f16sunshine
Moderator
I'm currently looking over some captures from a recent project. The 5Dii and RD1 both were in play. Honestly a bit better resolution from the RD1 would be nice (DR as well). That said it still is a strong performer at 6mp. The sort EBL used to bother me before I ever needed it longer. What I mean is now that I shoot a f1.2/50 on this camera without any trouble... the EBL seems just fine.
LCT
ex-newbie
Vulgar magnesium alloy i'm afraid....where's the brass?
biomed
Veteran
Pixel resolution is overrated.
I agree for most applications. You might want a higher resolution for cropping purposes. IMO, the most overlooked specification on a digital camera is the Pixel Density of the sensor. I have had several 5 to 6 MP cameras that served admirably. Just my 2 cents.
shadeofpale
Established
The R-D1 is a gift, there's nothing not to rave about-
(I love those gorgeous indicator dials).
The only improvement imho would be a 24x36-sensor
with 14-18 mp … ;-)
Cheers!
Don
(I love those gorgeous indicator dials).
The only improvement imho would be a 24x36-sensor
with 14-18 mp … ;-)
Cheers!
Don
Tuolumne
Veteran
A wonderful camera that is still a serious RF contender after all these years. Unique image quality, but I did sell mine, just because I was simplifying my life. I mostly shoot pocket digitals now, like the Dlux-4.
/T
/T
jmkelly
rangefinder user
Does anyone think Epson is about to release another R-D? Just asking. If they do, I hope they keep the same pixel density and put in a larger sensor for a smaller crop factor.
As it is I am fine with my R-D1 as it is. It has a new skin and a viewfinder mag - addressing the two issues I had with it when I bought it. I got a good deal on it used, so for the price of a used M8 I got the R-D1, a LX3, a DP2 and a J-3 with a LTM adapter for the R-D1.
As it is I am fine with my R-D1 as it is. It has a new skin and a viewfinder mag - addressing the two issues I had with it when I bought it. I got a good deal on it used, so for the price of a used M8 I got the R-D1, a LX3, a DP2 and a J-3 with a LTM adapter for the R-D1.
menos
Veteran
i was looking at the r-d1 (again). the only things i don't really like about it are the "film advance" lever, the indicator dial, the viewfinder magnification, and most of all the megapixel count. but other than, it says WANT.
Interestingly all points, you named are exactly points, I love about the R-D1!
Especially the shutter cocking lever (making a loud motor sound unneccesary) and the wonderful x1.0 finder magnification.
I can't understand, why anybody does not like a 1:1 finder magnification, when it still displays 28mm frames, as the Leica 0.72 finder apart from preferring a specific wide angle finder.
I play with the idea of upgrading my R-D1 to a R-D1x just for the SDHC cards. A higher sensor resolution (10MP) would be a great bonus, a full frame sensor even would make thinking about this upgrade very short.
I think though, that dreaming about a FF sensor in a DRF other than the Leica M9 is just that for the foreseeable time to come - dreaming.
My biggest issue, I have with my M8.2 is, that my D3 just does sooo much better low light, that it actually makes little sense, to use it in bad light.
Film works better, than the digital Leica offerings in low light, bettered also by the R-D1 btw
snausages
Well-known
5x7 color prints from the RD1 are impeccable. 5x7 prints are big enough for me 90% of the time. So the RD1 is good enough for me 90% of the time. No gripes about megapixels here.
AhShun
Member
I dream from time to time: if only the R-D1 made after the ZI, we might have a nicer body with decent sensor.
The "original" is jolly good for me indeed.
I print 12x16 without crop in the good old days. The 6MP file is good enough to deliver. (I can't "see" as close as I was young^^)
The "original" is jolly good for me indeed.
I print 12x16 without crop in the good old days. The 6MP file is good enough to deliver. (I can't "see" as close as I was young^^)
AhShun
Member
Are the 28mm lines in the RD-1 for a 28mm lens or a 28mm FoV?
It's life-size viewfinder is for ~40mm FoV.
flip
良かったね!
IMO, RD1S has only one problem with it - short RF base.
I agree, possibly because I also have tried to use both Hex 1.2 lenses on it.
Ezzie
E. D. Russell Roberts
Yes, a larger pixel count would be nice, but I agree that the density should be kept as it is - in other words the sensor size would have to go up, meaning that it will never happen.
I love the R-D1 in use and the IQ it gives, and I've had 8x10 prints made which hold their own at closer than intended viewing distances. Of course, if you are concerned about possible bigger enlargements in the future, then use something else. Who here has just the one camera?

I love the R-D1 in use and the IQ it gives, and I've had 8x10 prints made which hold their own at closer than intended viewing distances. Of course, if you are concerned about possible bigger enlargements in the future, then use something else. Who here has just the one camera?
joeyjoe
New rangefinder lover
the MP count & 1.6 crop factor are precisely what are preventing me from buying what is otherwise my dream digital camera. I prefer to have a single camera system which is why I'm unloading a bunch of SLR stuff and I'd like to be able to enlarge to 11x14.
I agree, possibly because I also have tried to use both Hex 1.2 lenses on it.
Did you end up sending your R-D1s back to Epson? Just wondering if it worked out...
RichC
Well-known
One of the reasons I sold my R-D1 is that for professional work I need 18 MP - which equates to ideal quality for a double-page magazine spread and is the minimum size required by my photo agency.
10-12 MP can be resampled to 18 MP - just - but the loss of quality when resampling 6 MP to 18 MP is too great.
10-12 MP can be resampled to 18 MP - just - but the loss of quality when resampling 6 MP to 18 MP is too great.
Others complain about the camera's "crop" factor, but the crop factor only exists when we compare the RD1 to a 35mm film camera. The RD1 is a good picture taking machine.
The reason it is a valid complaint is because it uses an M mount and epson does not make any proprietary lenses.
LCT
ex-newbie
Like Hasselblad or Linhof you mean?The reason it is a valid complaint is because it uses an M mount and epson does not make any proprietary lenses.
Ed Schwartzreic
Well-known
I truly love my R-D1 (although I probably use my M8 more often) for all the reasons that have been mentioned. I have acceptable 11x17 prints, and after adjusting the RF carefully, have used a Nocti quite successfully on it. If I am shooting for my own pleasure rather than on some assignment, the R-D1 is my choice. Compared to the R-D1, the M8 feels like a computer, not a camera.
menos
Veteran
… Compared to the R-D1, the M8 feels like a computer, not a camera.
Very well chosen words and so well fitting!
The R-D1 feels much more connected and responsive due to the great manual controls.
With the M, one constantly fiddles in the menu, which interrupts the natural feel of a manual camera indeed.
And yes, the shutter cocking lever does make a difference!
saiminyaku
Imaging Enthusiast
If my R-D1s was FF like my 1Ds II dSLR, then I'd be in utter bliss with the combination.
I have absolutely zero qualms with the camera otherwise. I love the analog ergonomics and gauges, including the advance lever.
I have absolutely zero qualms with the camera otherwise. I love the analog ergonomics and gauges, including the advance lever.
Share:
-
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.