buying a RF

[nightbreed]

Here is an example where I prefocused at f/8 or f/11 (can't remember exactly) with a 40mm, pointing at the building behind, using a $200 Yashica Electro GSN RF, good camera if one can get past the dim viewfinder. I don't remember exactly the settings, but I wanted to take the subjects nearest me, so my DOF scale must have been from 1.5m (where I am more used to near distances). Notice that the building was not exactly within the DOF range since the building name is not so clear anymore, same with the people near it. If I stepped down to f/16, it would be different. This way, subjects don't know I am taking their picture, they think I am taking the building (I can crop most of it out if needed), and it is fast too, raise and click (the Yashica has AE so I didn't have to worry about the speed).

Clubgrit, thank you for taking time and effort to explain this to me! :thumbsup: The picture you posted is sharp to me. I sort of understand your points. Time to go and practice! However, shooting at f/8 or f/16, one is not going to be able to be too concerned about bokeh, right? Also, my lens barrel has no markings for f/5.6, so I guess the imaginary mark beteeen f/4 and f/8 is f/5.6? In case you're curious, I'm using a Bessa R2A with a VC 50/1.5. I've just stuck a Tmax 100 into it and screwed an orange filter on the lens.

 

[clubgrit]

Clubgrit, thank you for taking time and effort to explain this to me! :thumbsup: The picture you posted is sharp to me. I sort of understand your points. Time to go and practice! However, shooting at f/8 or f/16, one is not going to be able to be too concerned about bokeh, right? Also, my lens barrel has no markings for f/5.6, so I guess the imaginary mark beteeen f/4 and f/8 is f/5.6? In case you're curious, I'm using a Bessa R2A with a VC 50/1.5. I've just stuck a Tmax 100 into it and screwed an orange filter on the lens.

No problem. Well, it is a scan with a flatbed scanner. It really is much sharper if printed traditionally, that one would know that photo scanning technology still needs a lot of work.
And then, there are different film developers, enlarger lenses, etc. that come into play - another topic. Shooting with film is really very interesting.

Yes, this method is less concerned with bokeh, more in being able to capture a quick passing moment, or for stealth, or an action shot. Of course, one can still attempt to get good bokeh, just need more skill (and a lens with good bokeh). At any rate, I use a long lens where I want great bokeh, and being a long lens, one is more inclined to focus pinpoint, as the DOF range in long lenses like 90mm or 135mm is really small.

Yes, the imaginary mark on the Nokton between f/4 and f/8 is f/5.6 ...


.

 

[cibs]

Focusing is certainly different and it needs a little getting use to at first. Overall, I'm enjoying my first week with RF. R-D1S is quite nice, IQ even in high ISO is pretty good

When u want to sell that R-D1s, you know who to call

 

[ifirdauzi]

I'm using a Bessa R2A with a VC 50/1.5. I've just stuck a Tmax 100 into it and screwed an orange filter on the lens.

if you think, later on, the contrast does not suit your taste i.e. overcontrast, try yellow filter with same dev time.

cheers!

 

[Ansel]

And then, there are different film developers, enlarger lenses, etc. that come into play - another topic. Shooting with film is really very interesting.
.

Not just "another topic", these are a range of deep topics, the methods have gone thru a century of development and practice, with library volumes written by myriads of practitioners. There is just so much available for the searching mind, and keen learner.

Some people can develop a couple of rolls of film, and say, "Sorry, been there done that, not my cup of tea." But I must say, they have not even scratched the surface.

Sorry, have I gone OT?

 

[gommy]

see you are really enjoying your G2. Good for u

I would go for the G system. I just got one off a fellow CSer and am loving it to bits. I no longer bring my EOS system out except for work.

 

[cibs]

see you are really enjoying your G2. Good for u

Yeah.. now the problem is I'm looking for the 21mm.. its hard looking for one that's reasonably priced. I guess if I dont have a choice, have to go to that shop you recommended. Is it new?

 

[gommy]

Not new but condition looks good.

Yeah.. now the problem is I'm looking for the 21mm.. its hard looking for one that's reasonably priced. I guess if I dont have a choice, have to go to that shop you recommended. Is it new?

 

[Terrence]

Yashica Electro GSN RF, good camera if one can get past the dim viewfinder.

among the 20+ fixed lens range finders that i have, i think the GSN has THE BEST viewfinder, yeah it's dim but that the thing that make focussing much much easier and faster.

 

[clubgrit]

Wow, that is amazing , 20+ and the GSN has the best ...

among the 20+ fixed lens range finders that i have, i think the GSN has THE BEST viewfinder, yeah it's dim but that the thing that make focussing much much easier and faster.

 

[haagen_dazs]

Yeah.. now the problem is I'm looking for the 21mm.. its hard looking for one that's reasonably priced. I guess if I dont have a choice, have to go to that shop you recommended. Is it new?

i really love the 21mm G lens
for an excellent condition kit (box and finder and all)
they go for about 550 to 630USD
i think its reasonable
you will be pleased by 1) the clarity of the ext vf 2) the ultra good control of distortion
zeiss glass is hard to beat .. they are known for their 21mm focal length
good luck finding one! ebay has them from time to time

 

[cibs]

i really love the 21mm G lens
for an excellent condition kit (box and finder and all)
they go for about 550 to 630USD
i think its reasonable
you will be pleased by 1) the clarity of the ext vf 2) the ultra good control of distortion
zeiss glass is hard to beat .. they are known for their 21mm focal length
good luck finding one! ebay has them from time to time

Those on Ebay are around Usd900++ which I think is a bit too much unless it was new..
Hmm.. apparently the one in the shop isnt new either which means they're selling it high..
550-600 USD is reasonable.. but hard to find.. especially minty... saw one for $299 that was scratched up pretty bad all over..

Well.. still looking..

 

[szekiat]

i dunno how great the 21mm is really. I mean unless there is a need for 2.8, i find the CV21mm every bit as good as the G21. That said, i found both a bit useless for me as composing with the external viewfinder was always a bit off putting for precise framing. I like to use 21mm and wider for documentary portraits where framing can often be tight. In the end, i realize there's no compromise and went back to SLR for that focal length. My RFs are now only for 28mm, 40mm and 90mm

 

[nightwolf75]

hmm... recently missed out on a good deal on yahoo for a yashica MG-1... still thinking whether to get a fix lens RF or a bessa. i used to have a GSN, but din have a good experience with it. :embrass:

 

[Terrence]

Wow, that is amazing , 20+ and the GSN has the best ...

but none of it are Leicas, Zeiss or Voigtlander, mostly are fixed lens range finders, such as Konica Auto S2, black Canon GIII QL17, Minolta Hi-Matic 9, a few Yashica Electros and more.

 

[Ansel]

hmm... recently missed out on a good deal on yahoo for a yashica MG-1... still thinking whether to get a fix lens RF or a bessa. i used to have a GSN, but din have a good experience with it. :embrass:

I, or rather the family, used to have the MG-1, in the 70s. Nice camera, but too big. So are the GSNs. Viewfinder is average.

Honestly, to me, one big thing about those interchangeable lens RFs such as Leica, V/C Bessas, Classic Nikon RFs, is their beautifully clear viewfinders! Go and find a good Leica or Bessa and look into the viewfinder yourself, then make the decision! They will knock off your socks! In my opinion, the V/C Bessa viewfinder is still better than Leica's.

But then remember, a Leica set will cost you as much as a cartload of these MG-1s, GSN, Canons! :bigeyes:

 

[nightwolf75]

I, or rather the family, used to have the MG-1, in the 70s. Nice camera, but too big. So are the GSNs. Viewfinder is average.

Honestly, to me, one big thing about those interchangeable lens RFs such as Leica, V/C Bessas, Classic Nikon RFs, is their beautifully clear viewfinders! Go and find a good Leica or Bessa and look into the viewfinder yourself, then make the decision! They will knock off your socks! In my opinion, the V/C Bessa viewfinder is still better than Leica's.

But then remember, a Leica set will cost you as much as a cartload of these MG-1s, GSN, Canons! :bigeyes:

neh... leicas, mebbe when i'm like 60s and retired with some money. not now... ;p

but, yah. my first GSN was from yahoo. a dusty viewfinder din help matters. dats why i was hesitant in the MG-1. will be saving for a bessa for the time being...

 

[alternatve]

I recommend you get a canon QL17. There are three versions of this, the original big version, the new small version and the very popular GIII version. All are a joy to use. The finders are big and bright and the lens sharp and a wide f1.7. The Yashina MG-1 has a slower f/2.8 lens and the 35 GSN isn't manual. I got one from Mr James and it's been working like a dream for me. Incidently, there's a GIII QL17 selling in the buy/sell section now.

 

[gommy]

Sure

When u want to sell that R-D1s, you know who to call

 

[Terence]

i dunno how great the 21mm is really. I mean unless there is a need for 2.8, i find the CV21mm every bit as good as the G21. That said, i found both a bit useless for me as composing with the external viewfinder was always a bit off putting for precise framing. I like to use 21mm and wider for documentary portraits where framing can often be tight. In the end, i realize there's no compromise and went back to SLR for that focal length. My RFs are now only for 28mm, 40mm and 90mm

Discussing the virtues of the CV 21 over the 21 G is a moot point if the user's main setup is the G since it doesn't take anything else except G lenses.

I think both lenses are equally good performers in their own regard. The R4M might be the thing for you if you don't like composing with an ext vf when using a 21.