Upgrade From Rd-1 To M8?

[Danno_photoguy]

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Hi, I have been a M user for many years. I got the RD-1 as soon as it came out and use if more than any of my other cameras (Leica R/DMR, Hasselblad, etc). As I read about all the M8 issues, I wonder if it is really worth it to move from the RD-1 to the M8? Is the quality of the resulting images really that different?

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[erl]

I have been using the RD-1 for a year or so and was maily pleased with it, notwithstanding the known problems it exhibits. I bought one of the first M8's in November and have not touched the RD-1 since then. Yes, there is a honeymoon period with any new gear, but this is more than that. The M8 is incomparably better than the RD-1 for overall handling and does definately deliver better image quality. Plus, it works with a 90mm lens which (my) RD-1 will not. The RD-1 will be ONLY for backup for me simply because I can't afford another M8. Just hope I never need the 90 if using the RD-1.

 

Also, the CV15 on the M8 does not vignette anything like it does on the DR-1.

[enboe]

I also picked up an R-D1 shortly after release (#1518, if I remember right). Decent machine, but I felt constrained to 28/35/50 per the finder. Even with that limitation, I enjoyed using it very much, and could turn out decent 8x10's anytime.

 

Then I bought an M8. After I went through the 2 1/2 month hazing (sending the camera back to Solms), I've found it a delight to use. Definitely an M in every sense of the word. My D2X is feeling quite neglected, as it only gets brought out for those "have to get the shot" opportunities. As my friend Maurice taught me, there are cameras for taking pictures, and there are cameras that make the picture taking experience enjoyable. As I am only a recreational shooter, the latter is more important.

 

Glitches, yes, a couple. IR filters do give a bit better color for fabrics and certain types of plant leaves. I also find that certain memory cards need a bit more time to wake up and finish their write cycles. Both of these issues I can live with, but a hard-core pro may not.

 

I have sold my R-D1 and have not missed it since. That's the best endorsement.

 

Eric

[Joe Mondello]

The R-D1 re-awakened my long dormant love affair with rangefinder cameras.

 

Now the M8 (after a false start) is taking it to a whole new level.

 

But I'll be keeping my R-D1!

[sean_reid]

I used two R-D1 bodies as primary professional cameras between 2004 - 2006. I still have one and love it but I prefer my M8. My M8 reviews compare the two side by side.

 

Cheers,

 

Sean

[j. borger]

I keep my R-D1 as a back-up. I enjoyde the camera immensely since the first day it came out. But in all honesty ... i did not touch it since i have the M8!

What i still like better about the R-D1 is the 1X1 viewfinder and the separate framelines.

In the Leicas in paricular the paring of 50/75 framelines is annoying!

[willemvelthoven]

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recently goat my r-d1 out of the mothballs as a second camera at some event. after getting used to the m8 during the past 5 months. the epson was a disappointment in handling and image quality. it dealt poorly with very contrasty situations, vignetting dramatically with the uw heliar etc. i have decided to sell it rather than keep it as a back up.