Recommended diagnostic for RD1

[JeffGreene]

Well, despite everyone telling me not to, I just purchased an RD1, because frankly, I'm tired of scanning film and the time requirements are cutting into the time I could be out using my camera. I also purchased the Voightlander 28mm 1.9 as well. I have a fourteen day return priveledge on the camera, and wanted to ask those of you who've had the camera for a few years for a possible problem checklist. I've read all about the hot pixel issues, the rangefinder alignment issues, the shutter double press issue (soon to be remedied, hopefully, by the June firmware download, and the black frame issue. If you were responsible for signing off on a new RD1, what would you check out and in what order? Thanks in advance for the input.

 

[pfogle]

One thing you can check straight away is whether the frame lines are parallel to the sensor edges... some early models (I had two of them) had framelines that were tilted, making it very difficult to get things horizontal. There's quite a lot of discussion of this issue in the early posts on this forum. I haven't heard of it for a while, so it might be cleared up by now.

Check the lens for front and rear focus errors. The main rangefinder alignment issue appears to be whether the patch lines up vertically with the VF image. If it's not exactly in line (ie one image slightly above the other) then this is something you can adjust quite readily yourself. It's an adjustment that may require tweaking from time to time, so I just do it myself rather than send the camera away. Again, there is plenty of material here about how to do this.

The 'double press' shutter issue is just a fact of life for me now, in the sense that I automatically do a half press after using the LCD, which seems to fix it. I do think the software upgrade will be an improvement, if it works as advertised, though I'm a little nervous of this upgrade until I understand the issues about a possible change of spec of the RAW file that has been discussed recently.

Other than that, it's a fine camera, and probably there won't be anything else around til the Leica version. In which case, you've got a great, cheap backup body!

 

[RML]

My list would be: framelines and hot pixels. The double press isn't an issue but a feature (really) of the camera, so it can't be remedied without firmware upgrade. Black frames and sticking shutter are issues that usually don't appear right away, it seems, and personally I think these can be mostly prevented by only using the Epson batteries.

Happy shooting with that R-D1, Jeff!

 

[Ray Kilby]

How do u up load the firmware onto the RD1? I have no idea

 

[RML]

Simple. Put it on an SD card. Most likely in the menus you can then tell the camera to upgrade to the new firmware.

 

[zanydave]

I'm sorry but there is no way I would entertain this camera if I had to put up with so many problems!

 

[RML]

I'm sorry but there is no way I would entertain this camera if I had to put up with so many problems!

Dave, did you hold one, shoot one, experience one? I don't think so.

I have, however, since June 2005. I exclusively shoot the R-D1 now and my photography has not suffered one iota. Neither has the camera let me down since the day I got it. It was the best 2500 euro I ever spent. I have no regrets or buyer's remorse whatsoever, which doesn't happen often.

 

[fgianni]

I have a fourteen day return priveledge on the camera

Returning an RD-1?
No Way!

 

[JeffGreene]

Got the RD1 yesterday!

Got the RD1 yesterday!

The camera is solid, and the only problem thus far is figuring out from the documentation how to access the histogram function. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

I wear glasses and thus far the Vgt 28 is no problem. I guess my correction isn't as severe as some. I can see the frames with no problem. I am awaiting the arrival of a diopter correction lens and two LTM to M mount adapters to allow me to use my old LTM Serenars and Nikkors.

Dave:

Trust me when I say, once you handle this camera, and begin to use it, there is just no way I will return it. The only annoying feature thus far has been the shutter press issue. No hot pixels or black frames to be seen yet. I've taken people's advice and ordered a back-up Epson battery.

I'll post some images once I get a little more comfortable with the camera.

 

[rvaubel]

Jeff
To get to the historogram function jist lift the "film rewind" knob and turn till you get the histogram overlay, or any of 3 other overlays. To keep that overlay superimposed on the frame your looking at, push the knob back down. One of the more useful overlays is the one that shows blownout highlights as a flashing black mask. Its the only chimping function I use.
Rex

 

[JeffGreene]

Thanks, Rex. Tomorrow's my day with the camera. One of the benefits of teaching!

 

[washy21]

I too have had no issues with my RD1. It is such a brill little camera, and when I took it into the place where I teach everyone was in awe of it.

My problem now is that I have two very expensive DSLR's with Canon L lenses sat doing nothing.

If a better Digital RF arrives I can see me getting one.

I find the double shutter issues annoying. I'm also not happy that the new firmware may be a problem with Camera Raw bu I hope that will be sorted out.

Nope - I wouldn't ever send this gem back - I love it

 

[J. Borger]

My problem now is that I have two very expensive DSLR's with Canon L lenses sat doing nothing.

Same here .. for over a year .... 1Ds & collected L's on the shelf collecting dust!