Is the RD1 the "Perfect Leica"?

shutterflower said:
And I'll support that with:

The RD-1 can't be the perfect Leica because it isn't a Leica. It might be the perfect Voigtlander Bessa.
And suddenly I'm reminded of those scenes where the pianola suddenly stops at the Saloon, everybody shuts up, turns around, and starts going out quietly, flapping the doors...
 
Ah yes, I agree. The perfect Cosina Bessa digital.

I prefer to associate the Voigtlander to the 50's cameras and prefer to refer to the new company as "Cosina".

...Vick
 
Tuolumne said:
I love the way the R-D1 captures light. To me it is very painterly. Here is a good example of the chiaschuro it is capable of capturing. This picture was taken in almost completely dark conditions with an ASA of 1600 (if I remember correctly.) I think the lens was a 35mm Leica f1.4. I enhanced the contrast a bit in Picasa. That's all the post-processing it has had.

T.

Edit: I just checked the exif data. It was shot at ASA 800.

attachment.php


Beautiful colors and tones. RD1 rules!
 
>to users of the RD1 is this (RF misalignment) problem really a significant one?

To me it was. I had two R-D1's and sold them both. Potential problems with the RF wasn't the only reason but it was probably #1. It happened to both of mine. And also to a Bessa R3A which shares the same RF design.

You might say that it's me... But such a thing has not happened on any Leica or Hexar that I have owned and used much more.

That said, I have great respect for the images that an R-D1 is capable of creating.

Some 11x17" black & whites in my most recent show where made from R-D1 RAW files and they were awesome.

I have many wishes related to rangefinder digital photography but a reliable RF in the R-D1 would make me the happiest.
 
That is a very nice example. Chiaroscuro yeah! I just looked it up:)

1. the distribution of light and shade in a picture.
2. Painting. the use of deep variations in and subtle gradations of light and shade, esp. to enhance the delineation of character and for general dramatic effect: Rembrandt is a master of chiaroscuro.



Tuolumne said:
I love the way the R-D1 captures light. To me it is very painterly. Here is a good example of the chiaschuro it is capable of capturing. This picture was taken in almost completely dark conditions with an ASA of 1600 (if I remember correctly.) I think the lens was a 35mm Leica f1.4. I enhanced the contrast a bit in Picasa. That's all the post-processing it has had.

T.

Edit: I just checked the exif data. It was shot at ASA 800.
 
haagen_dazs said:
to users of the RD1
is this problem really a significant one?
i am trying to decide if the RD would be something i would buy into...:confused:

It was a current and annoying issue with my first model, the R-D1, where the RF alignment went off for nothing. I must say I have taken more care with the R-D1s replacement body and could not notice any change in rf alignment at infinity (neither vertical nor horizontal). Haven't checked the close up accuracy again - maybe because I don't want to be too paranoid?... Or because, "what I don't know, can't bother me"... :)

I have stopped down fast lenses at close up from time to time, to avoid focusing errors. But I must admit, I have concentrated on shooting and not on the camera itself since the initial tests after I got it. Check my PAW for results, all made with the Epson R-D1s except 1 and 11 (which made with a horribly off topic point&shoot camera).

Didier
 
I have an R-D1s which I've carried around everywhere since September and I've had no problems with it at all despite not treating it with any particular care.

Ian
 
Deed... just checked out you PAW - great! But I have to say, my fave is the horribly off-topic P&S shot no. 11 :D

what p&s did you use?
 
Didier said:
...could not notice any change in rf alignment at infinity (neither vertical nor horizontal). Haven't checked the close up accuracy again - maybe because I don't want to be too paranoid?... Or because, "what I don't know, can't bother me"... :)
I have stopped down fast lenses at close up from time to time, to avoid focusing errors. ..

Didier
My RD1's focusing is off wide open up close, I am thinking of having the close focus adjusted. But am worried that it may mess up infinity focus - can you have both or just one at a time?
 
akptc said:
My RD1's focusing is off wide open up close, I am thinking of having the close focus adjusted. But am worried that it may mess up infinity focus - can you have both or just one at a time?
Adjusting the close up accuracy by keeping the infinity adjustment is tricky. A pro RF repair specialist like DAG does it well but I haven't tried it myself.
Didier
 
pfogle said:
Deed... just checked out you PAW - great! But I have to say, my fave is the horribly off-topic P&S shot no. 11 :D
what p&s did you use?
Thanks, Phil.
It is also my feeling (and many LUGgers') that #11 is the best so far. The off topic gear is a Canon Powershot S3 IS with 6 megapixel and 36-432mm zoom. I had used it for making a video of my daughter's skating performance. After she had finished, I wanted to carry the tripod and camera back to the car - but after discovering this back light situation I grabbed the camera out again...
Didier
 
Thanks, Deed. I've already got a quote from DAG on the close focus adjustment but have been hesitating to send the RD1 off both because of the infinity focus uncertainty and, well, because I know how much I will miss it.. Your post has helped me decide, off to the post office :)
 
Andy
When DAG ajusts your RF he'll of course take care of close-up and infinity accuracy. Anyway he will take the top plate off to do it, because you can't adjust one side without fiddling on the other side, too. And the close-up screw is at the left of the RF.
D.
 
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