RD-1S : rumor from last PMA

[ZorkiKat]

I am VERY happy they didn't put a CMOS rather than the current CCD. I am glad my Epson doesn't bring the look you get from recent Canon cameras. There is something about the Sony chip which is really "right". Many people prefer the Nikon D70 "look" to that of the new D200, the D70 has the same sensor as the Epson, the D200 has a new CMOS sensor. I am not claiming any objectivity, I know how many people love the canon, I don't (I have a "full case" of L lenses).
so I am very happy about the news, if true.

Has anybody else found that CCDs tend to get 'dirty' faster and easier than CMOS sensors? The CCDs tend to be dust magnets- my Fuji S2 seems to attract everybit of dust which enters its throat. My Canons seem to take longer to get as dirty. It seems that I get about 20 dust specks on the Fuji S2 CCD for every one I find in the Canon CCD. And I even change lenses more (I like using adapted M42 lenses on the Canons) with the Canon than the Fuji S2 which has a zoom stuck on it most of the time. How is the RD-1 CCD in this regard?

Jay

 

[rami G]

I actually get much less dust on the RD-1 for some reason, than on my (ex) 20D or the Kodak full frame. And it is very easy to clean it on the RD-1, so it is really not an issue for me.

 

[jlw]

I actually get much less dust on the RD-1 for some reason...

I had the same impression. I suspect that an SLR's mirror functions as an "air pump" to pick up stray dust within the camera and keep it circulating so that it eventually collects on the imager.

BTW, did everybody notice the recently-posted sensor cleaning instructions on Epson's website? Aside from various dire warnings, it's pretty simple, as you'd expect: Remove the memory card, insert a fully charged battery, set the shutter to B, then lock it open with a cable release and use a hand blower to blow off any specks of dust.

What I found interesting was the part about removing the memory card: They claim that when the memory card is removed, powering up the camera does NOT energize the CCD, so you can clean it without any problems with static. If they designed the R-D 1 that way on purpose, that was pretty smart!

 

[aizan]

i hope they go to a .7x viewfinder and put in 28mm and 35mm framelines.

 

[RML]

BTW, did everybody notice the recently-posted sensor cleaning instructions on Epson's website? Aside from various dire warnings, it's pretty simple, as you'd expect: Remove the memory card, insert a fully charged battery, set the shutter to B, then lock it open with a cable release and use a hand blower to blow off any specks of dust.

Didn't notice it. I pay very little attention to the Epson site, or are you talking about the epsonrd1.co.uk site? Not that I go there very often either but at least it contains a few nuggets of good information. IIRC, I learned there that you need to push the shutter button twice if the post-view image is on.

 

[Socke]

i hope they go to a .7x viewfinder and put in 28mm and 35mm framelines.

They have the 28 and 35mm framelines now, but on a 1:1.5 sensor 28mm is more of a normal than a wide lens. If they can put 24mm framelines in a 0.7 viewfinder that would be nice.

 

[aizan]

oops, maybe i should have used mike johnston's new "mm-e"!

 

[JoshRoot]

If they can put 24mm framelines in a 0.7 viewfinder that would be nice.

A 0.7 viewfinder isn't practical on the RD-1 with it's already short rangefinder base. Sure, they would make use wide shooters a little happier. But you'd hear even MORE focus accuracy complaints from people trying to use fast 50's.

 

[aizan]

here's the dpreview announcement:

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0603/06031502epsonrd1s.asp

 

[PaulN]

IIRC, I learned there that you need to push the shutter button twice if the post-view image is on.

Can you expand upon this? Do you mean that you need to press the shutter button twice when the LCD panel is on? One push to turn off the LCD and the other push to take the picture?

Or are you referring to the 'shutter didn't fire' problem that was discussed 6 - 8 months ago here?

-Paul

 

[PaulN]

On the Dpreview announcement I just noticed that the R-D1s now has a self timer.. Damn; this camera is finally useful for family portraits when the photographer actually wants to be in the shot. Someone tell me that the R-D1 currently has this, and I've just overlooked this feature.

 

[fgianni]

On the Dpreview announcement I just noticed that the R-D1s now has a self timer.. Damn; this camera is finally useful for family portraits when the photographer actually wants to be in the shot. Someone tell me that the R-D1 currently has this, and I've just overlooked this feature.

Well my RD-1 has it, I simply connect one of those mechanical timers to the shutter button, paid $10 on the bay for it.

 

[fgianni]

What are the chances of a firmware update for us RD-1 owners?

 

[saxshooter]

What are the chances of a firmware update for us RD-1 owners?

Epson is hoping that we'll all buy second bodies now. 😀

 

[JoshRoot]

What are the chances of a firmware update for us RD-1 owners?

I am attempting to get ahold of someone at Epson or their PR company to try and answer this for my (now delayed) review article.