epson r-d1 or M6 as first rangefinder?

[soulman]

I'm new to this game but have been reading and lurking for a while...

I'm very close to buying a rangefinder and have boiled it down to Epson R-D1, M6 or M8, I have the funds for the cheaper options immediately but will have to wait for the M8 a while (and be restricted to one lens. I have already got a 28 1.9 Ultron and have first option on a 50 1.5 and 15 4.5. What would be the best bet? I own a D-lux 4 and samsung GX20 at the moment and will use the RF purely for pleasure....

Thanks in advance.

 

[thinkfloyd]

I was in the same situation just a month ago... choosing between an M6 and RD-1. The M8 was too expensive for me, so my choices were narrowed down to the two. I eventually got the RD-1. Why? It's M-mount, a rangefinder, and is priced pretty much the same used as an M6. The clincher was it being digital, plus, as you can see with all the shots here made with it, has exceptional image quality. I am a K100 and K20 user, and my usual walkaround is my K100, the same MP count with the RD-1 so MP is not an issue. for leisure and pleasure, like you, the RD-1 will be my go-to camera. For professional shoots, the K20D.

 

[gavinlg]

M6. Full frame. I'm not a fan of crop sensor cameras unless they have lenses designed for them - a la olympus dslrs. On the r-d1 a 28mm lens becomes a 42mm lens.

 

[Steve Litt]

I sold my M6 kept my M2 and RD-1.I always preferred my M2 to the M6 and wanted a digital body.The RD-1 gets the most use along with my GRD that goes everywhere I go.
The 40mm Summicon fits the 35mm frame lines and has been my most used lens but lately I am using 28mm 3.5 Voigtlander the 42mm field of view is good for me.

Regards
Steve

 

[kshapero]

I sold my M6 kept my M2 and RD-1.I always preferred my M2 to the M6 and wanted a digital body.The RD-1 gets the most use along with my GRD that goes everywhere I go.
The 40mm Summicon fits the 35mm frame lines and has been my most used lens but lately I am using 28mm 3.5 Voigtlander the 42mm field of view is good for me.

Regards
Steve

Why the M2 over the M6, I wonder?

 

[dng88]

Really, why M2 over M6? Frameline issue? ...

 

[Steve Litt]

The M2 has an uncluttered viewfinder and it feels much smoother (to me) in operation and used as I do with B/W mostly 400 iso film its not necessary to meter every shot so is, for me, far more intuitive to operate.Plus the fact I love it and for some reason the M6 just didn't have that same magic for me.

Regards
Steve

 

[LCT]

...I have already got a 28 1.9 Ultron and have first option on a 50 1.5 and 15 4.5...

Would make a good lens set for the R-D1. For the M6 you would need a 90mm lens as well. Otherwise the best camera per se is of course the M6 if film is your cup of tea and if you don't need a 1:1 viewfinder.