Epson RD-1 vs. other high-end digital camera

[35mmdelux]

All:

I seek to understand why would one prefer a RD-1(s) with under 6MP over a different digital camera with 10-12MP? Wouldn't a camera with greater MP be better? Is pricing the only issue over the M8 and other digitals such as Canon FF?

Thanks -- Paul

 

[iamzip]

Just as a quick note, without a full knowledge of the specs of the cameras mentioned, megapixel count is not the only determining factor in picture quality. Sensor size is also quite important, as well as many other factors.

 

[JNewell]

Price is certainly a big potential issue - compare the M8 to the R-D1. However, if it is suggested that the 6mp sensor is somehow a poor performer, I strongly disagree, and expect that many users here would join me. The RD-1 remains a very capable imaging tool (as do many other 6mp cameras, including the same-sensored Nikon D100, which I still use in tandem with my D200 when I'm using DSLRs).

 

[M. Valdemar]

I regard it as one of the only two viable platforms to use LTM or M-Mount lenses.

If one has these type lenses that one enjoys using for digital photography, there is no alternative at present.

 

[kshapero]

The R-D1 has its place: a lower cost digital rangefinder that allows the use of M-mount lenses, allows better manual focusing then Digital SLR's and has "character". but probably not for everyone. So if you want to be like everyone get a DSLR.

 

[willie_901]

Even though the RD-1's sensor technology is dated, it has all the advantages of any rangefinder camera. The RD-1 is the most economical way to combine digital photography and the rangefinder aesthetic. That people will happily use a 6 MP rangefinder or a $5,500 10 MP rangefinder simply indicates the value they place on the rangefinder aesthetic.

 

[LCT]

With its 1:1 viewfinder, the R-D1 is the only digital M3 so far. In fact better than the M3 for those who like shooting both eye open.

 

[yanidel]

If you don´t print bigger than A3 or only look at your pictures on a computer, the 6mp of the RD1 are enough. To me, the best camera would be probably a mix of the M8 and RD1. Ergonomics of the RD1 and IQ of the M8.
Low light capability of the RD1, day dynamic range of the M8.
Priced around €2500, hope Photokina brings that !
As for why I prefer the RD1 over all other DSR ... where do I start ?? 😉
I just don´t want to carry one of these huge tourist like cameras across Paris, the RD1 can go with me anytime, anywhere. It also allows me to focus on the composition and quick reaction instead of technology. Yes, its sensor is probably outdated, yes the screen is little, but this camera is so much fun to use. I find it amazing that a 2004 camera still sells close to price list on Ebay, there must be something about it...

 

[tomasis]

indeed, who prints A2 every time? even to print many a4 is expensive for me 😛 Hasselblad H3 and Rd1? why not 😉

 

[Krosya]

All:

I seek to understand why would one prefer a RD-1(s) with under 6MP over a different digital camera with 10-12MP? Wouldn't a camera with greater MP be better? Is pricing the only issue over the M8 and other digitals such as Canon FF?

Thanks -- Paul

Well, this is like asking why would one use Leica M3 vs Modern high end SLR? - Some people just prefer RF vs SLR. And in digital world one only has 2 chices for DRF - Epson and M8. Epson is cheaper, and delivers results that are good enough. Oh and btw, many use DSLRs that are older and with 6MP sensors and they work just fine. My Canon 10D does everything I want it to do and no reason to replace it for me. So, why not RD1 if you can afford it? It delivers good results and gives you that RF feel plus you can use all those old SM/ltm lenses.

 

[35mmdelux]

...So if you want to be like everyone get a DSLR.

Thanks but I bought a D200 long ago to use with my zeiss 50/1.4 Planar. Great glass btw. Anyway I don't care if I'm perceived "to be like everyone else". Peer pressure means nothing.


Thank you. Paul

 

[santi-u]

I agree with most of the comments. Some days ago i sold my Canon 5D and bought a R-D1 at matsuiyastore. Have'nt recieved it yet, hope it will be soon.
My doubt now is if it has been the right decission. I know i'm making a considerable change and going to have a lesser quality sensor, but i'm shooting with an M6 the 80% of the time (love it), and the dslr was getting too many dust.
I can't afford an M8 and i need a "carry everywear" digital camera, and use my m-mount lenses on it. The Epson is the unique alternative.
Hope i've made the right choice.

Cheers to everybody!

Santi

 

[yanidel]

I agree with most of the comments. Some days ago i sold my Canon 5D and bought a R-D1 at matsuiyastore. Have'nt recieved it yet, hope it will be soon.
My doubt now is if it has been the right decission. I know i'm making a considerable change and going to have a lesser quality sensor, but i'm shooting with an M6 the 80% of the time (love it), and the dslr was getting to many dust.

What you lost with the 5D is a computer that takes pictures 😀 ... and less noise in high ISO (though the RD1 produces images at 1600 that have a pleasing grain). This being said, if you use the M6 80% of your time, you can only love the RD1. Let us know.

 

[cam]

Thanks but I bought a D200 long ago to use with my zeiss 50/1.4 Planar. Great glass. Anyway I don't care if I'm perceived "to be like everyone else". Peer pressure means nothing to me.

Having said this, except for special occasion the D200 stays home in favor of my less conspicous MP.

Thank you. Paul

methinks you need to dump that D200 and get an inconspicuous R-D1 😀

 

[santi-u]

Thanks for your support yanidel, my feels are like this is the final step to leave up the slr system and become a total rangefinder guy.
I'm enjoying very much b&w film, i process my rolls at home and scanning them. The idea with the Epson is shooting mostly color, so sure i will try to be more active member in this forum. i have many questions to ask to all of you, but better another day, slowly hehe

Regards

 

[yanidel]

Thanks for your support yanidel, my feels are like this is the final step to leave up the slr system and become a total rangefinder guy.
I'm enjoying very much b&w film, i process my rolls at home and scanning them. The idea with the Epson is shooting mostly color, so sure i will try to be more active member in this forum. i have many questions to ask to all of you, but better another day, slowly hehe

Regards

Though the color that the RD1 produces are great, I use it 90% for B&W processed by the software Epson Raw that comes with the camera. Give it a try ... but slowly ... 😉

 

[Johnmcd]

Hi,

I look at it like this, and I'm sure I have written this before in another post...

I don't believe any quality 6 mp is outdated (add Olympus E-1 to list too). Just think back to when they were released and hailed as a revolution. They took great pictures then and they still take great pictures now - how has the addition of more mp's on other cameras changed that?

I shot a wedding recently with a 5D and I own a 20D (ohh dear only 8mp). I also shot some images with the R-D1. I can only tell the difference because the R-D1 shots have a look that the 5D's lacked IMHO. The client (or anyone else) would struggle to tell the difference unless printed at A3. Their biggest enlargement was A4.

I also have a GRD that is 8 mps but bought the R-D1 for the quality because, as iamzip noted, there's are lot more to sensor quality than mps - pixel pitch for instance.

The joy of photography for me at present says DRF and the R-D1 works for me, especially 800 iso with fast lens. The only fast Canon lens I could afford was the 'plastic fantastic' 50/1.8 and it's not a patch on my CV 40/1.4.

BTW the small screen is really a none issue for a lot of us - we just turn it around and forget it's there 🙂

Grab one and come join the fun 🙂

John

 

[Krosya]

What you lost with the 5D is a computer that takes pictures 😀 ... and less noise in high ISO (though the RD1 produces images at 1600 that have a pleasing grain). This being said, if you use the M6 80% of your time, you can only love the RD1. Let us know.

And you also lost macro and telephoto ability. But that may or may not be a problem for you. 😉

 

[Kawabatnam]

I agree with most of the comments. Some days ago i sold my Canon 5D and bought a R-D1 at matsuiyastore. Have'nt recieved it yet, hope it will be soon.
My doubt now is if it has been the right decission. I know i'm making a considerable change and going to have a lesser quality sensor, but i'm shooting with an M6 the 80% of the time (love it), and the dslr was getting too many dust.
I can't afford an M8 and i need a "carry everywear" digital camera, and use my m-mount lenses on it. The Epson is the unique alternative.
Hope i've made the right choice.

Cheers to everybody!

Santi

I hope too that you made the right decision. As Yanidel stated, selling your 5D is selling a computer that takes pictures... Indeed, but very fine pictures! And what you gain is a computer that takes pictures too, though with a more manual feel to it and using L & M lenses. There is however a big drawback: quality control! Don't get me wrong: I have 2 R-D1 (actually an old original R-D1 and a more recent R-D1s as a backup -a really good deal I couldn't resist...) and I do like these cameras. The backup camera has a dying sensor (read an earlier thread on that matter) though it was supposed to be a much more recent production and the older camera tends to develop a "stiff shutter syndrom". And not speaking about rangefinder misalignment... I routinely readjust it, but what in the beginning was an interesting operation became less and less fun...
In fact, I would have kept the 5D until "affordable" second hand M8 become available.

 

[helen.HH]

The rd1s is Quite Fab
An Addiction worth having

Just got a nikkor 50mm 1.4 ....can't wait to see the results

As John said "Grab One and Come and Join the Fun " 🙂

best- Helen