tron
Established
Guys,
I have been told that the only difference between the two is the firmware and it's upgradable ? Is that true ? It sounds weird because the two seems to have a marked difference in price - we have R-D1 from licensed distributors but only parallel imports of R-D1s in Hong Kong.
I have been told that the only difference between the two is the firmware and it's upgradable ? Is that true ? It sounds weird because the two seems to have a marked difference in price - we have R-D1 from licensed distributors but only parallel imports of R-D1s in Hong Kong.
jlw
Rangefinder camera pedant
This was controversial for a while, but the consensus now seems to be that the R-D 1 and R-D 1s are functionally identical except for the firmware, and yes, you can download and apply a firmware update for the R-D 1 that will give it the same features.
The R-D 1s isn't even available officially in some countries, including the USA; I suspect it's simply a differently "badged" model to help distinguish between official and gray-market imports, similar to the way many SLR manufacturers give the same camera different model designations for the Japanese, USA, and European markets.
If the R-D 1s is more expensive, I'd certainly suggest buying an R-D 1 instead and simply applying the firmware update; you'll get exactly the same performance and features.
I've been very pleased with the results of the firmware update on my R-D 1; the only consistent downside people have been reporting is that the battery doesn't give quite as many shots per charge, although it's still unclear whether this is because the updated camera actually consumes more power or, perhaps that Epson simply has set a more conservative low-battery cutoff point to avoid occasionally-reported problems such as the shutter locking up or the camera failing to write data when the battery got too low.
The R-D 1s isn't even available officially in some countries, including the USA; I suspect it's simply a differently "badged" model to help distinguish between official and gray-market imports, similar to the way many SLR manufacturers give the same camera different model designations for the Japanese, USA, and European markets.
If the R-D 1s is more expensive, I'd certainly suggest buying an R-D 1 instead and simply applying the firmware update; you'll get exactly the same performance and features.
I've been very pleased with the results of the firmware update on my R-D 1; the only consistent downside people have been reporting is that the battery doesn't give quite as many shots per charge, although it's still unclear whether this is because the updated camera actually consumes more power or, perhaps that Epson simply has set a more conservative low-battery cutoff point to avoid occasionally-reported problems such as the shutter locking up or the camera failing to write data when the battery got too low.
Mark Norton
Well-known
I bought mine in the full knowledge that the R-D1s was on the way and I've upgraded the firmware. Might affect re-sale value but anyone with an R-D1 will tell you this camera is a keeper.
Didier
"Deed"
tron said:
Yes, both cameras are functionally the same when the R-D1 firmware has been upgraded. The R-D1s is said (I haven't seen one in reality) to have another paint, more like the black Zeiss Ikon RF. I wouldn't care about the resale value. First because it's the same camera and second because you won't sell it anyway
Didier
tron
Established
I like the way you two are convicted
Pity that all the lenses I have are of the old screw mount for my Minolta 35 Model II. If I had M mount lenses, I would have bought one without blinking my eye after listening to your comments.
Pity that all the lenses I have are of the old screw mount for my Minolta 35 Model II. If I had M mount lenses, I would have bought one without blinking my eye after listening to your comments.
Flinor
Well-known
Don't let the lens situation stop you. Cameraquest sell adaptors quite reasonably and you select the framelines, not the camera. I use Leica M, Leica screw, Nikon screw, a Steinheil screw, Canon screw and Rokkor M lenses on mine. That's part of the fun.
jlw
Rangefinder camera pedant
tron said:I like the way you two are convicted
They were convicted; I cut a plea bargain and got off with probation. (American legal joke.)
I thought the focal-plane-shutter Minolta RFs used the L-39 (Leica screw) lens mount...? If so, you can use your lenses on an R-D 1 (or s) via a screw-to-bayonet adapter.
T
T'ohono
Guest
Hi, my first post here - excuse me please.
Is the RD-1 still available for sale in the USA? Last I heard they were getting scarce. I'd like to try digi RF but sure cannot afford what the M-8 is likely to cost.
Any leads to availability would be welcome.
Is the RD-1 still available for sale in the USA? Last I heard they were getting scarce. I'd like to try digi RF but sure cannot afford what the M-8 is likely to cost.
Any leads to availability would be welcome.