R-D1 with Rokkor 90/4

[louisb]

Got my Rokkor-M 90/4 today (purchased from e-Bay). I wanted to ask the cogniscienti here for any advice they might have. What I've picked up from reading the threads is that using a 90 lens is not straightforward. Something to do with backfocus?

I'm using the lens on an RD-1 (hobviously!) and with the aid of a Canon 135mm external viewfinder, although in reality I use the Canon to give me an idea of approximately what will be captured and then I just frame the shot in the viewfinder using the patch to focus.

Below are some of my results. I really like the colour rendition and luminance of the lens. Very natural soft tones. I did have trouble getting focus on small objects at approximately 6-10feet. The face took some work to get a sharp(ish) shot. Other than that, the longer distance shots worked out fine (I think).

Anyway, if you have this lens and use it, can you take a look at the shots and comment on whether this is typical or if you can see any obvious errors I am making? I hasten to add I'm not asking you to admire what a great photographer I am (I wish) just to confirm, yes, this is a great lens and I can expect to get even more out of it if work on it (advice most welcome).

TIA

LouisB

 

[triplefinger]

I found that lens very sharp as well. you may be interested in this...

http://www.richcutler.co.uk/r-d1/r-d1_22.htm

to add the 90mm frame-lines. I'm sure a good repairman could do it. I'd be a little afraid to try it on my own.

 

[bellyface]

I aam priveleged to have a 90 dotted R-D1, got from tmessenger on the the forum, it works great, however the parallax is abit more apparent, obviously 90mm is more like a 135mm, so the framing can be hit or miss. Now, 135mm on an R-D1, although not at all recommended, I have been able to get some really sweet shots with an old hektor leitz 13,5cm, and parallax of course is even worse, but hey it's digital 😀

shot with the 135mm hektor:

shot with the old elmar 90mm:

 

[RichC]

Accurate framing can be a bit hit or miss close up, and you have to be really careful when focusing on near objects, but I find my 1950s 90/4 Elmar indispensable.

Just to prove that you don't need an SLR for studio shots: "Mnemosyne" ...

 

[louisb]

Guys, thanks for the responses.

Ivan and Rich, fantastic shots!

LouisB