In summary, I loved the picture-taking performance of the Epson R-D1 digital rangefinder camera body, but was perturbed by its misaligned rangefinder and frustrated by Epson’s support staff. However, the Epson R-D1 is the only compact digital rangefinder camera body on the market that can utilize my Leica-M and Voigtlander 35 mm interchangeable lenses. I bought it because of my considerable investment in Leica 35mm M lenses and my fondness for the rangefinder design.

View Source

No Comments »

After a couple of days of using the Epson R-D1 with my 50mm and 35mm Leica lenses, I have to say that Epson did an admirable job. I could almost envision this camera with a Leica logo on it (which raises the interesting question of why Epson and not Leica took the time and considerable expensive to build the R-D1). It’s close to my M3 in weight and shape, and it has the same bright rangefinder viewfinder and smooth, quiet action—right down to the winding lever to cock the shutter. When I tripped the shutter, however, the R-D1 was not quite as quiet as my M3. I was somewhat less impressed with the shots from the R-D1, but it might not be the camera’s fault. Shots taken with the 50mm Leica lens (which effectively becomes a 75mm lens in the digital format) were sharp and had good color. Those taken with the 35mm lens looked fogged (I will have to check the lens.)

View Source

No Comments »

In terms of image quality, the R-D1 has plenty of poise, the colours are natural and images with the Biogon lens I used are extremely crisp indeed. The camera’s TTL screen surface direct actual-aperture metering is slightly biased to the underexposure side of things but all my shots, RAWs and all were duly satisfying.

Expensive but unique, the Epson R-D1 is a true enthusiasts must have camera – or an almost perfect professional back up tool for the more spontaneous shooter. Superb.

View Source

No Comments »

Touted as the first digital rangefinder camera, the 6.1-megapixel Epson R-D1 is a solid, compact, wonderfully designed camera with an EM mount for more than 200 L- (via an included adapter) and M-mount Leica-type lenses, as well as the Voigtlander 35-mm f/1.7 lens we used for this review. As a rangefinder camera, the R-D1 lacks an autofocus system. Instead you look through the view finder, which presents a double image. Rotating a collar around the lens back and forth moves the two images farther apart and closer together. The image is in focus when the two images become one.

View Source

No Comments »

Pros: Epson R-D1 combines the intuitive operation of a classic rangefinder camera with high-quality digital capture; solidly constructed. Cons: 1.5X focal-length conversion factor limits widest angle of view to 42mm (35mm-equivalent) unless an external accessory (hotshoe-mounted) viewfinder is used. Bottom Line: Dream camera for range-finder-using documentary and street photographers who want to go digital.

View Source

No Comments »