sgy1962
Well-known
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
RFF Sponsoring Member.
12 mmm lens?
Gary R
Student Photojournalist
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
RFF Sponsoring Member.
I'll elaborate: with wide lenses one uses an external viewfinder and scalefocussing, so the problem is not there.
jlw
Rangefinder camera pedant
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.
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.
