Got the R3M - feeling & first help question

[meste]

Dear all,

I just received the R3M with Nokton 40mm/1.4 and I put the batteries the lens and I have been playing with it since I got it. I got it from PhotoVillage, they moved fast with my order, especially as I had a short window of delivery as I go on holiday in two days - thanks Rich.

First of all to say that it is a different feel, coming from a SLR background, it feel small but sturdy and I have the feeling that I will like it. A lot! 🙂

I also like that it is manual, but I looked for it as I could have order the R3A but no, this is me being stubborn to go manual all the way. I hope I will think more before clicking like in the digital world.

All right, I will go out and do some tests, but before that I have a question re the red leds in the viewfider. I am not sure if my camera has a fault or this is how it looks like, but the digits are not clear and I am not wearing glasses. Worring is also that the +0.5 one blinks when the 0 blinks. almoast always. I guess it is due to the angle of the light that is reflected in. I don't know, but maybe other can confirm if they have their digits blurred as well.

The frames are also not quite clear, but I cannot tell if this is how should be as this is the first rangefinder I see.

thanks, I am out for shooting soon,
meste

 

[nzeeman]

mmmm nice combo - especially for evening and night. andits almost evening in romania. go to some walk around town and later to some bar and try it in low light. 😉

 

[payasam]

Finder frame lines should be distinct, Meste. Perhaps you need vision correction.

 

[rogue_designer]

does the r3m have diopter correction? perhaps that is out of norm?

 

[meste]

no it does not - the frames are not tack sharp but they can be used. also the digits, can pe used but I though they would appear clearer

meste

 

[OurManInTangier]

I can't help out I'm afraid as I don't have one, however I will follow this thread with interest as I'm tempted to get an R2a as a backup to my M6...I've decided to allow myself the option of using Aperture priority and the R2a is alot cheaper than an M7!

I hope you get your worries eased by someone with more knowledge than me and good luck with your R3M!!

 

[Thea]

Hi there, I have the R2M and the digits are clear, so possibly it could be a fault. Although if you are used to an SLR it does take a while to adjust to the viewfinder, try giving it a few days and see how you feel then. (I had a similar problems as I have used SLRs since I was 12) Sometimes the zero and + or - 0.5 blink together though, which means that it is everso slightly under or over exposed, usually if this happens I bracket between the two. I have found the metering to be pretty much on the ball, even with infrared film. Congratulations on getting one of the M's by the way, I ummed and ahhed about the R3M but chose the 2 because I wanted to use a 35mm lens mostly.
Thea

 

[peter_n]

Meste I have an R4A and both the framelines and the digits are clear and distinct. If you move your eye from the VF center than they become a little indistinct, but centered they are very sharp in the display.

I would caution against taking a new camera - any new camera - on vacation BTW. You don't know if you can trust it yet and those picture opportunities are often once-in-a-lifetime...

Also welcome to the forum! 🙂

 

[meste]

no matter how try to see the digits clear, moving my eyeball can make a difference, but even in the best scenario, the zero for example is made of 2 close circles which makes it fuzzy. I can operate the viewfinder but....

I am going to take all my fleet on holiday (Nikon F80 and D200) so I have enough backups

Just that I don't know what to do with the R3M - is it worth to send it back for a fix? I guess I would have to pay for the delivery. Anyone knows if this includes paying for the return as well?

thanks,
meste

 

[stefan_dinu]

If it conforts you, maybe you can try to meet me and see if mine is the same. I live in Bucharest and have also the R3M black version. Give me a PM if interested.

 

[kshapero]

I have the exect same rig as you. first of all, it is a mighty fine rig. I tried to duplicate your problem. Sometimes indirect light makes more than one digit light up in the VF. I noticed if I pointed the camera at a dark area with shutter speed set very fast so that I could not possibly show a correct exposure, that the digits on the meter scale get a little crazy. If you are seeing doubles in a compsition where you can get a correct exposure that you might need a fix.
Hope this helps.

 

[meste]

Dear all,

I returned for my holiday with about 10 rolls of films shot and I I learned how to use the camera with no problems what so ever. I am going to develop the films and come back to you with some examples

thanks to all for supporting during the difficult moments 🙂

meste

 

[payasam]

Let's all look forward to a happy ending -- er -- beginning.

 

[meste]

Just when i wanted to post some examples of the first films shot with R3M, my brand new Coolscan V collapsed after its fourth film. And it seems I have to send it to service 😡

I guess I am just out of luck!

I will scan them at a pro lab and then post here, just that I lost the joy of going through the process by myself.

meste

 

[alansoon]

Gosh, I would hate it if my film scanner were to fail. I'm not sure if these are easily serviceable anymore!

 

[meste]

Alansoon,

they are, and why they should not be, at least mine is like one month old! But the mere fact that I will have to send it to service and wait 1-2 months to have it back drives me crazy! not to mention the cost of the delivery!

meste