R-D1 reviews

[Chuck A]

The July/Aug issue of Photo Techniques magazine has a review of the R-D1. It get very high praise. The reviewer used newer Leica lenses with it and loved the camera.

Reviews of this camera are funny. Some have trashed it, others are on the fence and others love it. Now since we really don't know the photo experience of some of these reviewers it is hard to tell what is what. :bang:

There is no way I will see one in person unless I buy it and that is not an option until they come down in price. Anybody near Central Pennsylvania have on to see? Heck, I would settle for seeing a VC R, R2, R2A or R3A. Can't see any of these around here. 😕

 

[vincentbenoit]

Reviews of this camera are funny. Some have trashed it, others are on the fence and others love it. Now since we really don't know the photo experience of some of these reviewers it is hard to tell what is what.

Totally agree with that. In my opinion only photographers with extensive experience of both digital capture and rangefinder cameras (such as Sean Reid) are qualified to review the R-D1.

 

[sgy1962]

It will be interesting to see how Leica (or Zeiss) address a digital rangefinder. I suspect they will have a slightly bigger sensor; longer rangefinder base; a physical size wich is very close to a Leica M6 or M7; and something better then a one year warranty (and at least 2x the price).

I saw a picture of the R-D1 next to a Leica R9 and what must of been a M3. I was struck as to how big was the R-D1; almost as big as the R9. Very reminiscent of the size of the M5. I wonder if size is one of the reasons why these R-D1 haven't been totally sold out. I mean, compared to other DSLRs I guess there small, but compared to what the target audience (mostly Leica M users), or at least a large section of that target audience, is used to, they appear alot bigger and thicker. I haven't seen one in person, so maybe I'm wrong.

They still look like alot of fun, and I may yet go that way.

 

[Sean Reid]

The R-D1 isn't significantly bigger than the Leica M bodies. It's a bit taller and a bit thicker but not significantly so. I think the factor that most moderates sales of the R-D1 is it's $3000 price.

Cheers,

Sean

 

[Sean Reid]

Vincent,

BTW, I just took a look at your site and the work is really good. I'm glad I happened to click on the link. Some of the pictures remind me of the work of Josef Koudelka. It was a pleasure to look at the site. I would have liked to have the option to move from one full size picture to another without needing to go back to the thumbnails.

Cheers,

Sean

 

[Nikon Bob]

Chuck

I am in the same boat as you in that it is an 8 hr, drive to anywhere that has a limited supply of VC products on hand. I had a chance to handle/fondle a Bessa R3a when I bought my VC 21 F4 and from the very little time I looked at it I would likely take a second more thorough look if I were in the market. I don't own an R-D1 but would consider it for my digital needs if it were in a different price range, but that is only me. From different reviews and comments on the net it has had a few problems associated with it but likely no more issues than with the Nikon D70 or other newly released DSLR from what I can see. I hope you get a chance to handle the VC line in person, I think you might be impressed and they seem like good value for the money if you are looking for brand new equipment. I really like the VC 21.

Bob

 

[vincentbenoit]

Thanks Sean for having a look at my pictures. I feel very flattered (and a bit embarassed) that you should mention such a great master as Josef Koudelka in reference to my dilettante picture-taking (or is that image-making?) efforts. Of all the photographers of the black & white humanist tradition that have a great influence on my work, Koudelka is probably the one I admire the most, not only for his proficient use of the 25mm focal length but also for his total dedication to his art.
Regarding the admittedly very primitive layout of my site, I'm aware that it doesn't offer great comfort of browsing... My limited knowledge of web design is to blame here! I might try for a more ambitious, user-friendly design when I've acquired the skills it takes. But at the moment I'd rather be taking photos...
Cheers
Vincent

 

[Sean Reid]

Vincent,

The Koudelka influence comes through, including the "printing" of the JPEG files, with those heavy, thick blacks that one sees with Koudelka. I'll enjoy looking at the site again as you add more work. I would indeed like to be able to just thumb through the full-sized pictures one after another. You could make a gallery like that in Photoshop and then link it from your current site.

Cheers,

Sean