umcelinho
Marcelo
Hi Dan
1) R-D1 and R-D1s are the same camera, the only difference is the firmware. once you upgrade it, they're equal. The R-D1x has a fixed and slightly bigger back screen and reads SD cards up to 32gb. I have an R-D1 with R-D1s firmware and do not miss neither of the R-D1x features.
2) sensor is bigger than the 450D's and image quality is better, even though it has a lower mp count. I used to have a 450D and prefer the images that I get with the R-D1. all iso values are pretty good, except for 1600, which is just good enough. In low light I usually shoot at iso 800, but when i shoot at 1600 I don't feel there is a significant loss of quality.
3) to get a 35mm field of view in the R-D1 you gotta use a 21mm, which will have a 32mm field of view. you can use an external viewfinder but it's not very practical, at least not for me. what I do instead is to select the 50mm framelines on the viewfinder, then shoot with both eyes open and imagine the 50mm framelines as the center rectangle of a bigger rectangle made out of 9 50mm framelines. this way you get the approximate field of view of thelens and it's rather easy to estimate and get used to. If you're shooting a faster 21, like the 21/2.8 Biogon from Zeiss, which I have and recommend using, you need to pin focus using the viewfinder, so this method makes it easier to do so. if you're shooting a slower 21, like the 21/4.5 Biogon from Zeiss or the 21/4 Color Skopar from Voigtlander, you can get away with hyperfocal focusing, so an external viewfinder would be less of a hassle. for low light shooting, get a 35/1.4 or 40/1.4, they're both pretty good. if you really want a fast lens and are willing to spend a bit more, get the 35/1.2 Nokton from Voigtlander. superb lens.
regarding shooting bands in concerts, the R-D1 does pretty well.
Two with the 35/1.4:
grillo the cricket by Marcelo Colmenero, on Flickr
lit by Marcelo Colmenero, on Flickr
And two with the 35/1.2:
Les Plastiscines by Marcelo Colmenero, on Flickr
Les Plastiscines by Marcelo Colmenero, on Flickr
1) R-D1 and R-D1s are the same camera, the only difference is the firmware. once you upgrade it, they're equal. The R-D1x has a fixed and slightly bigger back screen and reads SD cards up to 32gb. I have an R-D1 with R-D1s firmware and do not miss neither of the R-D1x features.
2) sensor is bigger than the 450D's and image quality is better, even though it has a lower mp count. I used to have a 450D and prefer the images that I get with the R-D1. all iso values are pretty good, except for 1600, which is just good enough. In low light I usually shoot at iso 800, but when i shoot at 1600 I don't feel there is a significant loss of quality.
3) to get a 35mm field of view in the R-D1 you gotta use a 21mm, which will have a 32mm field of view. you can use an external viewfinder but it's not very practical, at least not for me. what I do instead is to select the 50mm framelines on the viewfinder, then shoot with both eyes open and imagine the 50mm framelines as the center rectangle of a bigger rectangle made out of 9 50mm framelines. this way you get the approximate field of view of thelens and it's rather easy to estimate and get used to. If you're shooting a faster 21, like the 21/2.8 Biogon from Zeiss, which I have and recommend using, you need to pin focus using the viewfinder, so this method makes it easier to do so. if you're shooting a slower 21, like the 21/4.5 Biogon from Zeiss or the 21/4 Color Skopar from Voigtlander, you can get away with hyperfocal focusing, so an external viewfinder would be less of a hassle. for low light shooting, get a 35/1.4 or 40/1.4, they're both pretty good. if you really want a fast lens and are willing to spend a bit more, get the 35/1.2 Nokton from Voigtlander. superb lens.
regarding shooting bands in concerts, the R-D1 does pretty well.
Two with the 35/1.4:
grillo the cricket by Marcelo Colmenero, on Flickr
lit by Marcelo Colmenero, on Flickr
And two with the 35/1.2:
Les Plastiscines by Marcelo Colmenero, on Flickr
Les Plastiscines by Marcelo Colmenero, on Flickr
Snapper_uk
Well-known
If only they were cheap as chips - the going price in UK seems to be about £800, which is a £100 more than a new X100 or an R3a.
I love the idea of having one of these, it's a nice camera despite its age, but I'm not filled with confidence with buying s/h digital.
I love the idea of having one of these, it's a nice camera despite its age, but I'm not filled with confidence with buying s/h digital.
back alley
IMAGES
i wondered the same things before i got my first rd1...now i could care less. i have a camera that produces unique and lovely images. i use 2 of them in tandem and have not looked back.
i sent my first one off to epson for their tune up service and it runs like the proverbial clock!
we either use the tools that help us create our art or we are bean counters, worrying about our investments.
it's our choice...
raid
Dad Photographer
Since Epson is still servicing the RD-1, it could be a good deal to get one for its qualities.
There is one on ebay for $1,374.54 +$34.50 shipping. Is this a good price? Seller has 100% positive.
There is one on ebay for $1,374.54 +$34.50 shipping. Is this a good price? Seller has 100% positive.
porktaco
Well-known
if it's NIB, that's not a bad price
raid
Dad Photographer
Is $1000-$1100 then a good price for a used RD1?
mwooten
light user
My guess is that would be a pretty fair price. I looked today on ebay and found a new RD1x priced at about $1,800 US (after shipping) from a known seller in Japan to the USA.
Of the digital cameras that I own, the RD1s is the only one I have not considered selling.
dfatty
Well-known
The price has dipped a bit lately, I think $1100 is at the top of the range nowadays. If I remember correctly someone on here recently got one for $850 from the classifieds, and I seem to remember seeing other ones priced around $1000 or less recently.
Gid
Well-known
I paid $1300 for mine in April from an RFF member (superb condition). I bought my first new in 2004 and stupidly sold it in 2008/9. This is the best digital implementation of a flim RF in terms of ergonomics. It is a joy to use and from an IQ view point punches well above its weight. Turn the LCD in and you have all the pleasure of a film camera with the convenience of digital. I'll keep this one until it is beyond economical repair. Most fun I've had in ages.
Johnmcd
Well-known
Shooting bands...
macgeorge
Member
Wow! Pics don't lie
kuvvy
Well-known
I was in the Real Camera Co, in Manchester UK last weekend and they had just got an RD1 in. Supposedly obtained from an Epson rep and was in very nice condition with little or no paint loss as I saw. I assume it's still there.
Out to Lunch
Ventor
A very good camera which acquired 'niche' status only because Epson did not invest in it. The best ones are found in Japan.
Guaranteed
Well-known
I'm so happy with mine I'm thinking of getting another in case mine breaks, that way I'll have one to use while the other is getting sorted out in Japan(my current one is in need of a physical, but I'm fine with it's issues so far).
Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
I think you should do it Raid ... seriously!
Get one while the used value is stable ... which it is ... if it doesn't work out you have very little to lose. If you ultimately love it like many of us do you will have gained enormously.
You only have to look at the images in this thead and numerous others to see that this camera punches well above it's weight. I had an M8 and all the hype about it's image file quality never quite rang true for me but the Epson is pretty well the opposite. What I've seen from that old sensor so far has impressed me more than either of my two other digicams ... D700 and OMD!
raid
Dad Photographer
Hello Keith,
I will look for an extra clean example of an RD1.
I have tbe money for it.
So it is a relatively low MP camera with extra good electronics in it.
$1000 is not that bad.
Is there a big difference between the two or three models?
I will look for an extra clean example of an RD1.
I have tbe money for it.
So it is a relatively low MP camera with extra good electronics in it.
$1000 is not that bad.
Is there a big difference between the two or three models?
Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
From memory you have a lot of very nice 50mm lenses Raid. You take a lot of portraits of your family I've noticed so the RD-1 will really suit you IMO with your 50's becoming 75's!
Good luck with the hunt for a nice example ... I think you won't regret the decision.
raid
Dad Photographer
Is the original first version OK to get or should I look for a 2009 model?
Yes, I have many 50mm lenses.
Yes, I have many 50mm lenses.
Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
I'd take whatever if the price is right. The RD-1 to RD-1s is just a firmware upgrade apparently and no big deal.
The late version with the fixed screen appeals to me the least but it's still a great camera and has the advantage of never having the issue that some have where the the connection between the folding screen and camera eventually fails through wear.
If ever mine has any issues I wouldn't hesitate to send it to Japan for repairs. I became instantly attached to it the moment I laid eyes on it.
astro8
Well-known
My understanding is this:
R-D1 and R-D1S are virtually identical except for the 'S' addition. There is some confusion on the interweb that the rangefinder adjusting screws are in different locations, but just as many statements that they are identical.
If you upgrade the R-D1 firmware, it will in operation become an R-D1S. Most R-D1's will have already been 'upgraded', it's an easy process.
R-D1X is the later version with non-flippable but larger screen. It also takes the larger SDHC cards. In my experience 2GB SD cards are fine in use.
R-D1XG is an R-D1X with the Grip.
I use an R-D1, have never felt the need nor urge to get a later version.
R-D1 and R-D1S are virtually identical except for the 'S' addition. There is some confusion on the interweb that the rangefinder adjusting screws are in different locations, but just as many statements that they are identical.
If you upgrade the R-D1 firmware, it will in operation become an R-D1S. Most R-D1's will have already been 'upgraded', it's an easy process.
R-D1X is the later version with non-flippable but larger screen. It also takes the larger SDHC cards. In my experience 2GB SD cards are fine in use.
R-D1XG is an R-D1X with the Grip.
I use an R-D1, have never felt the need nor urge to get a later version.