To the Darkside

[jl-lb.ms]

You know... I REALLY wanted an R-D1, but the cost was all over the place and reliability issues and on and on. At the same time, the cost of the Nikon D200 dropped by 30% or so. So I got to thinking... Ultimately I got a very good deal on a lightly used D200 from a member of - here! Still have my rangefinders, but they will be seeing a lot more camera bag time. If digital rangefinders were more mature and less insanely expensive, I'd probably be doing that instead. As it is, the formula of reliability x capability / cost factors way over to the DSLRs. Of course, if you factor in "asthetics", well maybe something different...

Still a member and reader, but more a DSLR shooter. If you're remotely interested, http://www.flickr.com/photos/jllbms/

Best,

John

 

[POSTI-Tuomo]

'Ey

Very crisp and enjoyable photos there, mate. I especially liked the nature gallery, I hope to achieve that level of skill some day... I found that 'Water Lily' picture quite captivating.

Keep on shooting!

 

[stumar]

I will you there John, i purchased an R-D1 a few months back and returned 2 days later with a sticking shutter! With the full refund ive purchased a canon 5D and sold on my old 300D.

The RD1 was such a nice camera to use but with the reliability issues i just coudnt stomach its cost! Ive since got a Leica M6, my first and only film camera! i hope to scan negatives and work that way, lets see how that goes.

Happy shooting with the Nikon!

Stuart.

 

[Terao]

I've just got an F3 for SLR shooting situations. I keep forgetting to take the lens cap off before looking through the viewfinder 😀

Which proves that 6 months of rangefinder shooting has conditioned me nicely 🙂

 

[ICU]

Hi John,

I use several types of cameras. I believe each type has its own special qualities/uses. I have a Canon 20D that I absolutely love. At 5fps none of my other cameras can beat it for shooting sports. Instant feedback is a bonus, though what is on the LCD isn't always the same on the monitor or when printed.

I am new to rangefinders and still learning. I love the nostalgic/historic factor and they are great conversation starters. People want to know what they are and try them out (didn't intend on being a rangefinder evangelist). So far I've ruined two rolls of film b/c of take up spool problems. Now that I've fixed that problem I can't wait to see what comes back.

 

[POSTI-Tuomo]

What kind of problems did you have, exactly? Being a fellow newcomer maybe I can learn from your past troubles...

Just loaded a roll of film into my Zorki 1, it did take a while (as usual :bang🙂 but at the end I got it right. I wish I had some dead film to practice this whole loading deal... Looks like the wide part of the leader must be out no more than two sprocket holes. Otherwise the cassette/film/takeup spool combo won't go in properly. Gotta make a mental note about this.

 

[Screwy]

What kind of problems did you have, exactly? Being a fellow newcomer maybe I can learn from your past troubles...

Just loaded a roll of film into my Zorki 1, it did take a while (as usual :bang🙂 but at the end I got it right. I wish I had some dead film to practice this whole loading deal... Looks like the wide part of the leader must be out no more than two sprocket holes. Otherwise the cassette/film/takeup spool combo won't go in properly. Gotta make a mental note about this.

Are you cutting the leader before loading your Zorki 1 ??

Check out this site for instructions .


Paul

 

[POSTI-Tuomo]

Why, of course. 🙂 I cut the leader as per the instructions. I just find that if I leave 4 sprockets of uncunt film, the film will not seat properly. Whereas the aforementioned 2 sprocket holes left visible will work for me. The takeup spool that came with the camera doesn't accept very much film underneath the metal clip. So by trial and error, I have adapted to the quirks of this particular spool.

 

[Robert]

The RD-1 rangefinder camera would not appeal to me due to the reliability problems and the purchase price.

A Bessa film camera would be ideal for rangefinder photography while a Canon or Nikon DSLR are ideal for sports and fast moving subjects.

 

[rpsawin]

John,

Nice work. I enjoyed your gallery very much. I have a D200 as well and the thing I like about it is that it has a definite "analog" feel to it. I think it's much like shooting a film camera than shooting digital. I have an F3HP and the D200 is an excellent compliment to my slr kit.

Bob