RD-1 Suitable For Leicaphile?

[slewis]

Having gone digital for work, I had nearly forgotten the sheer joy of using my leica rangefinders until using film again recently. I'd love to find a digital rangefinder that is roughly the size of my leicas and works with the same glass, and the RD-1 is an obvious candidate. However, I have a few questions?

1) My favorite combination of lenses was using the 35mm and 21mm lenses. Does the 1.5x crop factor result in a situation where I need to find a 24mm and 15mm instead?

2) Is six megapixels sufficient? I use 12 megapixel cameras for work, and am not sure I'll be happy with the smaller files.

3) Does the RD-1 use the same lens coupling as the Leicas so that the frame lines automatically adjust depending upon which lens is mounted?

4) I know the RD-1 has a setting on the top of the camera for 28 - 35 - 50. Is this for frame lines or magnification? Are these figures taking into account the crop factor or does this mean that the widest viewfinder view is effectively 42mm (28 cropped 1.5x)?

5) Is there anyone using a RD-1 that is as happy with the camera as they are using Leica rangefinders?

Thanks in advance for the information.

 

[RML]

1) My favorite combination of lenses was using the 35mm and 21mm lenses. Does the 1.5x crop factor result in a situation where I need to find a 24mm and 15mm instead?

If you insist on using similar FoV then yes you'll have spot for a 15 and 24.

2) Is six megapixels sufficient? I use 12 megapixel cameras for work, and am not sure I'll be happy with the smaller files.

There are pros who still shoot the ealry 3MP pro Canons and Nikons. 6MP is enough.

3) Does the RD-1 use the same lens coupling as the Leicas so that the frame lines automatically adjust depending upon which lens is mounted?

There's no auto frame selection.

4) I know the RD-1 has a setting on the top of the camera for 28 - 35 - 50. Is this for frame lines or magnification? Are these figures taking into account the crop factor or does this mean that the widest viewfinder view is effectively 42mm (28 cropped 1.5x)?

You set the framelines for the lens you use, so 50mm framelines for a 50mm lens. The framelines in the VF are adjusted for the crop factor.

5) Is there anyone using a RD-1 that is as happy with the camera as they are using Leica rangefinders?

Happier. I despise my M2 compared to the R-D1. Why? Because th R-D1 is everyhting the M2 is and more: digital, no negs to scan, internal meter, looks cool, easy to use, etc.

 

[sebastel]

in short (but still too late ...):

1) yes

2) depends. i'm quite happy with 6mp.

3) you select the finder frame manually. possible settings are 50mm, 35mm, 28mm.

4) the finder magnification remains constant. only the frames are changed. the widest finder frame is equivalent to the FOV of a 42mm lens in 135.

5) yes.

hope this helps,
sebastian

 

[JeffGreene]

Having gone digital for work, I had nearly forgotten the sheer joy of using my leica rangefinders until using film again recently. I'd love to find a digital rangefinder that is roughly the size of my leicas and works with the same glass, and the RD-1 is an obvious candidate. However, I have a few questions?

1) My favorite combination of lenses was using the 35mm and 21mm lenses. Does the 1.5x crop factor result in a situation where I need to find a 24mm and 15mm instead?

If these are your favorite lenses the crop factor is real, and you will need to adjust appropriately. I am a 35mm person and find the 28 on the RD1 acceptable for me.

2) Is six megapixels sufficient? I use 12 megapixel cameras for work, and am not sure I'll be happy with the smaller files.

I would direct you to Sean Reid's Review of the camera which addresses this issue better than I can.

3) Does the RD-1 use the same lens coupling as the Leicas so that the frame lines automatically adjust depending upon which lens is mounted?.

The frame lines do not automatically adjust but the RD1 does use the M-mount coupling. You set them yourself manually as you would with a Bessa.

4) I know the RD-1 has a setting on the top of the camera for 28 - 35 - 50. Is this for frame lines or magnification? Are these figures taking into account the crop factor or does this mean that the widest viewfinder view is effectively 42mm (28 cropped 1.5x)??.

It takes into account the crop factor, but you are correct, the widest viewfinder view is 42mm.

5) Is there anyone using a RD-1 that is as happy with the camera as they are using Leica rangefinders?

I am, it'e a great camera

 

[AusDLK]

I think the R-D1 is a terrific camera.

I just bought a second one.

 

[slewis]

I appreciate the answers and feedback. My concern is that I've used Leica rangefinders on and off for the last 20 years, and have never used a Bessa or other make rangefinder. Thus, while I'm accustomed to minor differences (e.g., frame lines, rewind mechanism) between cameras, all of the rangefinders I've used have been more or less the same (M2, M4-2, M4-P, M6).

I'm surprised the widest frame lines are set for the 35mm given the crop factor involved. I would have expected frame lines at least as wide as 28mm and perhaps even a bit wider given than a 24mm becomes a 35mm.

It sounds like you're all happy with your RD-1's. How many of you primarily used wide lenses (e.g., 35mm or wider) on rangefinders before digital, and have now gone out and picked up a 24mm to maintain that angle of view? Also, are there accessory viewfinders being made for wider lenses with lines to reflect the crop factor (e.g., a finder for using a 21mm but showing the 1.5x crop resulting in the f.o.v. of a 31.5mm)?

 

[RML]

I've used a 25 extensively on my Bessas and tried it on the R-D1. It doesn't work for me with the 28mm framelines. I might have to shell out for a 25 D external viewer. I also have a 15, bought especially for the R-D1 to "replace" the 25 VoF. It vignettes heavily and I find it shere impossible to use. I'm 'stuck' with the gorgeous Carl Zeiss T* 50/2 ZM. The resulting 75mm VoF works quite well for me, oddly enough. Perhaps I got used to it. The CZ lens definitely had something to do with that.

 

[Terao]

I used an 18-35 on a film SLR, and my first lens for the R-D1 was the Voigtlander 12mm. I'd missed 18mm since I'd moved to a digital SLR, and it was good to be back to true wide on the R-D1.
The 12 is much better than the VC 15 on the R-D1 because it vignettes less. The Zeiss 15mm might be a good option if you have the money.
Also worth considering is the 21mm f/4 Color-Skopar - a very popular lens in these parts even if the crop makes it ~32mm

 

[Adam-T]

The problem with the 21 (apart from being a stop slower than it ought to be)_is the perennial Vigging on the R-D1 which marrs most of the slow CV lenses 🙁 . after seeing the vigging it stopped me in my tracks and as I can`t afford the ZM 21 or 25 I opted for the 28 CV Ultron which isn`t as wide of course but is almost Vig free and a lot faster thah the CV21... What I really want is a CV 24mm F2.0 or at slowest F2.8 with RF coupling and a proper focus ring (I hate those stupid levers)

the CV12 is a beautiful lens, the problem being that you`re in effect getting an 18mm F5.6 wide open on the R-D1 - not exactly mega wide and not one for shooting indoors at weddings 🙁 . a real sunny day lens. I guess that no one is going to make RF "DX" lenses so it`s as wide as the RD1`s going to get unfortunately - Heck though, it`s better than slightly wider with Cyan corners - LOL 🙂

 

[iml]

The vignetting is easily fixed, either in Epson's Photo Raw software or Photoshop. For the price, the CV wides offer very decent performance (I have a few examples of the 21/4 on the R-D1s in my gallery).

Ian

 

[slewis]

I currently have a 35 summilux and 21 elmarit. I would like to think that both will work on an RD-1. As much as I would like to have a faster 35mm, I could probably live with the 21/2.8 as more of a normal lens and wait to eventually get something that would replace the 21mm f.o.v. after the crop factor is applied. That still leaves the question of what viewfinder to use with the 21mm; if the built-in viewfinder can only go as wide as 28 (with a f.o.v. of 42mm or so), then I'll obviously need some sort of external finder. Suggestions?

 

[iml]

I use a 28mm finder with the CV 21, which is close enough for me. Alternatively, there's Voigtlander's 21D finder, which is designed for the crop factor of the R-D1, so really gives a FOV around 32mm.

As for 35mm, if you want something faster than your summilux and don't want to spend too much, the CV 35/1.7 Ultron is great (and no vignetting issues).

Ian

 

[nrj]

I use the 21 elmarit and the 35 summicron (preasph, v3) Both work very well. In fact although I used the 35 most on my film M6 I really like using it on the RD1 despite the crop factor. I think the 1:1 viewfinder has something to do with it, but also you get 35mm depth of field with a 50mm FOV -works very well for me since I like good DOF usually. I also use a 50mm summicron dual focussing lens with excellent results. I just bought a 24/28 VF to go with the 21mm, but haven't tried it out yet, I didn't like using the 28 frame in the camera - its possible but not easy for me

 

[RML]

The vignetting is easily fixed, either in Epson's Photo Raw software or Photoshop. For the price, the CV wides offer very decent performance (I have a few examples of the 21/4 on the R-D1s in my gallery).

Easily, yes, but I wouldn't call it fixed. The lightening at the 15mm setting is way too much. When I use this feature in Epson PhotoRAW, I generally use not the 15mm setting but start at the next or second next focal length (21 or 25mm) and see how that looks. Still, I'm not pleased with the 15 on the R-D1. I've heard good tales about the CZ 15 and 25 but I can't afford those.

 

[iml]

OK, I don't have a 15, just a 21, and with that the vignetting has not been a problem (even if I leave it in, 9 times out of 10 it looks fine).

Ian

 

[Terao]

Agree re the vignetting of the 21, but I've only noticed it in landscapes with lots of sky. No big deal for me, just requires a bit of fine-tuning in PhotoRaw, and that's a lot cheaper than spending money on the Zeiss or Leica equivalent

 

[Jim Watts]

That still leaves the question of what viewfinder to use with the 21mm; if the built-in viewfinder can only go as wide as 28 (with a f.o.v. of 42mm or so), then I'll obviously need some sort of external finder. Suggestions?

I have used a few finders with a 21mm, but have found the CV 28mm/35mm mini-finder to be the best with my 21mm Avenon. The 28mm frame is almost an exact match or you can use the 35 frame if in really close and want a safety margin. It's also much smaller and less obtrusive than virtually any other choice on the R-D1.

 

[nrj]

I have used a few finders with a 21mm, but have found the CV 28mm/35mm mini-finder to be the best with my 21mm Avenon. The 28mm frame is almost an exact match or you can use the 35 frame if in really close and want a safety margin. It's also much smaller and less obtrusive than virtually any other choice on the R-D1.

Hi

how easy is it to look through the mini finder compared to one of the larger ones. Is it usable with glasses? thanks

 

[sirvine]

A few comments to add to the discussion:

1. I use the CZ 28/2.8 Biogon on my RD1 and find this to be an excellent proxy for a 35 without the crop factor. The framelines in the RD1 are annoyingly close to the outside edges of the veiwfinder, and as many others have noted, only one corner at a time is viewable with glasses. I find this is more than offset by the ease with which I can chimp the frame in the LCD veiwer and correct immediately. Obviously, this assumes you have the luxury of test shooting.

2. As for vignetting, I have found a workflow that is slightly different than the others mentioned before. I do not use the Epson software to "develop" my RAW files because I find it to be a somewhat clumsy piece of software. (I should mention that I use a MacBook.) My preference is to import RAW files directly from the SD card into Adobe Lightroom. I convert the files to DNG (and Lightroom automatically backs them up on a second hard drive). Lightroom what I consider an equally effective tool for removing vignetting as the tool offered by Epson. Someone may prove me wrong on this point--I haven't subjected it to many tests, as the Zeiss 28 vignetting is tolerable to me.

3. If your concern is that the RD1 will not give you the same tactile sense of quality and precision that a Leica film body does, I have to answer yes and no. The RD1 is a surprisingly solid body with very well designed switches, levers, etc. Fitment is top notch, in my experience (although I am obliged to acknowledge other people's rangefinder and sensor alignment issue). On the other hand, I returned my first RD1 because the shutter was stuck within minutes of coming out of the box. This, together with many similar reports from other users, shakes my confidence and makes me more concerned about the camera's internals than the outside! Not a good thing. I should say that I have had no problems since then.

4. One of the great things about my experience with the RD1 is the battery. I am not a professional, so I tend to grab my cameras as I'm walking out the door, and shoot a few "rolls" in the streets of New York. I do this just about every day. Between shots, I either turn the RD1 off, or let the auto-power-down timer lapse. I think I've changed the battery twice in the past few weeks. The Epson battery seems to retain its charge very well. I am very happy to have the RD1 on my shelf, ready to go for a full day of shooting at a moment's notice. This is in contrast to my Canon bodies, which always seem to need a charge unless I fit the bullky battery pack to them.

 

[nemjo]

I really don't want any debate.
Only say tha my RD1s was pefect just out of the box.
Beside the pricetag, the negative feedbacks made me "slow" to buy it.
No regret!

Just to mention...

nemjo