaced by a better and cheaper model leaving me a bit sick - so whilst I think I have convinced myself I need one I will just sit tight a while longer.

JOhn
 
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