Should I sell my R-D1?

[akptc]

I must be nuts but I am thinking about selling my R-D1. There is nothing wrong with the camera - au contraire - it produces great pics, I could not be happier with the image quality and ease of use. And that's part of the problem, as in my heart I really want to shoot more film, get better at film, process film, use the darkroom, all that "good stuff". The R-D1 I think detracts me from using my film cameras. I know, I could just put it on the shelf and a grab a film body.. but I don't seem to have that kind of a discipline, and with the R-D1 I *know* I will probably get at least a decent image, most of the time. It’s so darn practical, I take it with me while my film cameras are gathering dust. And, almost every time I press the shutter on the R-D1, I miss the sound of the M7, counting available frames, fretting over proper exposure, etc etc. Bottom line, my R-D1 is making me not so happy because the darn thing is too good(!) I hope this makes sense to anyone. So I am thinking about letting it go. Do you think this is nuts?

 

[AusDLK]

Put your R-D1 on the shelf. Cover it with a cloth if necessary. Grab your favorite film camera and have at it.

I have two R-D1's. I left on a trip for the holidays and left them at home. I have my M3 with me. When I leave for Europe this summer I'll have my M7 and maybe my Hexar RF or a new Bessa R4A as a spare.

The R-D1 is, as you suggest, a great camera.

I will use mine whenever the mood strikes.

So will you -- if you still have it under the cloth...

 

[back alley]

Should I sell my R-D1?

will you take installments?
😉

 

[IGMeanwell]

I don't think anyone hear would mind taking it off your hands from you...

keep with what your comfortable with and what allows you to produce your favorite images.... that machine should always be by your side

 

[bchoiniere]

I am in the market for my first one... Seriously.

 

[akptc]

Dave – you clearly the discipline of a Spartan, I envy you very much.

Joe – gladly, but the interest rate might be a bear 🙂

Pete – you’ve expressed my feelings exactly, thank you.

bchoiniere – I would list it here first…

 

[AusDLK]

>Dave – you clearly the discipline of a Spartan, I envy you very much.

How did you know? I am a Spartan.

A Michigan State University Spartan. Class of '76.

Go Green!!!

 

[JonasYip]

When my R-D1 was out of commission for several weeks recently I greatly enjoyed shooting with my Hexar RF and M6TTL, slapping in some B+W film, using lenses that I don't usually use on the R-D1 (75 lux, for example), etc.

Then I got really annoyed when I had to drive to the lab to drop off film, go back again later to pick it up, pay a bunch of money, and then (in my case anyway) spend an additional block of time scanning it all....

My suggestion would be to just put the R-D1 aside and shoot with the film bodies for a while, but not to sell it. Because then it'll be there when you're ready to go back.

j

 

[Gid]

I have had similar thoughts recently, having just bought an MP to go with my M6. However, if you don't need the money, then hang on to it. You know that getting a good one is a bit of a lottery. It is the most film like digital in terms of ergonomics and if you keep the LCD closed you wouldn't know you were using digital. As for the results, I can't fault them. I don't think that I've taken a photograph using film that is as good (or at least any better) as I have with the R-D1. My gallery has very few of my film shots🙁 . I can't work that out, maybe the R-D1 is actually more intuitive😕 Or maybe I'm just crap at shooting film🙂 This is turning into a bit of a ramble .......... Bottom line, keep it. There are times when the ability to shoot B&W and/or colour and crank the ISO up at will are invaluable.

 

[kuvvy]

I'm kinda going through the opposite at the minute. I fancy an RD1 but my G2 outfit will go in order to fund it. Haven't shot a roll of film in 3 months. Still keeping my OM and Hexar Silver.

 

[JeffGreene]

I love my RD1, and after using it was convinced that I would never go back to film. It's true that it is remarkably film-like, and I think that is its true appeal to most of us here on the forum. I'd stopped using my Yashicas and my Oly's. Then recently had an M6 practically given to me. I'd always sort of snickered when I read the Leicaphiles on the forum waxing poetic about the look and feel of their M and Barnack cameras. Suddenly I found myself the owner of one, and damn if it didn't feel good to use. I began to enjoy the more deliberative approach the camera demanded. I also realized that learning to use it effectively would take time. A trip to the cellar unearthed my old portable darkroom equipment, and I've also returned to doing my own film development. These days, my kit holds my M6 and my RD1 and four lenses. I have rheumatoid arthritis, and used to spend my Friday evenings trapshooting, but can't shoot any more. Now I spend Fridays developing the film shot during the week.Sorry for the long-winded post, but I enjoy both. It doesn't have to be one or the other. Enjoy both!

 

[akptc]

I think in my case it may be an issue of too much (gear) too fast. I got back into this hobby just a year or so ago, after rediscovering rangefinders with a Zorki 4K (my 1st camera ever). Went from 1 or 2 SLRs to more gear than I can keep track of. While playing with new (to me) cameras has been a lot of fun, I have less and less time to do that, so the need for better focus 😉 in my "photo-life" has become more apparent. If it's not the R-D1, some other gear will have to go... I am keeping my G2 though, it would probably break my heart to let it go.

 

[Sailor Ted]

endustry,
Yes photography can become the trip- much like a dive trip or a ski trip with little time or interest for other things. : )

 

[Topdog1]

You should deffinitely sell it - to me! 😀

/Ira

 

[ampguy]

I know what you mean

I know what you mean

If you want great photos, use the RD1.

If you want mediocre photos, but want to learn a process used a lot in the last century, use film.

😀

I must be nuts but I am thinking about selling my R-D1. There is nothing wrong with the camera - au contraire - it produces great pics, I could not be happier with the image quality and ease of use. And that's part of the problem, as in my heart I really want to shoot more film, get better at film, process film, use the darkroom, all that "good stuff". The R-D1 I think detracts me from using my film cameras. I know, I could just put it on the shelf and a grab a film body.. but I don't seem to have that kind of a discipline, and with the R-D1 I *know* I will probably get at least a decent image, most of the time. It’s so darn practical, I take it with me while my film cameras are gathering dust. And, almost every time I press the shutter on the R-D1, I miss the sound of the M7, counting available frames, fretting over proper exposure, etc etc. Bottom line, my R-D1 is making me not so happy because the darn thing is too good(!) I hope this makes sense to anyone. So I am thinking about letting it go. Do you think this is nuts?