Chernobyl RD-1 Project

[vincenzo]

www.humanityforchernobyl.com

Using the RD-1 exclusively for these portraits I am now a committed RD-1 addict and I can't imagine my life without this camera now.

All were shot in RAW and processed in CS-2. Majority of these were shot on ISO 400 to 800. I used Photokit sharpner and Neatimage to tidy the files up.
Low light operation for most of this trip. People don't take much notice of the camera and as such don't feel intimidated.

I used only 2 lenses: VC 28/1.9 & VC 50/1.5

I'm very happy with these lenses performance on the RD-1 and feel no need to upgrade to Leica glass. Anyway feel free to post any comments. Thanks for looking.

www.humanityforchernobyl.com

 

[dreilly]

There are some very nice photos on that website, with some great lighting.

My only observation in the vein of constructive criticism is that the thumbnails on the main page don't do them justice at all.

Thanks for reminding me of the survivors of the disaster that shaped a lot of my ecological thinking way back in high school.

 

[zeos 386sx]

Vincenzo,

Wonderful pictures! We must admire these people for bearing their burdens with such courage.

It would have been easy to become maudlin with these subjects, but your pictures show us their humanity and courage and not just their suffering. My compliments.

 

[Sean Reid]

Vincenzo,

Well done. The project itself is interesting and it's good to see another way that the R-D1 is being put to work. How did you get involved in this?

Cheers,

Sean

 

[vincenzo]

Thankyou gentlemen, I'm glad you like it. I think the RD-1 is perfect for these sensitive projects.

Sean, I work on environmental stories with a strong human angle.
I got involved as I have a number of personal and professional contacts in Eastern Europe having lived there for a few years.
My only gripe with the RD-1 was when I was working in Minsk and I was taking some shots during heavy snowfall..the rubberised grip soon fell off after this...Foolish of me to take it out I know, but I hope a future RD-2 will be better designed to withstand the elements.

All the best,

Vincenzo

 

[pfogle]

Wonderful work, Vincenzo, and under difficult conditions. Did you work with an interpreter/writer? The stories are very moving.

cheers
Phil

 

[Sean Reid]

Actually, considering that the camera isn't sealed at all, getting only a loose covering after shooting in the snow is pretty good. My cover is loose too - not the best gluing I'm afraid but ultimately a minor problem. I've been pushing Leica to have weather seals in the digital M. Dunno if it will happen.

Cheers,

Sean

 

[vincenzo]

Hi Phil,
I met the lady from the charity in Ukraine and she visited these people with me. She interviewed them and translated because my russian/ukrainian is only on a basic level.
I will visit again and do an update next year. It will be good to see how peoples donations are helping..

Sean, weather seals should be crucial and I hope your suggestions find receptive ears from Leica and Epson. How did your cover come loose, just general wear and tear?

vincenzo

 

[pfogle]

My cover is loose too - not the best gluing I'm afraid but ultimately a minor problem.

may I ask what glue you would recommend?

thanks
Phil