RD1 newbie lens question

ped

ped

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Hi Guys

Some of you may have seen my post about restoring a beautiful old Braun Paxette camera recently (I think the most up to date version is here on a UK forum http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=221978)

Well, I have been enjoying the rangefinder so much that I have decided to buy an RD1 after seeing some fantastic shots from it.

Quick question RE lenses. I definitely want my lens to be RF coupled to make focusing nice and quick. Is there a specific code I need to look for, as I know some Voigtlander lenses are not coupled, whilst many of them seem to be a reasonable price.

I saw some nice second hand lenses online and think 35mm would be perfect (I know it's effective range on the RF1 is 53mm) - so dies this work with the RF? https://secure.ffordes.com/Shop/Sto...cd&sub=1&Code=LC&SubCode=ML&id=122600&promo=0

Also, when using the RD1, would one set the framelines to the lens (i.e 35mm) OR to the ACTUAL focal length after the crop factor, i.e 50mm?

Many thanks for reading my ramblings

ped
 
35mm lenses will be RF coupled. Ltm versions of Cv 25,15,12 were not coupled. Set the framelines for the actual lens FL. Enjoy. The RD1 is a dream.
 
Brilliant, thanks. Could you please clarify what you mean by 'Ltm versions of Cv 25,15,12' for me?

Many thanks,
ped
 
translation: "lenses you're unlikely to use"

i'd look for text in the description of a lens that says it's not RF coupled. if you don't see it, assume coupling.
 
Thanks. Just checked out your Flickr, impressive. I noticed you use Lightroom, as do I (just got LR3) - so the Epson RAW files work in Lightroom without any issues?

Cheers
 
ped said:
Brilliant, thanks. Could you please clarify what you mean by 'Ltm versions of Cv 25,15,12' for me?

Many thanks,
ped
Click to expand...

Some CV lenses were first made in the older leica LTM mount: Leica Thread Mount (screwmount) and they were made for zone focusing: not for being focused with the rangefinder...You must guess the subject's distance and set that distance on your lens focusing ring... Then some years after, the same lenses were made in the newer leica mount: M Mount (bayonet) and the rangefinder coupling was added to them, so they can be focused with the rangefinder patch...

Cheers,

Juan
 
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Some CV LTM lenses are RF coupled, all of mine are in fact. The 28/f1.9, the 50/f2.5, the 21/f4. The framelines on the camera are adjusted for 28, 35 and 50 lenses. But when you use any other focal length and need an external viewfinder you will have to take crop factor into account, if you are not lucky enough to find a R-D1 viewfinder. I use a 90mm now and then, and use a 135mm external VF.
 
Excellent, very interesting and informative.

So will that Voigtlander lens above fit the RD1 and work with the rangefinder? I will need an M adaptor for it, certainly.

Any other recommendations for quick (f2 or larger) lenses, I'm in the UK with a budget of £500 maximum, prefer to buy used. In terms of focal length I would quite like either a 35mm or 50mm before the crop factor is taken into account. I use a fixed 50 on my DSLR with same crop and it's very useful.

Cheers
 
Yes the 35/f.17 is RF coupled. On the picture from the rear you can see the RF cam protruding. A brilliant lens. Often overlooked when everyone is waxing on about the 35/f1.2 and 1.4. You need an LTM to M adapter, but hey - Leica built the M system to be able to use LTM lenses with adapter. They can be had for less than $50. If you plan on using the lens on a Leica M get one thats coded. Otherwise save yourself the expense and get a simple one.
 
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There's a 35/1.7 in the classifieds now...

It's going very cheap - for that price, you could also afford the voigtlander 21/4 or 15/4.5 - Not a bad pair to start with.
 
Thanks guys for all the help. I have seen that Cameraquest site and it is indeed full of information.

I bought the camera and lens (with adapter) today, and waiting to hear back about the other lens.

I went with a 28mm f1.9 VC (which seems to be the accepted abbreviation for Voigtlander?) and the lens I am waiting to hear back about is a 50mm Canon f1.8.

Cheers I'll keep you updated

ped
 
Very nice choice!
Enjoy !

I would wait a bit with the 50 Canon (except, you got a nice deal already) and shoot the 28 for a while, to learn the camera.
You might find, you want something different first ;-)
 
Picking up the camera at 8 tonight (UK). I'll post a full intro when I have the gear!

Cheers
ped

(and thanks for all the advice)
 
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