New R-D1 Owner with a few questions...

[johnastovall]

I just bought an R-D1 to fill a desire for a Digital rangefinder I've long had. As a former Leica film owner I had waited for the M8 but just won't accept such a flawed product from Leica. So I now have a R-D1 and Nokton 35/1.2 on the way and feel sort of like I just bought a Morgan 4/4.

Questions:

What kind of wrist straps are available for it? I have long used the Canon E1 and like that design and style.

Where can I get it worked on in the US outside of Epson?

How is Adobe ACR 3.7 in working with it's Raw files? Any other Raw processor options (Lightroom)?

Anythings I need or should consider. I have a large Canon 5D kit for cleaning etc.

[jlw]

-- Wrist straps: Dunno.

-- DAG will work on the RF mechanism and there are some other independents (check old threads) who will work on the shutter etc. For electronics, Epson might be your only option.

-- Latest ACR works fine, and so does Lightroom (although it's more a complete raw-file management utility, not just a converter, so might be more than you need if you just want to convert your raws to another format.) The bundled Epson PhotoRaw converter is very good also, especially for b&w conversions, and the price is right. If you bought your camera used and didn't get it, you can download it via a link on Rich Cutler's excellent R-D 1 info site (click here.) Iridient Digital's RawDeveloper is a good bet if you want a LOT of numerical control over your conversions. There are others too.

-- Other things to consider: I'd say one or more spare batteries should be at the top of your list. The battery doesn't last for as many shots as those in many modern DSLRs, so it's nice to have extras. Epson batteries do seem to give more shots per charge than independents, so they're worth the extra cost IMO. You have to watch the Epson online store to see when they're in stock; they come and go. Beyond that, once you've shot with your 35/1.2 (excellent choice!) you might want to start thinking about another lens or two, but that's really about all you really need. One of the beauties of the R-D 1 is its spartan simplicity -- you don't really need a huge "kit" to get the most out of it.

[RF-Addict]

I've had an RD-1 for just over a week now and I use the included Epson RAW converter - the main reason is that it adjusts nicely for vignetting of various lenses - I use the 15, 21, 35 and 50mm CV lenses. Vignetting is very pronounced with the 15 and 21 and the software manages it very nicely. I would recommend that you try the Epson software before you use anything else.

[Joe Mondello]

Best of luck in getting "a good one." Seriously.

Mine's kind of wonky focus-wise and probably needs to be sent out for some serious RF alignment work, which actually has me looking seriously at ordering the M8 and selling the R-D1!

When it works, it is a brilliant camera. I generally use Apple's Aperture for my photos and it won't open Epson RAW files, so I shoot RAW+JPG and then go into Epson PhotoRAW (you can download it with a serial number) for RAW processing since it really does a terrific job with R-D1 RAW files.

There are a few places that can service the R-D1 in the states. There are some "sticky" threads about this at the top of the forum. You should peruse those.

Love the comment about the Morgan 4/4! Never had a Morgan, but my Dad did have several English sport cars and your analogy seems perfectly apt to me!

[Robert]

I am going to order a wrist strap from Leicatime as it seems to be what I want

[Benjamin Marks]

Ditto Don Goldberg on alignment of the RF; do yourself a favor if it needs alignment and send it in with the lens you use most.