problem with frame lines

[sylvain]

I am using a color skopar 35mm with my R-D1 and I have noticed some difference between what I see withinn the frame lines of the viewfinder and the shots I get. The final shot extends to about 1/10 (maybe a bit less) of right frame line.
Another thing is I am not too sure the frame line horizontal alignment is correct as I have many misaligned horizontal shots. I have been using a Leica M2 for years and never experienced this kind of problem before. I love the R-D1 but this is a bit frustrating.

Does anyone experience these kind of frame lines problems ?

[jaapv]

In general framelines are accurate only at shortest focussing distance, as the lens is then extended the most. Your 35 mm is at closest focus a 40 mm lens. As you focus towards infinity the field of view will increase. I don't know about the RD1, but for instance a Leica with a 50 mm has the following rule of thumb:
At 1 m. inside framelines
At 3 m. outside framelines
At infinity add 3x frameline width.

I suppose your case is something similar.

As for misaligning, can it be that you subconsciously aim your shot using the RF patch? as the patch is fixed on th RD1 it appears to "move" when the framelines shift for parallax correction. With Leica the patch moves with the framelines, so it remains in the centre.

[Didier]

Originally Posted by jaapv

In general framelines are accurate only at shortest focussing distance, as the lens is then extended the most. Your 35 mm is at closest focus a 40 mm lens.

Maybe Jaap has a little bit exaggerated, the difference in the focal length may vary about 3-4% only from close-up to infinity, but is is true the angle of view is getting narrower when focusing close.

Generally, rangefinders have very conservative framelines, and show significantly less than what's on the picture, even when at close-up. The R-D1 is said to show 85% inside the framelines, when focused at infinity. Other rf cameras have different reserves, for each frameline, but usually less than 15%.

Even (D)SLR's often show less than 100% in the finder, at least the consumer models. I remember my long time used Konica T3 showed 92%. So having more on the picture than was shown in the finder is a rather common issue. You'll get used to it after a while.

Didier

[pfogle]

about the tilt, I've written some posts here a while ago about this... it's a problem that was common at one time, but seems to crop up from time to time still. The posts include sample shots so you can see if your experience is the same as mine was. I ended up exchanging the camera as I found it quite unacceptable.

As for the framing, I also have found that the 'safety margin' allowed is different on the right side than the left. I don't take these lines too seriously any more, though the horizontal alignment is a different matter, as that can really spoil your day!

[jaapv]

You're right Didier, a 35 is not as pronounced as longer focal lenghts, a good way to look at it is to measure the actual extension of the lens as you focus. I just measured the Summicron 35 and it extends 3 mm making it a 38. My 75 turns into 84.

[sylvain]

Thanks for all the quick replies !
now I realized that propably the reason I never noticed these frame lines issues on the M2 is that it's a film camera therefore there is quite a much longer time between framing in the viewfinder and looking at a printed photo. Enough time indeed to forget where the frame lines actually were at the time I took the shot.

[sevres_babylone]

I have the frame lines problems. I did not send my camera in for a replacement, because at the time there were so many QC complaints that I feared getting a worse one (i.e. focusing issues, dead pixels--before the firmware update). I am not sure how bad the problem is, because some of it may be me. When I use Mamiya 7 with the 43mm finder, sometimes I think I am holding it flat, only to see from the built-in level that I am way off. Taking pictures of buildings or interiors is an adventure. If I take a picture of a picture on a wall, it is a comedy.
Now that it's out of warranty, in any event, does anyone know if the problem can only be fixed by Epson, or is it something that DAG could deal with?

[anaanda]

My framelines are tilted slightly to the right, but I really don't mind as I easily compensate....