Honestly; is it worth buying?

[Mephiloco]

I thought about an R-D1 several times... the crop factor is what killed it for me.

 

[berlincontemporary]

I am sick of the semi-thing I have, I want to buy a real thing, either a DSLR or a DRF. I am leaning towards a rangefinder though, this is how I learned about photography, and my favorite type of camera, but it's very uncommon, well like any RF...

And I always tought »semi-thing« is exactly what the RD1 is. Like any other crop camera.

Why not just get an M6?

 

[nomade]

Nomade, I cannot offer advice about a choice between digital possibilities, but I would say - welcome back! I had not noticed that you had begun posting again, until just now. I hope you will stay a while. Cheers! 🙂

Thank you Chris, I just bought a lens, and been working on my fed and ricoh this month, seems I'll stay around for a while 🙂

Very interesting posts, I've read about it a lot, but I'd still need your opinions...

 

[umcelinho]

Crop factor should only be an issue if you switch lenses with a full frame body. If not the case, just get lenses considering what their field of views will be. Of course that working with the native FL of the lens is better, but at least to me it's not such a deal breaker.

 

[Pablito]

No poll can help you figure out what your priorities are.

Only your hairdresser knows for sure.

 

[jsrockit]

I don't think so, especially with the price of used M8s steadily declining.

This is a myth.

 

[snausages]

It is worth buying. I regret selling mine. I'm still struck by the beauty of the images it gave me while I owned it. For the price of an M8, you could get an RD1, the Nokton 35 1.2 and a Canon 35 2.8ltm. The lenses will hold their value while the M8 depreciates. The M8 produces larger files and is better supported by its manufacturer. I think the RD1 wins in almost every other comparison.

 

[back alley]

it seems to me that the naysayers are the ones who have not owned an rd1 and the positive responders are the owners (& former owners) of the rd1.

i have been shooting rangefinders since my first camera in 1970...i love rangefinders but got really tired of darkroom work...the leica m8 was the leica that leica said couldn't be made while the rd1 was the little engine that could!!
image colour is so spectacular that i switched from shooting exclusively black & white. 6 mp is plenty if you want simple photoshop processing and 8x10 enlargements --- bigger if you want to put some work into it.
epson (japan) will do a complete cla on them for not so much money if you have the time as they are slow. i sent body number one to them and number 2 is about ready to ship now.
spend some time reading the rd1 forum and see what the users are saying about them, look at the images you can produce with one...buy one for 1200 bucks and be happy...i know that i am!

 

[kevin m]

Flame me if you must but IMO the R-D1 got it right out of the gate and Leica has been playing catch-up ever since....

X2. The R-D1 was just "right" and I still miss mine.

 

[back alley]

...and as for crop factor...remember that the 35mm format was rejected by many of the photographers of the day as miniature and unusable...too small.

full frame is an idea that can easily be changed if you have the mind to do so.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

I would jump on one for $1,000- provided it is in good working condition, "low mileage". At $1,500- that is getting up there for an Older 6MPixel camera. Somewhere in between- all depends on condition and accessories.

Let's wait and see what the X-100 does to used DRF prices...

 

[shadeofpale]

Really a declaration of love, Joe.
I fully agree.

 

[Keith]

I'd buy an RD-1 before I'd jump into micro four thirds ... I can't get used to the look of a camera that's trying not to be a DSLR, has a x2 crop factor and doesn't have a real viewfinder.

The Epson from what I've seen:

Has an excellent viewfinder.
Looks great in a munchkin kind of way.
Produces small but very good files.
Seems fine up to 1600 ISO.

And most importantly ... has Joe's full backing with a money back guarantee! 😀

 

[back alley]

...all except that very last part...😉

 

[filmfan]

...and as for crop factor...remember that the 35mm format was rejected by many of the photographers of the day as miniature and unusable...too small.

full frame is an idea that can easily be changed if you have the mind to do so.

Except for the change in perspective which is equally important as crop factor focal length.
Put a 25mm or whatever lens on there to be similar to a 35mm lens and what you get is the 25mm lens signature that covers the 35mm area. This is why I will never buy an RD-1 or M8.
Maybe this is just a personal mental impasse and it really does not matter to others.

 

[berlincontemporary]

full frame is an idea that can easily be changed if you have the mind to do so.

True. You must force yourself not to look at whats possible with the same lenses on film or the M9 though. Or even the M8.

 

[back alley]

Except for the change in perspective which is equally important as crop factor focal length.
Put a 25mm or whatever lens on there to be similar to a 35mm lens and what you get is the 25mm lens signature that covers the 35mm area. This is why I will never buy an RD-1 or M8.
Maybe this is just a personal mental impasse and it really does not matter to others.

i actually like this...my 40, while now a 60 fov on the rd1, still looks like a 40 to me.

 

[thegman]

Get the camera you want, otherwise you'll regret it. If you get the R-D1 and it's not for you, then sell at a small or no loss.

 

[filmfan]

i actually like this...my 40, while now a 60 fov on the rd1, still looks like a 40 to me.

Yeah, if your a 60mm shooter that can adapt to awkward frame lines. I am neither, so this is a part of my beef with the thing.

 

[LCT]

Except for the change in perspective which is equally important as crop factor focal length...

Perspective does not change when shooting from the same point.