M9 versus RD-1

Hi Roland

Hi Roland

This set is from a couple of years ago with the RD1 and lux 75/1.4.

I use the lux easily on the RD1 and M6/MP VF using about the inner 3/4 of the 50 frames. This was even before I got a Megaperls 1.25 magnifier.

I look at them now, and realize the WB is off on many, but the focus is pretty good with the long throw of the 75 lux. I've never found the RD1 lacking for focus capability with the 75/1.4 lux or F1 Noctilux, just takes longer to focus accurately. Wouldn't be good for shooting sports or moving things wide open.


ferider said:
Try a 75 Summilux.
Click to expand...
 
Viewfinder and feeling in the hands of the R-D1 is way superiour to M8/M9.
I also always prefered the manual selectable single framelines ofthe R-D1.
Shooting the R-D1 for me has always been a far more enjoyable experience than shooting the M8.
 
I don't own an R-D1, but I have tried several and it's a lovely camrea. But for me the full frame alone is enough to declare M9 the winner. Being able to take full advantage of the lens is absolutely great. I also subscribe to all of Yanidel's points. But by all means, if you prefer the R-D1, be my guest.
 
Eeh. Yes, the R-D1 does have a lock to prevent knocking the shutter speed dial out of AE mode. However AE lock has nothing to do with that. That´s a separate button to lock exposure, which the R-D1 also haves.
 
I have the RD-1 ....

I have the RD-1 ....

To paraphrase ....

You have to go out street shooting with the camera you have!

While I'd love to have an M9, I just have more photographic priorities with my money. I have used an M6, and there is indeed just some Leica magic. I'm sure from all my reading, the M9 has the same mojo.

As someone earlier up mentioned, if some one were to knock on the door, and say, pick an M9 or a RD-1, the choice is clear. The problem is that no one did that! I made an active choice, live with my Tamron 28-75 AND and RD-1 instead of a Nikon 28-70, and NO RD-1. That choice kept me shooting coupled range finders after swapping out the M6.

If you're going to argue the bang for buck card, may as while look at the micro 4/3 camera's, and not live in the coupled rangefinder world at all. My panasonic G1 is ALMOST as fun as my RD-1 .....

maybe 5 years from now when someone crams a 645 sensor in a Mamiya 7 sized body with the same lens size, I will be able to afford an M9, but for the moment, I would much rather shoot street with my RD-1 than the D300 or G1.

YMMV

Dave
 
R-D1 and M9 are cameras with different purposes and for different users. They cannot be directly compared, IMHO, especially for the price. A camera that costs 7 times what the other one costs will have a harder time convincing me that it has a better cost/benefit ratio.

I do miss having a longer rf baselength for better accuracy and framelines for the most popular focal lengths, though. Also, for M users a M8/9 body should feel more natural.
 
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