First Posting with R D1

[DwF]

Here are two grab shots to get me going with my new gear. I shot these hand held, wide open at very slow speeds. This camera lens combination stabilizes nicely for me in low light. Input is welcome.

http://www.pbase.com/bitonal/epson_r_d1

[Joe Mondello]

I like both shots.

[DwF]

Thanks Joe,
It was lot's of fun using this camera after all I'd been reading about it.
David

[Sailor Ted]

What's not to like? Was that your firend on the horizon of the first shot?

[DwF]

Thanks Ted,
Yes, not sure what inspired him but it seem to work.
David

[tajart]

do you find the soft-release an advantage in your slow shutter/hand held shots?
1/6 and 1/7 is pretty good for handheld. nice shots.

[Didier]

The Portrait is nice. Take care with soft release buttons on a R-D1. A RFF member had his shutter release button disassembled and spread over in his car after he unscrew the softie...
Didier

[DwF]

I do find the softie helpful for slow shutter speeds in particular. And Didier, I appreciate the heads-up. What an awful thing to happen......gotta love these R D1 cameras, echoes of British Leland cars of the 60s! So many issues :) and such wonderful toys.

My camera bag went off the table an hour ago when, after my pulling the Macbook out of the bag the balance shifted. I freaked and then checked the rangefinder which went unfazed. The bag is well insulated and so there was no harm done.

www.pbase.com/bitonal

[espressogeek]

I love the portrait with the ultron. I think you just sold me on that lens. ISO800 and its still so sharp!

[DwF]

Espressogeek you made my day! I can think of many times that I've seen an image, on a wall, in a book or here on the web that sold me on glass....and inspired me to work toward the same result with what glass I had been dealt :) ......or work on my technique;(

The Ultron is a bit large but I am thrilled to have it. If it was a bit smaller it would likely be the #1 for my R D1. It may turn out to be yet, but I am new to this gear so my 35 Summicron is afixed as of this writing until I decide wider is better. When I go out with a Leica M and my 50mm lens, I never think twice so the 35 on the RD is right in there. If I didn't have that lens (the 35) already I might try the 40mm 1.4 This seems like a lot of lens for $3-400.

Prior to this camera I was shooting with the Pentax IST DS and had the fortune to come into an A 28 f 2 that Pentax made. It is a really sweet lens (see here:
http://www.pbase.com/bitonal/image/40602008
and I really like that focal length. It brings back early days with a CL and 40 Rokkor.

I am happy to also have a 21 to play with. That focal length is nice for the R D1 but I like to travel light and have a lens that will isolate my subject so the 28 and longer will do that for me.

By all means, pick up an Ultron 28! You won't be sorry.

David