Is the time right to buy

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washy21

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Hi All

I have been an avid reader of this great forum and did post a while back about purchasing the RD-1.

Like a previous poster - there are a few knocking about now at a price I could probably afford. Obviously I can't see into the future but I just wonder if (apart from the RD-1s) something new is on the horizon.

I'm sure that I will never afford the Leica Rangefinder when it arrives so that is not on my mind.

Sorry to ramble on - I guess I am just looking for some confidence to buy one of these stunning little things.

Also, I wonder if anyone has a sensible suggestion for an affordable fast 35mm lens to go with it. Again, leica glass is not an option at the moment.

Thanks all
 
I guess there isn't a right time to buy - I've had my R-D1 for a while now, and still use it heaps. You forget the price after a week or so! The lack of obvious commitment from Epson is a worry, but I see no reason why I shouldn't get a few years use out of mine, with care. My chief concern is the shutter breaking, but it seems to be a fairly standard item (fingers crossed!)

As for the 35 - the CV 35/1.7 Ultron is very good and fast, and also the 40/1.4 - both very affordable. I guess, if I was a new buyer and didn't want to overcommit, I'd probably go for the CV 35/2.5, either version seems very good for the price.

If you got one of the cameras from Robert White, they'd bundle in a lens for you, I'm sure.

Another bit of advice FWIW- I'd get a second battery and a 1GB card at the same time.

cheers
Phil
 
I tried to reply yesterday, to no avail.

There's never a right time to buy, so just get it. The digital M may or may not come out as planned, may or may not be of stellar build and performance, and may or may not cost the world and a bit. Are you prepared to wait for that? If so, than wait. Otherwise get the R-D1.
 
Okay, I am ordering one today - I just can't stand it anymore ;-)

I think I want the 35mm Nokton but it's a tad expensive for me. I guess I will have to decide.

Problem is, that now because of all the lenses available I am in a minefield. My favourite SLR lens is a Canon 35mm 1.4 and whilst a totally diferent system I want the same kind of focal length.

Anyway, Everyone here has given me the confidence to buy one of these and it's time to crack the wallet open.
 
The price of these just dropped significantly at Robert White too. It made it into my shopping cart, but I wimped out at the last minute.
 
Wintold - I went through with my purchase and I can't wait.

I just can't decide on a lens - I want the 35mm 1.2 CV but money is tight. Anyone suggest anything else (or donate one) ;-)
 
I have heard the 1.2 CV is huge and heavy. Do you need the speed?

There is a thread here somewhere about a member having married his RD-1 to a Canon 0.95 lens.

His low-light pictures were phenomenal.

I would try the same path or else buy the smaller and lighter Ultron.

By the way, how much is the RD-1 now?
 
The 35/1.2 is a giant. Awesome lens, but not really a friendly lens to have to carry about.

Keep in mind the magnification factor - a 35mm lens on an RD-1 will give a FOV similar to that of a 53mm lens. If 35mm is your comfort zone, perhaps the Voigtlander 28/1.9 might be for you - it's a great lens and would give you a FOV of 42mm. It's also about half the price of the 35/1.2. There are a lot of great options out there for you.

Enjoy the new camera!
 
The 28 1.9 is a good choice. If you want more compact at the sacrifice of lens speed, the CV 28 3.5 is a great choice too. Have fun!
 
Assume this is something to do with the forthcoming S model. Prices may yet drop further as the improved version becomes available. There will come a tipping point for me and my wallet...
 
I love my Canon 35/1.5. I really luck out of *bay and got it for a bargin. It is a fairly hard lens to find, but I think it has a nice look. I put a link to my flickr folder of pictures with this lens. It will work with the ltm->m adapter. Oh, and this lens is pretty small and very light, which is nice for a fast lens.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/trittium/sets/1616773/
 
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Hi trittium

That's a very nice gallery you have there. Can anyone tell me (and it might be a stupid question)

How do I identify whether or not a Canon lens will fit a rangefinder. I am so new to the rangefinder scene that I may not know what I am looking for online.

John
 
The Canon lenses made in LTM (Leica Thread Mount) will fit using an adapter. I own the Canon 28/2.8 and 35/2.8. I was not happy with the performance of the 28/3.5 on the R-D1 but the 28/1.9 is a great choice. If you're interested, there's a lot of information about the R-D1 and lenses in my reviews on LL. Links to the free reviews on the homepage of my subscription site: http://www.reidreviews.com

Cheers,

Sean Reid
 
Hi Sean

Thanks, I have read your fantastic reviews which have helped me make up my first choice. I am going to opt initialy for the CV 35/1.7 Ultron which I think will give me around about a 50mm on the RD1. I will then get a 28mm next.

I suppose not being a rangefinder owner before has left me a little out of my depth when it comes to talking lenses. My father is particularly good at hunting down old lenses and I have sent him on a mission to see what he can uncoover.

I am particularly interested in finding the canon 28/2.8 as that seems a stunning lens. At the moment though I just can't wait to get my hands on the RD-1.

As soon as it arrives and I get some pictures I will post them.

http://www.johnwashington.co.uk
 
John, I've got a Jupiter 8 which is a great 50mm - a focal length I love on this camera. Cost me less than 20 quid from a dealer in Kent, off the internet. It's a very good lens.
 
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