M8 Vs RD1 or looking for RD1....

[bronekkozka]

It seams the post here are divided between posts comparing M8's and RD1 or, more interestingly people looking for new or used RD1...I do hope epson or preferablt Cosina are listening...

I have only played with an RD1 in Japan, I liked it, but now I not too keen on getting one..discontinued camera etc etc

What I would like is a CV R2A/R3A, with the digi guts in it, surely not using the nice little dials on the top would save a few bucks...just keep it the same as the CV top...also ditch the flip screen (yes I like the idea) but againg thinking $$$. The it could become the second body for the M8ers, and I could afford a digi RF....this seems like a natural place for CV to be...it is sort of what they are with there film cameras...

Bronek

 

[Adam-T]

The R-D1S is s production camera and is an R-D1 with improved firmware (you can turn an R-D1 into an "S" by upgrading the firmware) so I`d not worry about buying a discontinued camera..

those dials which add to the price (along with the flippy LCD which is superb as you can leave it folded in) are the ONE advantage it has over the M8 which behaves like a compact Digicam regarding adjusting anything except focus, aperture and shutter speed (you have to MENU DIVE to get to them like a Fuji F11 as there are no dedicated ISO, WB, Exposure comp buttons on the M8) .. Believe me, don`t wish CV to put the guts into a relativelyt flimsy Bessa, the R-D1 is *far* better made and closer to a Digital Zeiss Ikon build wise (which is also made by Cosina) than a Bessa R3 bar the rangefinder which is pure bessa ..

 

[bronekkozka]

That is interesting what you say about "flimsy" Bessa, I actually felt that the Zeiss Ikon, although a really beautiful camera...feel etc.. did actually feel a little LESS robust than the Bessa (can only speak for the R2A)...I am talking the exterior feel...you are possibly refering to inards, shutter etc

 

[danielnorton]

I have to agree with Adam, the dials and flip screen are what make the rd-1 a pleasure to use for me.

 

[bronekkozka]

I have to agree with Adam, the dials and flip screen are what make the rd-1 a pleasure to use for me.

I'm sure they are great, espec the flip screen but I'm wanting budget here!!! You know the Volkswagen...VolksdigiRF...the "peoples" camera... I have spent many many $$$ over tha past few years on "work" cameras...so I need be a little budget conscious

Als just to clarify has this camera been discontinued?? I thought it had but Adam's post made me think maybe not....

Bronek

 

[Adam-T]

Regarding "flimsy Bessa" - I meant the body compared side by side to the RD1 which is a solid chunk of magnesium alloy (more than just the basic shell) . the Ikon felt refined to me though still not the same "hewn from a solid block" the R-D1 is .. The Bessas are exellent value indeed, no where else can you buy a rangefinder new so cheap 🙂 ..

My only gripes with CV are the added expense needed to use most of their lenses on M mount and that 1:- they haven`t released a faster 21mm and STILL not replaced the discontinued 25mm with a coupled faster model.

 

[bronekkozka]

1:- they haven`t released a faster 21mm and STILL not replaced the discontinued 25mm with a coupled faster model.

YESSSS tell me about it , i just missed a Avenon/kobaloux 21 2.8 on ebay... next yea CV bring out the R4A (21mm lines) so I want one for that and 21 on a RD1 would be around 32/33 ish...mmmm

I guess my concern...no its really just a winge is that I work commercially, spend too much on gear, but hey I can justify that, but this would be an extra...hence cheap cheap cheap (er)...it is really , for me just a familly camera...hate hate hate point and shoot digis...the VF...if they have one is so crap....and I ma loving the CV or should I say the RF approach...doesn't feel like I'm working


Bronek