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