Crop Factor on R-D1

[sgy1962]

I like the analog controls of the R-D1, and it seems more user firendly than the M8, not to mention a whole lot less expensive, an important consideration for someone making their first foray into the digital world, but I wear eyeglasses, and therefore, probably, given the viewfinder magnification, will not be able to use anything wider on an R-D1 then a 35mm lens. Being limited to an effective FOV of 50mm would seem quite limiting, especially for indoors work. Any comments or suggestions on this issue?

 

[jaapv]

12 mmm lens?

 

[Gary R]

I think it's all down to personal taste and style here. Personally, I wouldn't mind only using a 50mm since that is my primary lens on my film camera anyway. I agree with you that the crop factor is a large factor to consider when buying a digital camera. Maybe you can try shooting with your current setup only using a 50mm for a week or two and see if you like the FOV.

 

[jaapv]

I'll elaborate: with wide lenses one uses an external viewfinder and scalefocussing, so the problem is not there.

 

[jlw]

I wear glasses and can see all three framelines. The 28mm frameline is "out there," but visible (how visible depends on your prescription and frames.)

If you can work close-up without your glasses and need only a simple dioptric correction, another option is to unscrew the R-D 1's regular rubber-tipped eyepiece and screw in a diopter correction lens so you can use the camera without your glasses. Diopter lenses for the Bessa R3a fit, and so do ones for the Nikon FE/FM series if you get the later types with the small plastic rim. (Older Nikon correction lenses have a larger metal rim that hangs up on the ridge below the R-D 1's eyepiece.)

For lenses shorter than 28mm you'll be using an accessory viewfinder anyway. The Cosina "D Series" finders for 12mm, 15mm and 21mm lenses have framelines that take the R-D 1's "crop factor" into account. The only one I own is the 21mm version, and it has good enough eye relief that I have no trouble viewing through it with glasses.

 

[iml]

I wear glasses and can see all three framelines. The 28mm frameline is "out there," but visible (how visible depends on your prescription and frames.)

Same here.

Ian

 

[Terao]

The external "D" finders for the wide angle lenses are perfectly usable with glasses. I have difficulty seeing the 35mm frame on mine, but no problem with finders for my 12 & 21...