ferider
Veteran
I was just looking for a smaller crop factor to get to the equivalent of a fast 35, Joe .... People do amazing work with the Epson.
Obioma
Newbie
venchka
Veteran
Good Grief. I don't think I spent that much for my entire inventory.
You don't need our help. Do your homework. Shop carefully. A fast lens and a fast lens should do the trick.
The sensor in the camera, the part that records the image, is smaller than 35mm film. So, every lens you mount on the camera has a narrower angle of view than the same lens mounted on a camera using 35mm film. I think (correct me if I'm wrong) your RD1 has a 1.5 crop factor. 28mm * 1.5 = 42mm. 35mm * 1.5 = 52.5, etc.
You don't need our help. Do your homework. Shop carefully. A fast lens and a fast lens should do the trick.
The sensor in the camera, the part that records the image, is smaller than 35mm film. So, every lens you mount on the camera has a narrower angle of view than the same lens mounted on a camera using 35mm film. I think (correct me if I'm wrong) your RD1 has a 1.5 crop factor. 28mm * 1.5 = 42mm. 35mm * 1.5 = 52.5, etc.
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flyalf
Well-known
I would recommend:
1) Secondhand Leica 28/2,8 + a 50/2,0 or 50/2,8. The Leica will perform well and keep its value. Its easy to find good budget 50mm
or 2) Voigtlander 35/1,4 + Voigtlander 15/3,5 + Voigtlander external viewfinder for 15mm. The 35/1,4 is fast enough and perform well stopped down. The 15mm is great for architecture and landscape, but you might want to consider using correction SW.
1) Secondhand Leica 28/2,8 + a 50/2,0 or 50/2,8. The Leica will perform well and keep its value. Its easy to find good budget 50mm
or 2) Voigtlander 35/1,4 + Voigtlander 15/3,5 + Voigtlander external viewfinder for 15mm. The 35/1,4 is fast enough and perform well stopped down. The 15mm is great for architecture and landscape, but you might want to consider using correction SW.
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back alley
IMAGES
understood and agree with.
umcelinho
Marcelo
12+35 / 12+50
12+35 / 12+50
might be a bizarre recommendation, but for a very disdinct combo I'd suggest getting a 2nd hand CV Heliar 12mm, which becomes a 18mm wide angle, perfect for situations that need a good area to cover, and you can always crop a bit here and there if you want less ultra wide. It performs MUCH better than the 15mm, has less vignetting. I just keep it in my R-D1 all the time. I use the 15mm viewfinder, sometimes even the 12mm VF, I don't feel the need for a proper 18mm finder as I just consider the edges won't appear. or I just look into the VF from a little further, that gives me the crop, more or less. around $560, 2nd hand.
to compare...
Heliar 15mm:
Heliar 12mm:
The 2nd lens could be a fast prime, being a CV 35/1.5 Nokton a good, compact choice which is equivalent to 50mm, so good, versatile coverage and very good speed. If you go for it, a hood is important. I have a SC version, that has less contrast, but is more prone to flare. If you want more contrast and more flare resistance, go with the MC. Around $560, new
I personally use the CV 50/1.5 Nokton more than the 35, because I wear glasses most of the time and the framelines are easier to see, also I like the rendition of the 50mm better than the 35mm. In the other hand, it is a bigger lens, but nothing that is bulky. Around $350, 2nd hand
if you want to get a Leica prime, you can find a somewhat recent 2nd hand 35mm or 50mm Summicron in the $1200-1500 range, or a vintage rigid or collapsible in the $600-800 range.
from my experience with the R-D1, I don't feel crop factor changes the way I deal with the lenses, as the framelines take a similar area in the VF than the lines for the same focal lengths in my M6. So framing ends up being similar, only things are bigger inside the lines. My fav focal length is 50mm, but in the R-D1 I still use my 50mm lens more often, which becomes a 75mm... but I don't really feel a huge difference.
12+35 / 12+50
might be a bizarre recommendation, but for a very disdinct combo I'd suggest getting a 2nd hand CV Heliar 12mm, which becomes a 18mm wide angle, perfect for situations that need a good area to cover, and you can always crop a bit here and there if you want less ultra wide. It performs MUCH better than the 15mm, has less vignetting. I just keep it in my R-D1 all the time. I use the 15mm viewfinder, sometimes even the 12mm VF, I don't feel the need for a proper 18mm finder as I just consider the edges won't appear. or I just look into the VF from a little further, that gives me the crop, more or less. around $560, 2nd hand.
to compare...
Heliar 15mm:
Heliar 12mm:
The 2nd lens could be a fast prime, being a CV 35/1.5 Nokton a good, compact choice which is equivalent to 50mm, so good, versatile coverage and very good speed. If you go for it, a hood is important. I have a SC version, that has less contrast, but is more prone to flare. If you want more contrast and more flare resistance, go with the MC. Around $560, new
I personally use the CV 50/1.5 Nokton more than the 35, because I wear glasses most of the time and the framelines are easier to see, also I like the rendition of the 50mm better than the 35mm. In the other hand, it is a bigger lens, but nothing that is bulky. Around $350, 2nd hand
if you want to get a Leica prime, you can find a somewhat recent 2nd hand 35mm or 50mm Summicron in the $1200-1500 range, or a vintage rigid or collapsible in the $600-800 range.
from my experience with the R-D1, I don't feel crop factor changes the way I deal with the lenses, as the framelines take a similar area in the VF than the lines for the same focal lengths in my M6. So framing ends up being similar, only things are bigger inside the lines. My fav focal length is 50mm, but in the R-D1 I still use my 50mm lens more often, which becomes a 75mm... but I don't really feel a huge difference.
aizan
Veteran
$579 28mm f2 ultron
$999 50mm f1.1 nokton
$999 50mm f1.1 nokton
pagpow
Well-known
You might find these useful if you have not seen them before.
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/lenses/fastlensreview.shtml
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/lenses/rd-1-lens.shtml
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/lenses/fastlensreview.shtml
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/lenses/rd-1-lens.shtml
fotomeow
name under my name
Hey Obioma, hope you are still with us.........we get excited talking about gear choices and may inadvertantly not address your level of understanding. Most of us learned about all the gear issues from websites/forums/fotographer buddies; and simply experimenting with different lenses over a period of time.
The "CV" lenses are Cosina-Voigtlander, made in Japan, very good quality for much less the price of new Leica or Zeiss lenses. (To keep it simple. these 3 brands are probably the top 3 used by folks who use this website. There are other choices, more exotic, etc, but these are the top 3 used). I learned alot about lenses from Stephen Gandy's site www.Cameraquest.com where he sells the CV lenses (I believe he is also a stakeholder in this website, which is why you will see advertising for Cameraquest here). He also has tons of info on rangefinder lenses in general; older Leica lenses, e.g. Check the Zeiss and Leica websites for info too.
I've felt that a good fast lens can be f1.5 or f2.0 or even f2.8, so you have a lot of choices with new CV lenses, new Zeiss lenses, or used Leica lenses (the most expensive of the bunch).
The RD-1 does not function like a regular film camera in terms of the lenses. A 35mm lens on a film camera will turn into the focal length of a 52mm on the RD-1 b/c of the "crop factor", having to do with using a digital sensor to record the shot as opposed to film. Different digital cameras can have different "crop factors", so the lenses bought for a digital camera need to be tailored for that camera and the lenses you normally use on film cameras.
Your choice of 2 fast lenses is great, and the RD-1 is a great camera, I have an RD-1s (so dont go buy a Leica b/c someone told you to!!). So, for example, IF you liked to shoot with a 35mm lens on a film camera, and the "crop factor" is 1.5 dor the RD-1, you can look at getting a 21mm lens which will give you a 33mm lens on the RD-1 (1.5 X 21mm = 33mm) .......OR ........you could get a 25mm lens which would turn into a 37mm on the RD-1 (1.5 x 25mm = 37mm).
Again, you have a lot of choices, and will probably need to just buy a combo that feels right to you, shoot pictures with it for a some months, look at the results, and either keep the lenses or sell them and try another. The good news is that, with $2000, and many choices, you cant go wrong!
The "CV" lenses are Cosina-Voigtlander, made in Japan, very good quality for much less the price of new Leica or Zeiss lenses. (To keep it simple. these 3 brands are probably the top 3 used by folks who use this website. There are other choices, more exotic, etc, but these are the top 3 used). I learned alot about lenses from Stephen Gandy's site www.Cameraquest.com where he sells the CV lenses (I believe he is also a stakeholder in this website, which is why you will see advertising for Cameraquest here). He also has tons of info on rangefinder lenses in general; older Leica lenses, e.g. Check the Zeiss and Leica websites for info too.
I've felt that a good fast lens can be f1.5 or f2.0 or even f2.8, so you have a lot of choices with new CV lenses, new Zeiss lenses, or used Leica lenses (the most expensive of the bunch).
The RD-1 does not function like a regular film camera in terms of the lenses. A 35mm lens on a film camera will turn into the focal length of a 52mm on the RD-1 b/c of the "crop factor", having to do with using a digital sensor to record the shot as opposed to film. Different digital cameras can have different "crop factors", so the lenses bought for a digital camera need to be tailored for that camera and the lenses you normally use on film cameras.
Your choice of 2 fast lenses is great, and the RD-1 is a great camera, I have an RD-1s (so dont go buy a Leica b/c someone told you to!!). So, for example, IF you liked to shoot with a 35mm lens on a film camera, and the "crop factor" is 1.5 dor the RD-1, you can look at getting a 21mm lens which will give you a 33mm lens on the RD-1 (1.5 X 21mm = 33mm) .......OR ........you could get a 25mm lens which would turn into a 37mm on the RD-1 (1.5 x 25mm = 37mm).
Again, you have a lot of choices, and will probably need to just buy a combo that feels right to you, shoot pictures with it for a some months, look at the results, and either keep the lenses or sell them and try another. The good news is that, with $2000, and many choices, you cant go wrong!
Obioma
Newbie
Wow!! You guys have been very helpful and I thank you for all the information thus far. After reading all your posts and visiting several websites, here is what i'm thinking of picking up:
40/1.4 Nokton
28/2 Ultron
VC M mount 15/4.5
What do you think?
I was also wondering if anyone has any experience with the 50mm 1.1 on the R-D1?
Thanks.
40/1.4 Nokton
28/2 Ultron
VC M mount 15/4.5
What do you think?
I was also wondering if anyone has any experience with the 50mm 1.1 on the R-D1?
Thanks.
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kermaier
Well-known
This is going to be a very personal choice, but I don't find 15mm to be general-purpose enough to be a walk-around lens. Though the effective FOV is 23mm, the perspective is still that of a super-wide. Some folks are getting stunning results with this lens, but my ability to "see" currently appears to stop at 21mm. If I were putting together this kit, I'd probably go for a 21/35/50 setup:
CV 21/4 P Skopar in M mount $420 new (or maybe the Zeiss ZM 21/4.5 for more $$)
CV 35/1.4 MC Nokton $580 new (there's one in the RFF classifieds right now for $450 that I'm having trouble keeping my hands off of)
Nikkor 50/1.4 S.C in LTM $350-600 depending on condition and version (or some other vintage-look lens like a Collapsible or Rigid Summicron 50/2 or an Elmar 50/2.8).
::Ari
CV 21/4 P Skopar in M mount $420 new (or maybe the Zeiss ZM 21/4.5 for more $$)
CV 35/1.4 MC Nokton $580 new (there's one in the RFF classifieds right now for $450 that I'm having trouble keeping my hands off of)
Nikkor 50/1.4 S.C in LTM $350-600 depending on condition and version (or some other vintage-look lens like a Collapsible or Rigid Summicron 50/2 or an Elmar 50/2.8).
::Ari
back alley
IMAGES
i think it's a great combo. one of our members here, sevres-babylon, has some fantastic shots on flickr with the nokton 50 1:1 on his rd1.
pagpow
Well-known
I think that's a great choice of focal lengths. I suspect that you will settle on either the 28 or the 40 as your main lens, depending on your shooting style and the 15 will give you a nice wide.
Two points to consider:
1) You might consider buying the lenses one at a time -- this might get you some real experience with each lens, rather than juggling three all at once. And you get the feeling of a new toy when you buy the next one. Just a thought.
2) I know the 28 3.5 is not considered fast by many, most important perhaps you. On the other hand, it is a wonderful size (walkabout) and gives great feeling of space (this last may also be true of the f2, but I do not have personal experience with it. -- maybe those who do can pipe in.)
guyplatt
NewToRangefinders
Go look at somoe of the RD-1 galleries
Go look at somoe of the RD-1 galleries
I didn't realise how big your budget was. Perhaps you should go look at some of the shots posted by people on this forum and see what appeals to you or what is similar to what you shoot.
I think you can likely afford all of Ezzie's 5 lenses with your budget, although I am not sure he is recommending you buy all of them. He has a lot of very nice images. His gallery is here http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=32099
Go look at somoe of the RD-1 galleries
I didn't realise how big your budget was. Perhaps you should go look at some of the shots posted by people on this forum and see what appeals to you or what is similar to what you shoot.
I think you can likely afford all of Ezzie's 5 lenses with your budget, although I am not sure he is recommending you buy all of them. He has a lot of very nice images. His gallery is here http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=32099
venchka
Veteran
As an owner....
As an owner....
.............of the 50/1.4 Nikkor and the 50/2.0 Dual Range Summicron, I totally concur.
As an owner....
.............of the 50/1.4 Nikkor and the 50/2.0 Dual Range Summicron, I totally concur.
flyalf
Well-known
Great combo! I particularly like the 15/4,5 on RD-1.
Some pics with the 15/4,5 (sorry about all dirt on sensor :-( ):
http://flyalf.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/holme_epsn0733_5.jpg
http://flyalf.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/epsn0024_12.jpg
http://flyalf.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/bekk_epsn0949_4.jpg
The Meaness
Well-known
Hey, I'm located in the DC area as well - let me know if you want to meet up for a shoot and try lenses. I'm a teacher so I'll have my days free this summer, just shoot me a PM.
Roger Hicks
Veteran
21+50 = 35+75 on a real camera.
Cheers,
R.
Cheers,
R.
back alley
IMAGES
a 'real' camera?...oh roger...