shutter sound

[noimmunity]

No, this one isn't about how quiet or loud the shutter is (Taipei is loud enough that it really doesn't matter). But since getting a used R-D1, I've been really happy with just about everything except one thing: the sound of the shutter is ... how to describe it? Kind of limp. All speeds are on, and the sound is actually very quiet, but I would have expected something similar to the sound of the Bessa series of cameras which share essentially the same shutter with the R-D1. The Bessas make a very crisp "thack" sound. Very satisfying if a bit loud. But the R-D1 is softer and more of a limp "click". I'd like to know if other users familiar with Bessas have found a similar difference?
Jon

 

[RF-Addict]

Jon,

I had the same reaction when I got my RD-1. I wasn't even sure the shutter was operating, until I looked on the rear LCD and saw the picture. It is a very quiet camera - I think it is quieter than the Leicas out there.

 

[LCT]

...I think it is quieter than the Leicas out there.

You mean quieter than the M8 i guess otherwise all film Ms are quieter than the R-D1.

 

[Tuolumne]

It does make a very quiet metallic "click". I'll have to compare it to my Bessas.

/T

 

[Bob_McBob]

I was out shooting with my sister, who had borrowed my 30D, and she told me the R-D1's shutter sound wasn't very manly 🙂

 

[noimmunity]

I was out shooting with my sister, who had borrowed my 30D, and she told me the R-D1's shutter sound wasn't very manly 🙂

She'd probably love the sound of the "shutter" on my cell phone!

Thanks to RF-addict, I can rest more "soundly" tonight, hahaha!

 

[Steve Litt]

My Bessa R2 has, to me, a loud shutter and I find the RD-1 click far more useful in quiet situations but not as discreet as my M2.

Regards
Steve

 

[ORBITALBOX]

Speaking of Taipei... I've brought three different RFs to Taipei in the past- the CLE, Yashica GSN, and Epson R-D1. A homeless man sleeps in the alley near my home, and I would photograph him every time I visit Taipei. Out of the three RFs, he only awakens at the sound of the CLE shutter, which is more of a thump than a click.

 

[wintoid]

I have an RD1S and an R2a. I prefer the sound of the RD1S because it goes "snick". I find myself thinking I've cut a moment out of time 😀

 

[kloudags]

Is there a way to reduce that sound? Meaning, can you open the RD-1 (carefully) and change in any way the components, so that you almost get not sound at all when shutter "clicks" ?

 

[JNewell]

My Bessa R2 has, to me, a loud shutter and I find the RD-1 click far more useful in quiet situations but not as discreet as my M2.

Regards
Steve

It's a little hard (for me) to compare the R-D1 and the M shutter. I'd actually say that the Epson is quieter but sharper and therefore might be more noticed in some circumstances. Overall, though, both are very quiet.

 

[georgef]

ha ha...the existence of this thread kills me 😀

 

[furcafe]

Probably, & it probably won't cost you 1200 Euros.

Is there a way to reduce that sound? Meaning, can you open the RD-1 (carefully) and change in any way the components, so that you almost get not sound at all when shutter "clicks" ?

 

[JNewell]

Probably, & it probably won't cost you 1200 Euros.

Take the lens off and fill the cavity with spray-in expanding foam?

😱 😀

 

[kshapero]

put sugar in the gas tank.

 

[Tuolumne]

A broken shutter is the quietest of all. Just as a turned off computer has no security vulnerabilities. I'm sure by dicking around with the shutter you could break it so it would be absolutely silent.

Although the R-D1 was made by CV, I seem to remember reading that it had a totally different shutter mechanism. Must be so, because it sounds so different from the Bessa R.

/T