Honestly; is it worth buying?

Honestly; is it worth buying?

  • Yes

    Votes: 74 67.9%
  • No

    Votes: 35 32.1%

  • Total voters
    109
The R-D1 is just a sweet-spot camera. It brought the gestalt of the film M's into the digital age far better than the M8 did, megapixels aside. Flip the screen closed, and it's entirely possible to forget you're shooting a digital camera at all, and that's pretty amazing.
 
I was writing a long post, but it got lost in a locked browser window. Short version:
I bought mine a few months ago. In two words: Highly recommended.
 
back alley, I have never heard of anyone so infatuated with a specific camera before as you are with the RD-1. I have heard you rationalize, justify, and defend this camera in almost every thread topic. This being said, I have also seen many good examples from you of what this camera is capable of. It obviously works for you (and works quite well!), but maybe it's not for everyone. ;)
 
back alley, I have never heard of anyone so infatuated with a specific camera before as you are with the RD-1. I have heard you rationalize, justify, and defend this camera in almost every thread topic. This being said, I have also seen many good examples from you of what this camera is capable of. It obviously works for you (and works quite well!), but maybe it's not for everyone. ;)

not infatuated...that is an immature love, like the first 3 months in most relationships...
i have no need to justify, as an adult i make my own decisions based on research and experience...
i do defend, especially when i see folks with no experience with the rd1 saying things that don't jive with my experience...

i am a pure rf shooter, i have a panasonic g1 for fun and something different, but i have been a rf shooter since the 70's...it's not a diversion from tlrs or other medium format/large format shooting...i don't own a slr/dslr with a raft of zoom lenses...i have owned or used many rf cameras and lenses AND I KNOW WHAT I LIKE...and i like the rd1.

is it for everyone? of course not!
but those who speak negatively about it with no experience with it will hear my version as well.
to discount the rd1 based on some theoretical issues, without trying it, seems...hmmm...silly.
 
You can count me in among those enjoying the "old" R-D1(s)- although i'm usually silent.
Discuss it all you like,
Buy it,
Try it,
then keep it or sell it.
As for any gear, in the end, only you can decide if it is right for you.
 
FWIW - in perusing this forum over the years if there's one camera (apart from the old classic Leica M's) that there appears to be near universal praise for, it's the Epson RD-1.
 
Vote Yes...

I hope for the future generations that they will have the pleasure to cock the shutter, take the picture and if necessary look on the rear LCD.

This camera has a soul.

My greetings for the new year,

Leikon68/Sylvain.
 
I still think digital has a long way to go before it is really ready for prime time so, unless you get something for CHEAP, why bother. Suggesting a M8 is dated sounds odd but it is try while a IIIG IMHO is as current and good as a M6 or new MP.

I do carry a $5 thrift store digital Pentax for an emergeny when I have nothing and want a quick grab and a DSLR that I've owned for a couple of years and maybe used for a couple dozen images at best.
 
I intend on keeping my R-D1 for as long as it turns on. And probably after that too, since selling a dead digital camera shouldn't be very easy :)

It's an unique camera, it doesn't matter that it is technologically outdated: it suits my needs now, and should keep suiting them in the future.
 
I'm convinced

I'm convinced

After deciding I haven't time or money to buy film and process it, I've decided to sell my Bessa R3a and get an R-d1 (and my student loan comes through).

It may not be a high megapixel camera, but I'm still trying to take pictures that are worth blowing up past A4 and until then, I need a digital RF that takes pictures. How many Leica owners go through owning M3, M6, M8 when what they should be addressing is where they are pointing the camera and when they are pressing the button.

As soon as I've developed my eye (and a few student loans later) I'll move onto owning a Leica, precision tool that it is. Until then I'll get myself a digital image making RF and not blame a camera for my prints.
 
Is it worth buying?

Is it worth buying?

Without a doubt, yes. Forget about DSLR, everyone has them, that is the common side, be different. Get a range finder or a micro 4/3 that looks like a range finder.

Look and search for a good deal on a R-D1 or R-D1s from a reputable person.

I just recently bought a mint R-D1s and I have to say, that even just holding it is an act of pure pleasure.
 
I wanted to buy a DSLR, but it's too heavy, I am pretty much convinced with the RD-1 need to save a bit though...
 
just recently found my epson was off on focus. besides the point, particualrly on my 40 1.4 SC nokton. No big deal, I realigned the VF, it's fine now.

As much as I love this camera, I might be giving it up for the new fuji x100. I like the M mount system, but I only use this one lens, my 40 1.4. And this seems to be the gripe people have with the new fuji coming out. I don't think it bothers me. In the meantime though, I love my epson, and an m8 would never come between this relationship ;)
 
Everytime I pick it up I feel like a grinning idiot. I never thought a camera could bring so much enjoyment in use. The R-D1, for me, is about the whole picture taking experience, not just the wonderful images it can produce.
 
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