stevenrk
Member
Hope it's ok to post this here, but am interested in purchasing a mint RD-1 without the RD-1s firmware installed. If anyone has one that has been sitting unused and boxed, let me know. Best, Steven
Mint RD-1 without upgrade wanted
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R
RML
Guest
Any particular reason for not wanting the firmware upgrade?
stevenrk
Member
RML, for a couple of reasons. Know that version 2 offers a lot of benefits for many RD-1 users.
For me, the only feature of interest in the upgrade is the zoom, but really not that much. I also happen to be one of those few people who like the double press feature for the shutter. I like the act of pressing the shutter to turn off the LCD screen and ready the camera for the next shot -- same reason I quite like the shutter wind. And I don't really use the review feature that much when shooting -- at least once in the swing of it. The instant review is not something that I have any interest in using (I turn off the feature in my Canon's) -- I have no problem waiting the few seconds to see an image I want to review and don't want the distraction or the attention drawn by the constant glow of the LCD. I also don't work with high ISO.
Recognize that I can turn this all off/not use, but since version 1 is stable and known, and version 2 not yet -- I don't want it. Also battery life is important to me -- not critical, but given a longer time between changes and any other feature, I'd take the battery life. That seems to be an open question (see other thread on the subject).
So when you add all that up, for me, version 1 is better. And I can always install version 2 if I change my mind. If the upgrade could be undone, then easy, but haven't seen any facility to undo an upgrade and doubt Epson is going to spend too much more time and effort -- if any -- on this wonderful little camera. Which is really too bad.
Best, Steven
For me, the only feature of interest in the upgrade is the zoom, but really not that much. I also happen to be one of those few people who like the double press feature for the shutter. I like the act of pressing the shutter to turn off the LCD screen and ready the camera for the next shot -- same reason I quite like the shutter wind. And I don't really use the review feature that much when shooting -- at least once in the swing of it. The instant review is not something that I have any interest in using (I turn off the feature in my Canon's) -- I have no problem waiting the few seconds to see an image I want to review and don't want the distraction or the attention drawn by the constant glow of the LCD. I also don't work with high ISO.
Recognize that I can turn this all off/not use, but since version 1 is stable and known, and version 2 not yet -- I don't want it. Also battery life is important to me -- not critical, but given a longer time between changes and any other feature, I'd take the battery life. That seems to be an open question (see other thread on the subject).
So when you add all that up, for me, version 1 is better. And I can always install version 2 if I change my mind. If the upgrade could be undone, then easy, but haven't seen any facility to undo an upgrade and doubt Epson is going to spend too much more time and effort -- if any -- on this wonderful little camera. Which is really too bad.
Best, Steven
rvaubel
Well-known
I'm beginning to think I may want version 1 back again. At first I thought the upgrade was really cool but after using it this last week, I'm not so sure I appreciate any of the features that I thought I would. For Example
. The notorious double click - I never really did hate it (like Sean). After not having it, I realize that I used it to turn off the LCD (which I use alot) . It became a habit *click-wind*
. Quick Review - Used it for awhile, then stopped because I didn't like this bright screen going on all the time, calling attention to myself especially in available light.
. Hot Pixel removal - Nice I suppose, except I never had many hot pixels and those that I did have were removed completely by CR2.
. RAW+JPEG - Never take JPEGs
. AdobeRGB - A good idea, theoreretically. I haven't noticed any real difference though. Subject to further evaluation.
. Long exposure noise reduction - an excellent idea when I use a tripod. To bad I never use a tripod(with rangefinder cameras)
There are a couple of things that I do like with reservations
. Lower noise - It seems to me this is working. Not a huge difference but enough to use ISO1600 more often. This feature would make version 2 worth it to me. Problem is I'm not so sure the improvment isnt a result of wishful thinking. Subject to further evaluation.
. 16x magnification - I made this my custom function button. I use this feature a lot on my Canon 20D . But the scrolling function on the RD-1 doesn't work nearly as well as the 20D's. I like all the the other analog controls of the RD better than any other camera with this one exception.
One thing I do like unequivically is the new placement of the historogram on the LCD
One thing I don't like unequivically is the reduced battery life. That may be just a function of increased function usage or just my imagination. I am using more batteries. I'm not blaming anyone, just an observation.
One question......I have the distinct impression that the LCD screen got brighter after the version 2 upgrade. When I completed the upgrade i was instructed to go to the LCD brightness screen to confirm upgrade. At that time it seems to me the bar graph had a couple of extra bars. Anyway, I set the brightness to maximum and it seems to me that I now have a brighter screen. Am I the only one that thinks this?
All and all, I'm glad I did the upgrade. My only real concern is reduced battery life. I am a power consumption hog and only get one battery per 1GB card which is OK because I have to change the card anyway. But having to change the battery at 70 pics would be a drag. Plus I wouldnt be in sync with the card which is another bummer. I suppose I could change my chimping habits but sheesh....I like looking like a monkey!!
Rex
.1
. The notorious double click - I never really did hate it (like Sean). After not having it, I realize that I used it to turn off the LCD (which I use alot) . It became a habit *click-wind*
. Quick Review - Used it for awhile, then stopped because I didn't like this bright screen going on all the time, calling attention to myself especially in available light.
. Hot Pixel removal - Nice I suppose, except I never had many hot pixels and those that I did have were removed completely by CR2.
. RAW+JPEG - Never take JPEGs
. AdobeRGB - A good idea, theoreretically. I haven't noticed any real difference though. Subject to further evaluation.
. Long exposure noise reduction - an excellent idea when I use a tripod. To bad I never use a tripod(with rangefinder cameras)
There are a couple of things that I do like with reservations
. Lower noise - It seems to me this is working. Not a huge difference but enough to use ISO1600 more often. This feature would make version 2 worth it to me. Problem is I'm not so sure the improvment isnt a result of wishful thinking. Subject to further evaluation.
. 16x magnification - I made this my custom function button. I use this feature a lot on my Canon 20D . But the scrolling function on the RD-1 doesn't work nearly as well as the 20D's. I like all the the other analog controls of the RD better than any other camera with this one exception.
One thing I do like unequivically is the new placement of the historogram on the LCD
One thing I don't like unequivically is the reduced battery life. That may be just a function of increased function usage or just my imagination. I am using more batteries. I'm not blaming anyone, just an observation.
One question......I have the distinct impression that the LCD screen got brighter after the version 2 upgrade. When I completed the upgrade i was instructed to go to the LCD brightness screen to confirm upgrade. At that time it seems to me the bar graph had a couple of extra bars. Anyway, I set the brightness to maximum and it seems to me that I now have a brighter screen. Am I the only one that thinks this?
All and all, I'm glad I did the upgrade. My only real concern is reduced battery life. I am a power consumption hog and only get one battery per 1GB card which is OK because I have to change the card anyway. But having to change the battery at 70 pics would be a drag. Plus I wouldnt be in sync with the card which is another bummer. I suppose I could change my chimping habits but sheesh....I like looking like a monkey!!
Rex
.1
sevres_babylone
Veteran
Thanks for your observations, Rex. I had been getting more or less the same battery life as you. And when I shoot bands in bars, I don't remember ever having to do a battery change till I got home, and I generally would fill my card. I am still sitting on the fence, reading the battery usage reports as they are posted. The improved 1600 is very enticing though. I'll probably go for it though, and then re-read the posts about good sources for third party batteries.
ddimaria
Well-known
I think the best part of the upgrade that hasn't been mentioned is that you can now take three successive shots rather than just two before the buffer fills up if you are shooting raw. If you use the RD-1 for events or journalism this makes a huge difference.
DD
DD
LCT
ex-newbie
ddimaria said:
Agreed, makes it a new camera IMO as 2 shots were not enough obviously.
I don't remember what enhancements Sean Reid was asking for (sorry Sean ;-) but i did not expect that those 3 shots could be achieved by a mere firmware update personally.
Also this new feature and the raw+jpeg option don't seem to slow down the camera so far.
Kudos Epson.
Best,
LCT
rvaubel
Well-known
One other thing I like about the upgrade is the new tungstun white balance. It looks a lot better. I know it doesnt make any difference if your shooting RAW but it looks better on the LCD so you dont have to explain to people how you will fix it in Photoshop.
Does anyone think the screen is brighter? Still wondering if I'm having an acid flashback to my youth.
Rex
Does anyone think the screen is brighter? Still wondering if I'm having an acid flashback to my youth.
Rex
R
RML
Guest
I never had the screen at full strength to begin with, and I don't think the screen got brighter after the upgrade.
Jim Watts
Still trying to See.
If the screen got brighter after the upgrade this would almost certainly account for the extra power drain unless turned down.
Nice list of pros & cons Rex. Some (but not all) features of the upgrade are attractive to me, but I'm 'sitting on the fence' at the moment till we get a consensus on the battery drain problem as for me this would be an issue.
Nice list of pros & cons Rex. Some (but not all) features of the upgrade are attractive to me, but I'm 'sitting on the fence' at the moment till we get a consensus on the battery drain problem as for me this would be an issue.
rvaubel
Well-known
Jim
Your are right about extra power drain if the screen is brighter. I still wonder if I see what I think I see. If true, that alone would explain my shorter battery life. I always leave my screen at maximum brightness but others do not (see RML's post above). I like the screen to be as bright as possible especially in daylight, as brightness was marginal at best.
It would seem odd that Epson would enable such a feature without announcing it as a major improvement. Not to mention the effects of running more power to the LCD.
Again, after I installed the upgrade I confirmed successful installation by opening the LCD brightness screen in the menu. At that time I remember(?) the brightness bar having an addition bar area to the right hand side. Can anyone confirm this? In any case, I made sure I had maximum brightness and proceeded to explore the new features.
Remembering the brightness of something is not easy. So I could be mistaken. This is something that Epson could confirm or deny but getting a straight answer out of them has been difficult in the past.
Meanwhile, I've been looking for a charger that can charge more than one battery at a time. Having one of those things would be good in any case.
Rex
Your are right about extra power drain if the screen is brighter. I still wonder if I see what I think I see. If true, that alone would explain my shorter battery life. I always leave my screen at maximum brightness but others do not (see RML's post above). I like the screen to be as bright as possible especially in daylight, as brightness was marginal at best.
It would seem odd that Epson would enable such a feature without announcing it as a major improvement. Not to mention the effects of running more power to the LCD.
Again, after I installed the upgrade I confirmed successful installation by opening the LCD brightness screen in the menu. At that time I remember(?) the brightness bar having an addition bar area to the right hand side. Can anyone confirm this? In any case, I made sure I had maximum brightness and proceeded to explore the new features.
Remembering the brightness of something is not easy. So I could be mistaken. This is something that Epson could confirm or deny but getting a straight answer out of them has been difficult in the past.
Meanwhile, I've been looking for a charger that can charge more than one battery at a time. Having one of those things would be good in any case.
Rex
Jim Watts
Still trying to See.
Rex,
My R-D1 without the firmware update has 8 click positions for brightness including the first step. I have my screen brightness set half way across on this scale.
Jim
My R-D1 without the firmware update has 8 click positions for brightness including the first step. I have my screen brightness set half way across on this scale.
Jim
stevenrk
Member
"I think the best part of the upgrade that hasn't been mentioned is that you can now take three successive shots rather than just two before the buffer fills up if you are shooting raw. If you use the RD-1 for events or journalism this makes a huge difference.
DD"
Interesting discussion. DD, agree that is a valuable addition. And not to repeat, but recognize that alone could be a deal maker for many. For me though, I still hope to find an R-D1 that has the original firmware.
But bottom line, whatever bells or whistles we would each prefer on our R-D1s, with some of the lovely Leica and other glass out there, this camera takes just wonderful photographs with a print quality that continues to amaze me since I started using it. Too bad it got off on such a bad foot, and hope the M8 does as well in the print on the table department.
And want to thank the contributors to this forum and Sean's reviews for cluing me in just in time to get a hold of one before they vanished. And if anyone has an RD-1 that's collecting dust, just let me know.
Steven
DD"
Interesting discussion. DD, agree that is a valuable addition. And not to repeat, but recognize that alone could be a deal maker for many. For me though, I still hope to find an R-D1 that has the original firmware.
But bottom line, whatever bells or whistles we would each prefer on our R-D1s, with some of the lovely Leica and other glass out there, this camera takes just wonderful photographs with a print quality that continues to amaze me since I started using it. Too bad it got off on such a bad foot, and hope the M8 does as well in the print on the table department.
And want to thank the contributors to this forum and Sean's reviews for cluing me in just in time to get a hold of one before they vanished. And if anyone has an RD-1 that's collecting dust, just let me know.
Steven
rvaubel
Well-known
Jim
I checked my brightness screen and I have 8 clicks too. Even after the upgrade...............and yet it still seems brighter. I quess I just did too much pot in the 60's. Nancy Reagan warned me about that.
Jim, why do you keep your screen so dim? I keep mine flat out which is great indoors and makes it at least visible outdoors. Are there some harmful effects besides battery drain? It doesnt seem wash out the colors or reduce contrast any. Whats the point of suffering with a dim screen?
I suddenly realized that this could be a contravesial topic as most people probably think it is hedonistic to use full power. Kinda like you ought to hold some in "reserve" for an emergancy I guess
Burned out in Bezerkeley
Rex AKA Wrecks
I checked my brightness screen and I have 8 clicks too. Even after the upgrade...............and yet it still seems brighter. I quess I just did too much pot in the 60's. Nancy Reagan warned me about that.
Jim, why do you keep your screen so dim? I keep mine flat out which is great indoors and makes it at least visible outdoors. Are there some harmful effects besides battery drain? It doesnt seem wash out the colors or reduce contrast any. Whats the point of suffering with a dim screen?
I suddenly realized that this could be a contravesial topic as most people probably think it is hedonistic to use full power. Kinda like you ought to hold some in "reserve" for an emergancy I guess
Burned out in Bezerkeley
Rex AKA Wrecks
R
RML
Guest
Rex, I don't think it's hedonistic or anything. It's just that I prefer it this way. I don't find the screen dim and can see perfectly well indoors. Outdoors is a slightly different matter but as long as there's no direct light on the screen, I have no problems. Besides, I can't bear to look at bright screens. At work my screen is dimmed too, and at home my laptop's screen as well.
Jim Watts
Still trying to See.
rvaubel said:
I really second what RML says. I don't use the screen that much, its usually folded in, only the occassional check on the Histogram or Flashing Highlights in difficult exposure situations. If I do use the screen to look at the images ((rarely as I prefer to wait till later to make decisions on deletions for instance) or show them to some 'luckless victim' I find its bright enough if not exposed to direct sunlight. Much brighter and I think the tonal balance is screwed compared to what you see when downloaded.
It probably also does reduce battery drain if my laptop is anything to go by.
No problem with the hedonisim. Perhaps I'm still see the bright lights from the pot in the 60's and want to turn them down a bit! 🙂
Jim
Dim in Essex 😉
Last edited:
rvaubel
Well-known
Dim Viewers
Screen brightness preference differences is interesting. I like my laptop screen to be pretty bright also. I wonder if there is some sort of correlation between screen brightness values and personality. I put to much seasoning on my food too.
Talk about off topic....sorry
Rex
Screen brightness preference differences is interesting. I like my laptop screen to be pretty bright also. I wonder if there is some sort of correlation between screen brightness values and personality. I put to much seasoning on my food too.
Talk about off topic....sorry
Rex
S
sreidvt
Guest
LCT said:
Hi LCT,
I hadn't thought that they could increase the buffer in firmware either. Obviously the camera was throttled a bit by something in the original firmware. So, no, it wasn't on the list that Epson and discussed last year but, of course, it's come up as a criticism here on RFF and in my reviews.
My single favorite feature of the new firmware is that camera now trips the shutter when told to, no ifs, ands or buts. The hot pixel reduction is very useful as well. I've switched both bodies over.
Cheers,
Sean
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