bayerische
Established
Hi guys!
I'm been drooling over the Leica M8 ever since I heard of it.
I have an M6 which I absolutely love! I've been using Canons, Hasselblads, Mamiyas, all very different than rangefinders, I know, but rangefinders seem to be the ones for me.
I love the unobtrusiveness that my M6 gives me.
I currently also have a Canon digital system, 3 lenses with a 5D body. The image quality is awsome. The sensor seems to produce magically low noise images.
So to my questions;
I would like to see some example pictures from the R-D1. In different light situations. The pictures don't have to be anything special, I would just like to get an idea of the cameras image quality.
Is the noise bothering any of you at high isos?
Is the LCD display adequate? Remind you the Canon has a 2,5" 200.000+ pixel LCD.
Viewfinder quality compared to Leica M6 or similar?
I would like to get the M8, but I'ts a big bunch of money, especially with all the quality problems that has been detected. Also my Leica dealer in Finland tells me that if I''m lucky I might get one 6months from now.
Thanks in advance!
Andreas
I'm been drooling over the Leica M8 ever since I heard of it.
I have an M6 which I absolutely love! I've been using Canons, Hasselblads, Mamiyas, all very different than rangefinders, I know, but rangefinders seem to be the ones for me.
I love the unobtrusiveness that my M6 gives me.
I currently also have a Canon digital system, 3 lenses with a 5D body. The image quality is awsome. The sensor seems to produce magically low noise images.
So to my questions;
I would like to see some example pictures from the R-D1. In different light situations. The pictures don't have to be anything special, I would just like to get an idea of the cameras image quality.
Is the noise bothering any of you at high isos?
Is the LCD display adequate? Remind you the Canon has a 2,5" 200.000+ pixel LCD.
Viewfinder quality compared to Leica M6 or similar?
I would like to get the M8, but I'ts a big bunch of money, especially with all the quality problems that has been detected. Also my Leica dealer in Finland tells me that if I''m lucky I might get one 6months from now.
Thanks in advance!
Andreas
pfogle
Well-known
Andreas - I love my R-D1, and won't be changing to Leica until this camera dies. There are doubts about long term service for the Epson, so bear that in mind when making your decision. That said, I've had no problems in two years use as my main camera.
I also use the 5D and have used many film bodies. I like the fact that the Epson produces files that are different to the 5D, but to my mind (I like to print up to approx 30x50 cm) the quality is right up there with the 5D. There are lots of interesting lenses to experiment with at reasonable prices (and some very expensive ones!)
On the technical side; the noise levels are fine for my use up to ISO1600 - I don't use noise reduction, as I'm not looking for ultra-smooth images - I've got the 5D for that. I like the viewfinder, though I accept it's not quite as clear or robust as the M6 - but then, I prefer that it's 1:1 size ratio, like the old M3, and that you only see one frameline at a time. The screen on the back is fine, and has the advantage that you can fold it away and use the camera like a film body.
I have no regrets at all about buying this camera. There are some examples in my gallery.
I also use the 5D and have used many film bodies. I like the fact that the Epson produces files that are different to the 5D, but to my mind (I like to print up to approx 30x50 cm) the quality is right up there with the 5D. There are lots of interesting lenses to experiment with at reasonable prices (and some very expensive ones!)
On the technical side; the noise levels are fine for my use up to ISO1600 - I don't use noise reduction, as I'm not looking for ultra-smooth images - I've got the 5D for that. I like the viewfinder, though I accept it's not quite as clear or robust as the M6 - but then, I prefer that it's 1:1 size ratio, like the old M3, and that you only see one frameline at a time. The screen on the back is fine, and has the advantage that you can fold it away and use the camera like a film body.
I have no regrets at all about buying this camera. There are some examples in my gallery.
bayerische
Established
Thank you Erik for the pics! And that's one super-sweet baby you have!
Is there a big difference between the RD1 and the RD1s?
Is there a big difference between the RD1 and the RD1s?
Ben Z
Veteran
bayerische said:
I stopped drooling shortly after it was released, now I'm just waiting for the promised firmware to solve the list of problems
I hear you!
What I love is the backache it doesn't give me
Ditto my 20D.
Your best bet is to find someone who can get you some full-sized raw or even high jpegs to play with. It's really pointless to pixel-peep web-sized uploads.
No but it's not in the ballpark of the Canon if that's what you're going to compare it to. It's a 6MP Nikon D100/Pentax *istD CCD.
My 20D has a small LCD and even that I have the review set to "off" all the time. The LCD on my RD-1 stays turned inward unless I need to get at the menu for something. I shoot a digital camera as if it were a film camera.
Brightness about the same. The rangefinder area does not move along with the framelines for parallax, so at close range the rangefinder is not centered in the framelines, which I find irritating after years with the Leica. The widest frameline is for a 28mm lens which is equivalent to a 42mm. The need for a separate finder for lenses with equivalent of 35mm or wider is also hugely irritating to me. Also the lack of diodes for manual metering is a pain, the blinking shutter speed display is hard for me to see because of bifocals--the scene thru the finder and the display numbers are never in focus at the same time.
With all the quality problems they couldn't pay me to take one right now. If the new firmware comes and solves them, I'll probably get one, money aside. The RD1 will make a good backup but there are things the M8 can (potentially) do that the RD1 can't.
Here in the USA over tha past week or two there have been batches of them available for purchase without standing in line. Perhaps you might consider getting one from here?
DwF
Well-known
Andreas,
Please feel free to peruse this gallery: http://www.pbase.com/bitonal/epson_r_d1
I have had my R D1 for just about 1 month and really like it. I tried one side by side with an M8 (so really a first impression comparison to be fair) and the R D1 felt better in my hands. Given the increased size of the M8, I would like it if Leica had used a different "vulcanite" and maybe added a grip. The R D1 feels really good to hold. And it feels really solid.
Neither camera (M8 or R D1) will replace my M2 or 6 for feel and ease of use. Those are really elegant machines. The viewfinder on the R D1 is greater in magnification but seems not as bright as my M2. It works fine and I really like this camera.
David
Please feel free to peruse this gallery: http://www.pbase.com/bitonal/epson_r_d1
I have had my R D1 for just about 1 month and really like it. I tried one side by side with an M8 (so really a first impression comparison to be fair) and the R D1 felt better in my hands. Given the increased size of the M8, I would like it if Leica had used a different "vulcanite" and maybe added a grip. The R D1 feels really good to hold. And it feels really solid.
Neither camera (M8 or R D1) will replace my M2 or 6 for feel and ease of use. Those are really elegant machines. The viewfinder on the R D1 is greater in magnification but seems not as bright as my M2. It works fine and I really like this camera.
David
sirvine
Established
Andreas,
Feel free to look at my site ( www.solsphere.com ). Every shot on there right now is from an R-D1s. I'd be happy to send you some RAW versions as well. Just click the email link at the bottom where my copyright note is.
As for noise, I find the R-D1 is acceptable at ISO 1600, but I loathe digital color noise in general. I find that if I can't shoot at 800 or below, I prefer to convert the image to B&W. You'll see some ISO 1600 shots on my site that demonstrate the R-D1's noise pretty clearly. It's no 5D, but it's better than a 300D at 1600.
Feel free to look at my site ( www.solsphere.com ). Every shot on there right now is from an R-D1s. I'd be happy to send you some RAW versions as well. Just click the email link at the bottom where my copyright note is.
As for noise, I find the R-D1 is acceptable at ISO 1600, but I loathe digital color noise in general. I find that if I can't shoot at 800 or below, I prefer to convert the image to B&W. You'll see some ISO 1600 shots on my site that demonstrate the R-D1's noise pretty clearly. It's no 5D, but it's better than a 300D at 1600.
RichC
Well-known
And there's a fair amount stuff on my website FAQ about the R-D1 (see my signature): aimed at owners/users, but there may be some stuff of interest for potential owners.
rsl
Russell
Andreas,
Do you have Photoshop or Elements? And do you you have high speed access? If so I'll set up a few .PSDs for you to download. I'm reluctant to send you .JPEGs since they're 8 bit files. The only other option is .TIF, but that's pretty huge.
Do you have Photoshop or Elements? And do you you have high speed access? If so I'll set up a few .PSDs for you to download. I'm reluctant to send you .JPEGs since they're 8 bit files. The only other option is .TIF, but that's pretty huge.
mwooten
light user
Andreas,
I've uploaded an Epson RAW file (here) that you can download and play with. If you need software to open it, you can find the links on RichC's web site (here).
I shot the image last Saturday with my RD1s and cv 28mm Ultron @ iso 1600.
The RAW file is 9.5mb, so it might be best if you have broadband and not dialup.
Take care,
Michael
I've uploaded an Epson RAW file (here) that you can download and play with. If you need software to open it, you can find the links on RichC's web site (here).
I shot the image last Saturday with my RD1s and cv 28mm Ultron @ iso 1600.
The RAW file is 9.5mb, so it might be best if you have broadband and not dialup.
Take care,
Michael
nickmeertens
Established
Hi Andreas,
Have a look at my blog, all photo's since August last year were taken with the RD-1. The ones from the last few months almost always at iso 800 or 1600 (looking forward to spring and iso 200!)
Images aren't as clean as the 20d's I used to have, but the the noise has a certain character I like.
Best, Nick
Have a look at my blog, all photo's since August last year were taken with the RD-1. The ones from the last few months almost always at iso 800 or 1600 (looking forward to spring and iso 200!)
Images aren't as clean as the 20d's I used to have, but the the noise has a certain character I like.
Best, Nick
bayerische
Established
I have a 10Mb line, but my mailbox can only handle files up to aprox 4mb, feel free to send me at andreas@surfnet.fi
Thanks!
Thanks!
rsl
Russell
bayerische said:
Andreas, Again: do you use Photoshop or Photoshop Elements? If so, instead of emailing you some full-resolution shots, which will be too large for your mailbox, I'll upload some to one of my webs so that you can download them at your leisure.
sirvine
Established
Nick,
Your blog is terrific. I visited Groningen once for a wild all-night party. What a fun place it was! Your photos are very good.
Your blog is terrific. I visited Groningen once for a wild all-night party. What a fun place it was! Your photos are very good.
nickmeertens
Established
sirvine said:
Thank you Sol! I found your site and loved it! Nocturnal NYC, I would love to go and photograph that for a few nights! Not sure if I can manage your quality though! How in the world did you end up in Groningen for an allnighter?
Best, Nick
sirvine
Established
It was a festival, I think, where the whole place pretends to be another country for a week or whatever. It just happened to be Austria that year, so there were oompa bands and hasselhoff impersonators on every other corner. A girl I met in Amsterdam brought me up there because she was studying there. Maybe it's just the company I was keeping back in those days, but I met some of the strangest, most interesting characters in my life there...too bad I didn't have a good camera at that time. It's a beautiful city, though--I always recommend people visit when they're in Holland, even if they just poke into the museum and walk the streets a little bit.
bayerische
Established
I ordered one.
It's not new, but has only taken about 300 pics.
.It's not new, but has only taken about 300 pics.