M-Mount Cameras Not Made by Leica, Part 4
3 digital M classics, 2 from Japan and aone-off from France
By Jason Schneider
The Epson R-D1 was announced as a complete surprise and with great fanfare in March 2003 at the PMA show in Las Vegas. The
R-D1 was the hit and talk of the show. Folks at the Leica booth claimed the R-D1 was a complete surprise to them too. Behind the scenes a rumor circulated that Leica was offered to participate in the R-D1 project but declined. It was the first foray by Epson, a leading electronics company best known for its printers and scanners, into the hyper-competitive digital camera arena. And as the first non-Leica digital rangefinder camera to sport an M-mount it created an immense amount of buzz, especially among Leica fans. In a sense, all 4 iterations of the RD-1 are hybrids because they have manually wound shutters, traditional wind levers, and controls that operate in much the same way as an analog rangefinder camera. This is not as surprising as it sounds because the R-D1 was jointly developed by Seiko Epson and Cosina and manufactured by Cosina, creators of the extensive line of mechanically based Voigtlander Bessa rangefinder 35s.
Epson R-D1 front view showing M bayonet mount. It had a 1.5x crop factor.
All versions of the Epson RD-1 work with M--mount lenses or Leica screw mount lenses with an M adapter. Data, including white balance, picture quality, shutter speed, and shots remaining are displayed via servo driven indicators on a dial resembling a watch face, not all that surprising since watchmaker Seiko is Epson’s parent company. The original R-D1 and all subsequent modifications use the same 1.5x crop, APS-C-size, 6.1MP CCD sensor made by Sony that dates to 2002 and was used in the Nikon D100 and the Pentax *ist D. Other common features include: a 1.0x viewfinder with coupled coincident-image optical rangefinder (minimum focus distance: 0.7m; effective base length: 38.2mm), selectable projected parallax compensating viewfinder frame lines for 28mm, 35mm, and 50mm lenses providing 85% coverage at 3m, electronically controlled vertical travel focal plane shutter with stepless speeds of 8-1/2000 sec in Auto mode and 1-1/2000 sec plus B in manual, center-weighted TTL exposure metering with LED shutter speed display in finder for aperture priority AE and manual modes, and sensitivity settings ISO 200-1600. The original RD-1 had a 2.0-inch TFT LCD (235,000 pixels) and only accepts SD memory cards up to 2GB, a serious limitation for many shooters.
Epson R-D1, top view shows unique round "watch face" data readout dial.
The Epson RD-1s released in March 2006 incorporates a firmware upgrade that enables JPEG + RAW capture, provides a Quick View function, an Adobe RGB mode, and adds noise reduction for long exposures. RD-1 users could upgrade their cameras to provide these functions. The RD-1x released in April 2009 for the Japanese market only provides a 2.5-inch LCD (up from 2 inches) but the new LCD panel could no longer be articulated or closed. More important, it accepts SDHC cards up to 32GB vs. 2GB for previous models and provides easier accessibility for rangefinder adjustments. The final iteration of the RD-1 for Japan was the R-D1xG that included a removable grip.
Epson R-D1, rear view shows adjustable LCD that can be closed so it looks like an analog camera.
Looking back, the RD-1 got so many things right: a lever advance, the feel of a film camera, a reversible adjustable LCD which sadly has never been installed on any Leica digital M (maybe Epson patented it), and lovely color capture thanks to the CCD sensor. Indeed, many R-D1 fans swear its sensor gives better than Leica M digital colors to this day. For three years until the introduction of the Leica M8 in 2006, the R-D1 was unquestionably the world’s BEST digital M rangefinder camera! Mmmm, that is because it was the ONLY digital M rangefinder. So, what did Epson do with their huge technological lead for three years? Pretty much nothing. For some reason Epson choose not to advertise and promote the R-D1 as it deserved to be. Was Epson corporate concerned about the image of a huge conglomerate driving already on thin ice Leica out of business? Who knows, but it’s certain that Epson chose to repeatedly fumble their marketing lead away, allowing Leica M back into the game to conquer.
Top view of final model R-D1xG for the Japanese market shows removable grip.
It also had a larger 2.5 inch non-adjustable LCD on the back.
Epson made rangefinder history with a great first design digital M rangefinder. Then Epson made rangefinder history by killing it with neglect. It’s doubtful if such a great invention followed by a great neglect has ever happened elsewhere in the camera industry. Ehh… except maybe for Kodak inventing the digital camera and then walking away…. Epson phased out the RD-1 by 2007, and soldiered on for a bit longer with the last 2 models that were never officially distributed outside Japan. Today the Epson RD-1 is something of a collector’s cult camera and you can snag a pristine body for about $1,500 and an RD-1x for approximately $2,000- 2,200 at online auction sites or used equipment dealers.
The Pixii, Model I: A well connected M-mount digital outlier from France, home to the individualistic inventors of the Citroen automobiles, Foca cameras, and DeGaulle generals.
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Pixii, Model I in white exudes attractively minimalist Gallic style complementing its advanced concept.
The Pixii Model I is an amazing design for the first effort, just like the R-D1 just discussed. It’s about the same size and weight as a Leica M3, has a near Leica M quality combined rangefinder/viewfinder, a silent global shutter faster and quieter than ANY Leica M camera with 1/32,000 top speed. Add to that beautiful colors and monochrome raw files that make a separate monochrome camera completely unnecessary. This stylish, compact M-mount-compatible range/viewfinder camera incorporates an optical viewfinder with a coincident type 0.67x magnification rangefinder, LED backlit, parallax compensating, paired frame lines for 28/35mm, and 40/50mm lenses that offer automatic brightness adjustment. It also has in-finder exposure and focal length indications. Pretty nifty specs, right? But then just about everything is different as can be from Leica digital M’s. The biggest gripe is the 11MP APSC sensor. However in lieu of a memory card slot the Pixii provides 8 GB of internal memory and it’s designed to pair with a smartphone carried in the pocket where the pictures show up as you take them. Indeed, the Pixii has no LCD, though it does provide an OLED control screen and quick ISO selection, white balance, and other settings via its integrated menu.
Top view of Pixii Model I shows OLED control panel for ISO, exposure settings, modes, etc.
The French tend to do things a bit differently and the French assembled Pixii Camera A1112 is certainly no exception. Its APS-C- format 11MP CMOS RGB color matrix sensoris optimized with micro lenses, has a native ISO of 320 and sensitivity settings to ISO 2560. Other controls include a manual shutter speedselector with automatic speed mode, and a 2-stage shutter button with AE lock. The Pixii uses a Dual Core ARM SoC with integrated FPGA accelerator, provides Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth LE 5.0 connectivity, runs on a Li-ion 7.4v 1000mAh battery, and has an integrated USB charger. Its body is fabricated of dual-block-machined aluminum, measures 138 x 79 x 33mm, and weighs in at 460g (just over 1 pound) body only. It’s currently available only by direct order from Pixii in France and it comes in a choice of silver anodized, space gray, or matte black finish at a U.S. price of $3,290.00, not including customs duty.
Pixii Model I with M-mount 35mm f/2.8 Zeiss Biogon and paired smartphone to view and edit captured images.
Based on user reviews the Pixii has its charms, and the concept of a “capture only” camera module that’s optimized for connectivity is certainly in tune with the times, However, in terms of sheer image quality per dollar it faces some stiff competition and that’s probably why there have been persistent rumors of a higher-performance Pixii in the offing. The bottom line: to date the Pixii is so Leica different that at $3290 it has not found such great popularity in Leica hearts .. yet. Will future Pixii warm up Leica fans? Time will tell.
The Ricoh GXR with M-mount module
Ricoh, known for its ingenious offbeat camera designs, unveiled themirrorless compact Ricoh GXR in November 2009. It was the first digital camera to use interchangeable modules with a combined lens and sensor unit rather than taking the usual approach of providing a fixed sensor and interchangeable lenses. The advantages of this system: it provides 3 different formats and MP ratings optimized for individual lenses (e.g., a 1/2.3-inch 10MP CMOS for the 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VC, and a 16.2MP APS-C-format 16.2MP CMOS for the 24-85mm f/3,5-5.5), it allows for potential future sensor upgrades, it virtually eliminates the possibility of sensor contamination when changing lenses, and it provided a failsafe in the event of sensor failure. The main disadvantage: the extra cost of having to buy a new sensor with each new lens.
Six interchangeable GXR modules were available, a 28mm f/2.5, 50mm f/2.5 Macro, 24-85mm f/3.5-5.5, 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VC, a 24-72mm f/2.5-4.4 (which used a 1/1.7-incd 10MP CCD), and the GXR Mount A12 (Leica M) module that provides a 12.4MP APS-C-format CMOS sensor and an open M-mount that also accepted Leica screw mount lenses with an M adapter. It is the last option that qualifies the GXR as an M-mount camera not made by Leica, and it was the reason many serious enthusiasts and pros were drawn to the GXR and made it a cult classic.
Ricoh GXR with A12 M-mount 12.4 MP module works with M and LTM lenses fitted with M adapters.
The Ricoh GXR features a die cast magnesium body with an easy to grasp form factor, ergonomic controls including customizable buttons and a DIRECT button for accessing most current settings, a directional pad with a wide range of programmable My Settings options, automatic exposure modes including aperture priority, shutter priority and shiftable program, ISO settings to 3200, and a Pre-AF mode to enhance AF speed. The 3.0-inch 920,000-dot VGA LCD provides100% sRCB coverage and delivers a vivid color display. It can be supplemented with Ricoh’s VF-2 external EVF for eyelevel viewing and there’s a Focus Assist magnifier for precise manual focusing. The GXR offers both focal plane and electronic shutters with a top speed of 1/4000 sec plus B and T in manual mode, and up to 1/8000 sec when using the electronic shutter.
Even today, the Ricoh GXR is a distinctive and capable camera that allows users who have a GXR Mount A12 (Leica M) module to resurrect scores of vintage classic M-mount and Leica screw mount lenses and optimize their performance using the camera’s many built-in adjustments. The Ricoh GXR was quietly phased out during 2013 and 2014 as modules were no longer available and the long-rumored body upgrade never materialized. It deserved a better fate. Today you can purchase a used Ricoh GXR with lens for $150-$300 (depending on which module is included) at online auction sites and camera retailers, but (wouldn’t you know?) M-mount modules are scarce, and a clean will set you back about $400-450.
Ricoh GXR with M-mount module, 50mm f/2 Leitz Summitar with M-adapter, and Ricoh VF-2 accessory EVF.
3 digital M classics, 2 from Japan and aone-off from France
By Jason Schneider
The Epson R-D1 was announced as a complete surprise and with great fanfare in March 2003 at the PMA show in Las Vegas. The
R-D1 was the hit and talk of the show. Folks at the Leica booth claimed the R-D1 was a complete surprise to them too. Behind the scenes a rumor circulated that Leica was offered to participate in the R-D1 project but declined. It was the first foray by Epson, a leading electronics company best known for its printers and scanners, into the hyper-competitive digital camera arena. And as the first non-Leica digital rangefinder camera to sport an M-mount it created an immense amount of buzz, especially among Leica fans. In a sense, all 4 iterations of the RD-1 are hybrids because they have manually wound shutters, traditional wind levers, and controls that operate in much the same way as an analog rangefinder camera. This is not as surprising as it sounds because the R-D1 was jointly developed by Seiko Epson and Cosina and manufactured by Cosina, creators of the extensive line of mechanically based Voigtlander Bessa rangefinder 35s.
Epson R-D1 front view showing M bayonet mount. It had a 1.5x crop factor.
All versions of the Epson RD-1 work with M--mount lenses or Leica screw mount lenses with an M adapter. Data, including white balance, picture quality, shutter speed, and shots remaining are displayed via servo driven indicators on a dial resembling a watch face, not all that surprising since watchmaker Seiko is Epson’s parent company. The original R-D1 and all subsequent modifications use the same 1.5x crop, APS-C-size, 6.1MP CCD sensor made by Sony that dates to 2002 and was used in the Nikon D100 and the Pentax *ist D. Other common features include: a 1.0x viewfinder with coupled coincident-image optical rangefinder (minimum focus distance: 0.7m; effective base length: 38.2mm), selectable projected parallax compensating viewfinder frame lines for 28mm, 35mm, and 50mm lenses providing 85% coverage at 3m, electronically controlled vertical travel focal plane shutter with stepless speeds of 8-1/2000 sec in Auto mode and 1-1/2000 sec plus B in manual, center-weighted TTL exposure metering with LED shutter speed display in finder for aperture priority AE and manual modes, and sensitivity settings ISO 200-1600. The original RD-1 had a 2.0-inch TFT LCD (235,000 pixels) and only accepts SD memory cards up to 2GB, a serious limitation for many shooters.
Epson R-D1, top view shows unique round "watch face" data readout dial.
The Epson RD-1s released in March 2006 incorporates a firmware upgrade that enables JPEG + RAW capture, provides a Quick View function, an Adobe RGB mode, and adds noise reduction for long exposures. RD-1 users could upgrade their cameras to provide these functions. The RD-1x released in April 2009 for the Japanese market only provides a 2.5-inch LCD (up from 2 inches) but the new LCD panel could no longer be articulated or closed. More important, it accepts SDHC cards up to 32GB vs. 2GB for previous models and provides easier accessibility for rangefinder adjustments. The final iteration of the RD-1 for Japan was the R-D1xG that included a removable grip.
Epson R-D1, rear view shows adjustable LCD that can be closed so it looks like an analog camera.
Looking back, the RD-1 got so many things right: a lever advance, the feel of a film camera, a reversible adjustable LCD which sadly has never been installed on any Leica digital M (maybe Epson patented it), and lovely color capture thanks to the CCD sensor. Indeed, many R-D1 fans swear its sensor gives better than Leica M digital colors to this day. For three years until the introduction of the Leica M8 in 2006, the R-D1 was unquestionably the world’s BEST digital M rangefinder camera! Mmmm, that is because it was the ONLY digital M rangefinder. So, what did Epson do with their huge technological lead for three years? Pretty much nothing. For some reason Epson choose not to advertise and promote the R-D1 as it deserved to be. Was Epson corporate concerned about the image of a huge conglomerate driving already on thin ice Leica out of business? Who knows, but it’s certain that Epson chose to repeatedly fumble their marketing lead away, allowing Leica M back into the game to conquer.
Top view of final model R-D1xG for the Japanese market shows removable grip.
It also had a larger 2.5 inch non-adjustable LCD on the back.
Epson made rangefinder history with a great first design digital M rangefinder. Then Epson made rangefinder history by killing it with neglect. It’s doubtful if such a great invention followed by a great neglect has ever happened elsewhere in the camera industry. Ehh… except maybe for Kodak inventing the digital camera and then walking away…. Epson phased out the RD-1 by 2007, and soldiered on for a bit longer with the last 2 models that were never officially distributed outside Japan. Today the Epson RD-1 is something of a collector’s cult camera and you can snag a pristine body for about $1,500 and an RD-1x for approximately $2,000- 2,200 at online auction sites or used equipment dealers.
The Pixii, Model I: A well connected M-mount digital outlier from France, home to the individualistic inventors of the Citroen automobiles, Foca cameras, and DeGaulle generals.
Pixii, Model I in white exudes attractively minimalist Gallic style complementing its advanced concept.
The Pixii Model I is an amazing design for the first effort, just like the R-D1 just discussed. It’s about the same size and weight as a Leica M3, has a near Leica M quality combined rangefinder/viewfinder, a silent global shutter faster and quieter than ANY Leica M camera with 1/32,000 top speed. Add to that beautiful colors and monochrome raw files that make a separate monochrome camera completely unnecessary. This stylish, compact M-mount-compatible range/viewfinder camera incorporates an optical viewfinder with a coincident type 0.67x magnification rangefinder, LED backlit, parallax compensating, paired frame lines for 28/35mm, and 40/50mm lenses that offer automatic brightness adjustment. It also has in-finder exposure and focal length indications. Pretty nifty specs, right? But then just about everything is different as can be from Leica digital M’s. The biggest gripe is the 11MP APSC sensor. However in lieu of a memory card slot the Pixii provides 8 GB of internal memory and it’s designed to pair with a smartphone carried in the pocket where the pictures show up as you take them. Indeed, the Pixii has no LCD, though it does provide an OLED control screen and quick ISO selection, white balance, and other settings via its integrated menu.
Top view of Pixii Model I shows OLED control panel for ISO, exposure settings, modes, etc.
The French tend to do things a bit differently and the French assembled Pixii Camera A1112 is certainly no exception. Its APS-C- format 11MP CMOS RGB color matrix sensoris optimized with micro lenses, has a native ISO of 320 and sensitivity settings to ISO 2560. Other controls include a manual shutter speedselector with automatic speed mode, and a 2-stage shutter button with AE lock. The Pixii uses a Dual Core ARM SoC with integrated FPGA accelerator, provides Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth LE 5.0 connectivity, runs on a Li-ion 7.4v 1000mAh battery, and has an integrated USB charger. Its body is fabricated of dual-block-machined aluminum, measures 138 x 79 x 33mm, and weighs in at 460g (just over 1 pound) body only. It’s currently available only by direct order from Pixii in France and it comes in a choice of silver anodized, space gray, or matte black finish at a U.S. price of $3,290.00, not including customs duty.
Pixii Model I with M-mount 35mm f/2.8 Zeiss Biogon and paired smartphone to view and edit captured images.
Based on user reviews the Pixii has its charms, and the concept of a “capture only” camera module that’s optimized for connectivity is certainly in tune with the times, However, in terms of sheer image quality per dollar it faces some stiff competition and that’s probably why there have been persistent rumors of a higher-performance Pixii in the offing. The bottom line: to date the Pixii is so Leica different that at $3290 it has not found such great popularity in Leica hearts .. yet. Will future Pixii warm up Leica fans? Time will tell.
The Ricoh GXR with M-mount module
Ricoh, known for its ingenious offbeat camera designs, unveiled themirrorless compact Ricoh GXR in November 2009. It was the first digital camera to use interchangeable modules with a combined lens and sensor unit rather than taking the usual approach of providing a fixed sensor and interchangeable lenses. The advantages of this system: it provides 3 different formats and MP ratings optimized for individual lenses (e.g., a 1/2.3-inch 10MP CMOS for the 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VC, and a 16.2MP APS-C-format 16.2MP CMOS for the 24-85mm f/3,5-5.5), it allows for potential future sensor upgrades, it virtually eliminates the possibility of sensor contamination when changing lenses, and it provided a failsafe in the event of sensor failure. The main disadvantage: the extra cost of having to buy a new sensor with each new lens.
Six interchangeable GXR modules were available, a 28mm f/2.5, 50mm f/2.5 Macro, 24-85mm f/3.5-5.5, 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VC, a 24-72mm f/2.5-4.4 (which used a 1/1.7-incd 10MP CCD), and the GXR Mount A12 (Leica M) module that provides a 12.4MP APS-C-format CMOS sensor and an open M-mount that also accepted Leica screw mount lenses with an M adapter. It is the last option that qualifies the GXR as an M-mount camera not made by Leica, and it was the reason many serious enthusiasts and pros were drawn to the GXR and made it a cult classic.
Ricoh GXR with A12 M-mount 12.4 MP module works with M and LTM lenses fitted with M adapters.
The Ricoh GXR features a die cast magnesium body with an easy to grasp form factor, ergonomic controls including customizable buttons and a DIRECT button for accessing most current settings, a directional pad with a wide range of programmable My Settings options, automatic exposure modes including aperture priority, shutter priority and shiftable program, ISO settings to 3200, and a Pre-AF mode to enhance AF speed. The 3.0-inch 920,000-dot VGA LCD provides100% sRCB coverage and delivers a vivid color display. It can be supplemented with Ricoh’s VF-2 external EVF for eyelevel viewing and there’s a Focus Assist magnifier for precise manual focusing. The GXR offers both focal plane and electronic shutters with a top speed of 1/4000 sec plus B and T in manual mode, and up to 1/8000 sec when using the electronic shutter.
Even today, the Ricoh GXR is a distinctive and capable camera that allows users who have a GXR Mount A12 (Leica M) module to resurrect scores of vintage classic M-mount and Leica screw mount lenses and optimize their performance using the camera’s many built-in adjustments. The Ricoh GXR was quietly phased out during 2013 and 2014 as modules were no longer available and the long-rumored body upgrade never materialized. It deserved a better fate. Today you can purchase a used Ricoh GXR with lens for $150-$300 (depending on which module is included) at online auction sites and camera retailers, but (wouldn’t you know?) M-mount modules are scarce, and a clean will set you back about $400-450.
Ricoh GXR with M-mount module, 50mm f/2 Leitz Summitar with M-adapter, and Ricoh VF-2 accessory EVF.
