Pro's & Con's = should I or shouldn't I?

[Didier]

Do I buy an Epson RD1 or save up and buy the Leica M8?

Bought a R-D1 from Robert White/Epson UK in past may. If I could turn back the time, I would shurely not do it again.

Had a lot of troubles - RF disalignment - went to Epson Switzerland, came back even more disadjusted, went to DAG USA, came back, then I noticed the sensor is faulty mounted (tilt of 1°, visible by eye), waited now almost 3 months for an answer from Epson UK, now they finally agreed in sending a new one to the seller which will test it for me first. Paid a lot for all insured EMS shippings, have still troubles with my customs for everytime the camera passes our borders they want fees and VAT again. In seven months, the camera was on the way for about 2 months. Xmas 2006 will happen without digital rangefinder for me.

I know others had more luck (or do care less about the flaws than me), but I wouldn't buy this camera again, because of the reliability, the spotty quality control, the even worse Epson service. Otherwise it's a good camera, if you may manage to check out a sample before buying it, why not.

The M8 is another thing. It's serious flaws would keep me back to spend so much money for it. All the M8 can is offering a rangefinder handling and a M-mount combined with a midclass, flawed sensor.

I would consider both models as prematured prototypes. Epson is not likely to continue this experiment, so when buying a R-D1(s) you should keep in mind spare parts could get rare very soon. As for the M8, I'd wait some time until they have resolved the IR/magenta problems.

Didier

 

[OurManInTangier]

Wow - I started something here! Thanks again for all the info/advice and comments. I think that by the time I've saved enough to get the M8, without leaving me short, there may well be an upgraded version anyway. I've also learnt through experience not to buy the first version of anything technological without expecting flaws and problems so it is probably worth waiting.

I still intend to check out the Rd-1, and if possible the M8 too, and get a feel for how they may be to work with ( tough to do in an hour or so but better than nothing!)

Jon - I'll have a look at Voigtlander R4a too - do you use one of these/

 

[ClaremontPhoto]

The R4A isn't available yet, but, yes, I use a Voitlander R3A. A great camera and very popular at RFF.

 

[Gid]

Some interesting and polarised views as usual. I have had my R-D1 for almost two years. Apart from adjusting the RF (twice), which is an easy DIY job, I have had no problems. I haven't noticed any magenta cast, purple fringing or any other digital artefact. I always shoot raw, so maybe that has some effect. It is a very good camera, but it isn't a Leica. However, it is the closest to film that you'll get with a digital. Simple manual controls, no menu diving and if you turn the LCD inwards, its easy to forget you're using digital. I haven't had any focusing issues with any of the lenses I use - including a 50 1.5 and a 90 2.8 - but maybe I'm not picky. The RF base length is relatively short, so it will present some challenges. Would I buy it again - absolutely. Will I buy an M8 - I don't really know. I've just bought an MP in preference to an M8, but I do like mechanical cameras and film.

I'll happily lend you mine for a day or two if you want to meander over towards Northampton. I'll second the Robert White recommendation.

 

[ampguy]

if you shoot a lot, and you are ok with the digital images it produces, then the rd1 will pay for itself in well under a year. There is no doubt that it's build quality is timeless or that it is made to last forever. So check out the photo quality, do the math, and then be sure to get either a new or refurb with 1 year warranty.

 

[ampguy]

my thoughts

my thoughts

if you shoot a lot, and you are ok with the digital images it produces, then the rd1 will pay for itself in well under a year. There is no doubt that it's build quality is timeless or that it is made to last forever. So check out the photo quality, do the math, and then be sure to get either a new or refurb with 1 year warranty.

On the upside, there are some independents who are able to fix these as well such as DAG and the guy in so. calif. who fixed a members shutter system in his first disassembly of the R-D1.

 

[Steve Litt]

I got my RD-1 earlier in the year from Robert White and it has been perfect from day 1.I shoot mostly B/W but recently more colour has crept in. I have no issues with with image quality and ergonomically it handles and operates like a regular rangefinder so well that I mostly use it that way only looking at the screen when I stop for a break.In the past I have had rangefinder alignment problems with 2 Voigtlander Bessar cameras and managed to put them right myself but my RD-1 is spot on. I have used a 50mm f2 and 90mm f4 but a 40mm summicron lives on it and they go most places with me.I have never shot Jpegs and use Epsons software for B/W and CS2 for finishing and colour.I have been using digital cameras and photoshop for some time before getting my RD-1 and rangefinder cameras for 20 odd years and for me this is an enjoyable hobby,Yes, I would buy another one.