RD1s, f1.4, 1/50, ISO 800, RAW, 40mmI always like to try out different cameras and while no other camera managed to impress me more than the GRD I, the Epson R-D1s comes very close. The build and feel is exactly like the GRD, it is fully manual and has great controls. The rangefinder manual focus is as nice as manual focus goes but manual focus is only something for purists and too much hassle for me so I don't like it. I expect only one thing in any camera and this is auto focus, I get no enjoyment out of photography if I have to worry about the focus instead of composition and exposure. Other than that, the Nokton f1.4 lens is great for lowlight shots so I really hope Ricoh can put a similar lens in the next GRD. With the smaller sensor it will be even better for low light photography. I hope to be able to run a better comparison at some point.
I like the light in this photo. But I think the man needs it brighter or a pair of glasses. :P
ReplyDeleteA wonderful low light photograph indeed. With a GRD you would never have been able to capture it so beautifully. The small sensor makes all the difference in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteWhen Ricoh say they won't to improve the image quality, I hope they will do so with a larger sensor. And not with some new image processing software.
And I love manual focus. Just the extra joy when you nailed your focus in difficult light situations.
Wouter
Thanks for your comments. The light was great and the f1.4 lens helped to capture the moment.
ReplyDeleteThe GRD would have struggled to capture this but think with the 40mm lens it would have been decent although a bit noisy.
I am not a fan of manual focus, I rather focus on the composition and exposure and I have yet to see a system that allows you to manually focus precisely and fast in low light. A rangefinder is as good as it gets but here it was more guessing than actually seeing where it focused.
The light gives the shot "atmosphere". The picture is slightly spoilt by being out of vertical.
ReplyDeleteGreat light for sure. I always wanted to try one of those cameras for myself. As to manual focus, the only cameras where I like it are the Canon AE-1 (incredibly great and accurate viewfinder) and the Lomo LA-A (just for stops for 0.8, 1.5, 3m and further away - I can do this in sleeping and even without my hands by now... ;). With digital cameras it´s really annoying, but if someone finds a nice solution - why not? Until now, the only rangefinder I´ve used is an old Leica M3 and the focussing somehow confuses me.
ReplyDeleteLove the lighting in this image. I must get my GRDII out more often and try and shoot some street images. Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments guys!
ReplyDeleteYou were right yesbuts and I fixed the verticals now. Should not edit pictures that late or maybe after a few pints ;).
Dlc, I haven't used the AE-1 or Lomo but if you did not like the M3 focus, the RD1s is identical so it would not really work better for you. I hope there will be a decent solution soon that one can use in digital cameras with old manual lenses.
Thanks Adrian, you should get the GRD II out more. It is light and small so no excuse for leaving it at home ;).
hey great picture and nice light :) I think you need to order your RD1 now.
ReplyDeleteTom, I will order a RD1 only if it comes in a smaller size and with AF. Wait! I already have three of those, the GRDs! :P
ReplyDelete