A new R-D1, should I?

[dreamsandart]

I'm finding the idea of the R-D1/s more and more interesting. I don't know if I really want to spend the premium price for an M8 at this time with the issues it has, and not sure if I want to spring for the price at any time in the foreseeable future for that matter, but for the prices here in Japan ( $2000 ) a new R-D1s seems reasonable to use my M lenses on a digital camera.

So I'm just putting it out here and asking... opinions... I'm concerned about service, known camera problems... In the fast changing digital world its a 2 year old digital camera now, but does that make a difference if it does what its suppose to do?

From what I've read the camera when its working right is fine and in some ways a great way to get that digital M (not many options). Ideally a Zeiss digital may be that ideal camera, but nothing on the horizon so should I grab a Epson now while they are still available?

Thoughts please.

 

[back alley]

if i had the spare cash i would buy one.

that's my vote.

joe

 

[JeffGreene]

I wouldn't hesitate. It's a great camera. Had mine since April of this year. It goes everywhere with me. Do it! You won't regret it! Think of me as a GAS enabler! :<)

 

[AusDLK]

Go for it. I just bought my second.

Two R-D1's are better than one M8 any day of the week. Heck, one R-D1 is better...

 

[Didier]

If you buy it local, check the rangefinder alignment first. And look for tilted framelines and sensor. If you buy online, check it after you received it, and return it immediately if something is wrong.

Epson offers some refurbs with additional rabate, check out the recent R-D1 thread. If you may get a flawless one for $1300 it's a good deal. Otherwise it might become a frustrating thing like my personal experiences. Looks like I got the lemon of the lemons.

Didier

 

[pstevenin]

I was like you and I jumped few days ago I just have to grab it from local post office. an used one, but obviouly tested and CLA'd (plus spare batteries+ SD card) for... half of the price of a new one here (with the potential Q&S, mis-alingment...)

Has you have to cock the shutter manually, I bed nobody have reached the shutter expected life (ie 50,000 shots). I am eager playing with it, but I am pretty damn sure I did the good choice. Even the 1.5 crop factor may be a good thing is some cases (concerts when you're not close enough. I plan to even use a 135 tele-elmar, scale-focussed)

 

[Didier]

R-D1 and 135mm

R-D1 and 135mm

I plan to even use a 135 tele-elmar, scale-focussed)

You will not only need to guess the distance, but guess the framing, too. The 135mm field of view will mostly not be in the middle of the 50mm framelines, and external finders (do you have 200mm ?) are even less accurate. Apertures above f8.0 are strongly recommended if you're not shooting very distant objects. IMHO, using a 135mm on a R-D1 does not make much sense.
Didier

 

[anaanda]

I'm finding the idea of the R-D1/s more and more interesting. I don't know if I really want to spend the premium price for an M8 at this time with the issues it has, and not sure if I want to spring for the price at any time in the foreseeable future for that matter, but for the prices here in Japan ( $2000 ) a new R-D1s seems reasonable to use my M lenses on a digital camera.

So I'm just putting it out here and asking... opinions... I'm concerned about service, known camera problems... In the fast changing digital world its a 2 year old digital camera now, but does that make a difference if it does what its suppose to do?

From what I've read the camera when its working right is fine and in some ways a great way to get that digital M (not many options). Ideally a Zeiss digital may be that ideal camera, but nothing on the horizon so should I grab a Epson now while they are still available?

Thoughts please.

Hi Dreamsart,
I have been very happy with my R-D1, The framleines are slightly titled but not really a factor. You will get a lot of joy with this camera. Its great for parties gatherings, weddings, street shooting etc. but I have to say that it is still a digital camera and I prefer film. I am keeping mine because it serves a good purpose but not a replacement for a Leica M or Bessa Film camera. I get more satisfaction from my Hasselblad, but again for the right time and place the Epson is really a jewel. I always get comments when carrying it around

Regards
Scott

 

[dreamsandart]

Thanks for the encouragement so far. This isn't going to replace my film cameras, but the idea is that it will be much easier to get the image onto the computer for internet and printing.

After a lifetime of Leicas and Rolleiflex use its going to be interesting if I get an Epson. I think of this camera is a different kind of fun, maybe the wife can even use it.

 

[RML]

Thanks for the encouragement so far. This isn't going to replace my film cameras, but the idea is that it will be much easier to get the image onto the computer for internet and printing.

LOL. 🙂 Believe me, it will replace your film cameras! It did for me. The ease of shooting, the ease of transfering the files to pc, the great image quality, etc all made it a done deal after the first day. In about a year and a half I have hardly touched another camera, and that was a dSLR.

After a lifetime of Leicas and Rolleiflex use its going to be interesting if I get an Epson. I think of this camera is a different kind of fun, maybe the wife can even use it.

I reckon you won't let the wife play with it for too long. 🙂

 

[anaanda]

Thanks for the encouragement so far. This isn't going to replace my film cameras, but the idea is that it will be much easier to get the image onto the computer for internet and printing.

After a lifetime of Leicas and Rolleiflex use its going to be interesting if I get an Epson. I think of this camera is a different kind of fun, maybe the wife can even use it.

My wife started using the camera recently and now she wants one!! but I will let her use it all the time because I've swung back into using film...🙂

 

[Joe Mondello]

Wow, I am kind of amazed at the responses. Which only serve to make me feel even better that I got one of these yesterday!

$1395 for a re-furb vs $2999 for a new one is a no-brainer, but a new one at $1999 sounds good to me and would likely sell well here in the States too.

It is a lovely thing even though I've been too busy to take many pictures with it yet.

 

[dreamsandart]

I may be headed into Osaka tomorrow and it would be a good day to pickup an R-D1s. I can get a better price through mail order in Tokyo but am thinking if I have any problems it would be better to deal with a person directly.

Alternatively I found a like-new R-D1 (have to check the warranty) for a few hundred dollars less. Question is... are there any more-less problems with either model. Only difference besides the a firmware upgrade that I've seen mentioned is a screw that's been changed [shortened?] in the rangefinder maybe making adjustment better/easier/different in the older R-D1.

I'm pretty set that I'll be getting one, more encouragement would be helpful.

I've read that the camera can take up to a 1GB SD card, can you use a 2GB card now that they are available? Any suggestions on batteries brands, raw software for a Mac?

Thanks

 

[RML]

2GB cards are reportedly (reported here on rff) useable.

 

[jim_buchanan]

Standing on a soapbox for the 135/f4 & R-D1

Standing on a soapbox for the 135/f4 & R-D1

Dollars for 135mm, the Tele-Elmarit M 135/f4 is a great lens and can be had for a great price, because no one wants them!

You will not only need to guess the distance, but guess the framing, too. The 135mm field of view will mostly not be in the middle of the 50mm framelines, and external finders (do you have 200mm ?) are even less accurate. Apertures above f8.0 are strongly recommended if you're not shooting very distant objects. IMHO, using a 135mm on a R-D1 does not make much sense.
Didier

I have an excellent 135/f4 that I have used on a R-D1 and it is superb. Yes, framing is a problem. After practice, I could get the framing close with no aux finders. I do plan on getting a 135mm finder to make the job a litttle easier.

With longer fl lenses, its more important to have the infinity focus correct AND the close focus correct. Once this is calibrated, focusing down from infinity is very accurate even at f/4. Then, the closer you get to 20-30 feet the greater the probability of misfocus. By implication, a RF user "knows" their equipment more than an SLR setup. One can turn the focus ring down from infinity and feel the distance in addition to the visual rangefinder double image.

The 135/f4 is perfect for sports and action shots, where you can see the action moving into and out of the frame. This is another one of the RF features that we recognize as an advantage over the SLR view.

I have even modified the lens and shot sharp baseball at bat shots at f/4 with an 8MP canon body, but that's another story.

The photo below shows a cropped action shot wide open and a shutter speed of 1/900 ISO200 on the R-D1. I use this to illustrate 3 points:

The use of a RF to snap this precise moment in time.
The utilization of a longer fl lens on the R-D1.
An example of the R-D1s tendency to underexpose.

Changing the subject away from one of my favorite lenses: because of the bigger area the exposure meter reads, this photo was underexposed. The bright background was averaged and the subject was underexposed by about 2 full stops. Point here being a shooter will have to compensate for strong backlit scenes. Another basic photo parameter we all have control over, in addition to the above mentioned parameters.

 

[fgianni]

Looks like I got the lemon of the lemons.

Didier

Like about 50% of the guys that bought an RD-1

 

[dreamsandart]

Just going through the R-D1 threads and this is the one where I started to think seriously about getting one, so the up-date.

Ended up getting a new R-D1 instead of the 's' model, it was a few hundred dollars cheaper, still new and I've done the firmware upgrade as of last night. The finder was my main concern and I can say the frame-lines 'generous' but are working fine, focus with my 35/50 Summilux lenses at 1.4 is right on, and the only issue is the slight out vertical alinement which I'm debating to do myself or not.

Only used it yesterday for a quick trial but can say I like the 1:1 finder, the more analog style adjustments like WB, film speed and the quick glance at the information dial to see where you're at. And using my Leica lenses is really great. At a 3rd of the price of an M8, and for my intended purpose it seems to be a good fit. Its 'Leica style' familiar and an easy to use digital.

 

[thegadsby]

A new RD-1 should I ?

A new RD-1 should I ?

I have just bought a second hand RD-1 with spare batteries etc

No regrets at all The camera feels so good and upgrading the firm ware to RD-1 s was simple.

The Epson Raw plugin for photoshop is also so good.

I have a slight missalighnment with the rangefinder vertically but will live with it.

Have tried out most of my 14 leitz and VC lenes and there are no problems noted all couple and focus ok.

I suspect that my various Leica and Hexar RF will stay in their camera bags for the forseeable future!!1

I am not bothered about the 1.53 factor. If I put my 35/2.0 Summicrom on the camera ( probably my favourite M lens) I just work with the frame lines given following Sean Reids advise to use the outer edge of the 35 mm frame as a guide to the eventual image . If the subject is outside the frame I just move myself back till I get the composition I want and dont stand there thinking Oh dear this is really a 53 mm lens!!! If I cant move back then go to a wider lens 28 perhaps or 21 and just adjust your expectations.

regards

John G ( UK )