new digital rangefinder R-d2

The lever is kind of gimmicky. Having an electric one wouldn't drain the battery that much, nor should it really add to the cost. Every DSLR has managed to not need a wind lever, even the cheap ones, and considering the RD1 costs as much as a 5dmk2 new (or about a much as a used 5d, or a new 50d), what costs are we really talking about cutting ?

Yeah I know it's a smaller run than any of the big cameras, but it's not like it's a budget camera either.
 
I would love to have an R-Dn with a Foveon sensor (that's the one Sigma puts into the DP2, for instance). I also would like a wider RF base. And leave the lever alone, please.
 
i don't think there is any hope for those of us wanting an upgraded rd1.

epson canada wont even reply to an email concerning the rd1, but they put me on their mailing list and i get all their advertising now so i know they are getting my emails.

i think our 'next best thing' will be a future model of a m4thirds camera, probably from panasonic.
 
What I honestly think would be the best is if some manufacturer actually made a 'modern' rangefinder, as opposed to making a digital version of existing rangefinders. All the digital rangefinders lack even the most basic features found in other styles of digital camera due to a strict adherence to tradition. The existence of the rewind crank is one example, and people complaining about the lack of a frame counter another.

Someone should make a completely new rangefinder and say **** all to tradition and just make a great rangefinder, instead of being boxed in by the past. Even starting small like making frame lines illuminated by leds, making the framelines consistently bright in all conditions with nearly no battery drain. Capability for multiple frame lines for a wide array of lenses (one set of framelines up at a time, determined by lens selection in a menu; m mount adapter for failsafe), perhaps an adjustable magnification viewfinder.

Hell, at one time the M5 was an outcast, with it's larger size, it's incredibly accurate meter, it's 3 lugs. Every now and then you need a model to cut through the wilderness and lead the way for the future.

I'm happy with my M2, and I won't be using a digital rangefinder for a long time (due to exorbitant prices coupled with no real significant improvements over the M2), but really, shouldn't rangefinders be afforded some sort of progress?


Edit: I know the led framelines or whatever might be a silly idea, my point is that the developments in the core of rangefinders essentially halted years ago. We don't have better viewfinders than we did 20 years ago, better focusing patches (some point out that the M8/M9 are harder to focus with fast lenses than their M2/M3 counterparts), or any improvements of the basics. It's somewhat sad that a 50+ year old camera can be considered superior to it's modern counterpart. Note that this isn't ad antiquitam.
 
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Mephiloco said:
What I honestly think would be the best is if some manufacturer actually made a 'modern' rangefinder, as opposed to making a digital version of existing rangefinders. All the digital rangefinders lack even the most basic features found in other styles of digital camera due to a strict adherence to tradition. ...
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Interesting idea, but consequently don´t you think the Pana Lumix GF1 and Oly Pen E-P1 are right on the way to a kind of "modern" rangefinder. No mirror and also no framelines, but the choice of a screen or viewfinder to get control. Maybe Panasonic or a third will offer a alternative external viewfinder with more pixels. On the other hand there is nothing better than a real life view.
 
phototektour said:
Interesting idea, but consequently don´t you think the Pana Lumix GF1 and Oly Pen E-P1 are right on the way to a kind of "modern" rangefinder. No mirror and also no framelines, but the choice of a screen or viewfinder to get control. Maybe Panasonic or a third will offer a alternative external viewfinder with more pixels. On the other hand there is nothing better than a real life view.
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Yeah, except there's no rangefinder. 😛
 
Trius said:
Yeah, except there's no rangefinder. 😛
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😎

🙂 Sure, not in terms of Leica etc.
Some time ago in a pre-digital world, there was the question of a mirror or not. And the question here was about a new kind of modern rangefinder. So why not think about a camera like GF1. They can change the viewfinder and use M-lenses. I think, they are on-the-way, in progress, to get some day this new rangefinder. They only have to replace the changeable viewfinder.

Regards
R
 
Wow, it is the second page for the R-d2, thanks everybody for the replies. 🙂 I think much people like the camera despite of the limitations. In my opinion micro-4/3 can not replace a real optical rangefinder, it is not the same with framing, the direct view and feeling. 😉
 
I also would love an R-D2. In fact the R-D1x should have been just that. A larger sensor, and pretty much no other upgrades would have rung my bells.
 
wanted updates:

- bigger sensor
- in camera ISO pushing to ISO 3200
- replace shutter speed dial with the one from the Leica M6 (direction and speeds) with end positions at "B" and (surprise) "A" and a very defined click at flash sync speed
- higher flash sync (250 anybody)
- new more rugged leather
- smaller SD card door, that does not go in the way of the strap lugs
- higher contrast rangefinder patch (my M6 can be focussed with both eyes open in every light - the R-D1 is difficult)
- corrected tilted frame line problem
- frame lines for 90mm lenses
- a bit longer rewind lever throw (feels a bit awkward after using the M6)
- LEAVE THE REWIND LEVER ALONE OR…
- clean up the cluttered top deck design
- change menu from disk style to one menu with all adjustments quickly reachable (color, film settings, format SD card, delete image like Nikon DSLRs)
- make Q/WB lever function programable and film names editable (change film with lever and jog dial from Tri-X to Velvia anybody?)
- quick zoom by one button press for focus check

I really had to think long, to find meaningful updates. It is (despite some quality issues) a very usable, straight camera. I like it and would think about buying a new model.
 
Mephiloco said:
Someone should make a completely new rangefinder and say **** all to tradition and just make a great rangefinder, instead of being boxed in by the past.
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I'd like that very much, as well. But, I fear camera vendors think of RF uses as wedded to the past, as people who deliberately shun innovation and change. They might point to the hostile reaction to the M5, to Leica's apparent belief that it is locked into making cameras that look like the M3 forever, to our disdain for DSLR's, and our penchant for buying and using ancient cameras.

Each of those points is subject to rebuttal, of course. Perception counts more than reality, though, even if that perception is skewed.

If someone does release something with appeal to RF users, says a 4/3-sized camera with a full-frame sensor, a sparkling EVF and an M-mount it had better sell in bunches or there won't be a second one.
 
Hey menos, thanks for your opinion. It seems you know what you want.🙂
It is an unsustainable condition that we do not have an cheaper alternative for the expensive M9 on the market, it is beggary.
 
freedomland said:
Hey menos, thanks for your opinion. It seems you know what you want.🙂
It is an unsustainable condition that we do not have an cheaper alternative for the expensive M9 on the market, it is beggary.
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Watching the M9 demand vs. supply and involved prices, we can only hope aome marketing dpt. picks this up and makes a good decision for customers.

Too bad, developing a full frame rangefinder seems a highly complicated task, so why not have a 6MP EPSON, that conquers every aspect, the Leica do + some intelligent solutions, more functional than the Leica and of course a more competitive price @ 2000 − 2500 EUR compared to 2-3 times the price from Leica.

It just has to be innovative and have none of the old quality issues, to have it dragged down by reviewers and internet forum kids.
 
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