mdspace
Established
Two years ago we thought the end of the Epson RD-1, but Epson surprised us with the RD-1s, not to much important improves to be sincere. Many people said that it was the way to sell all the stocks of RD-1 that the costumers return to Epson recalling the warranty.
When we thought again the end of this special camera Epson came with the RD-1x.
This time I feel that Epson is not just releasing an upgrade of the camera, I think that they are working in a new thing for the next years. They also have many questions for themselves. Maybe they ask them self what can happen with a fixed LCD screen. Why?... because this is a unique characteristic between it competitor, but like we know the folding screen have been a common problem with the costumers. It can be a sign that the RD-1x can be the predecessor of a new camera because finally they changed something about the structure of the camera.
When they released the RD-1 they omitted the data transmission by USB and the video output plug. Why?.. I'm not sure, but is illustrated in a japanese book that talk about the RD-1. My point of view about that it is that Epson was working hard against the time releasing a digital rangefinder camera when Leica announced that it will take some time to become truth. Epson work with many japanese companies together for the RD-1 to try to create a legend but when they released the R-D1 like a winner and luxury camera they face with their own expectations because many things were missing. Too late!
They face that the RD-1 was not the expected thing, the rangefinder cameras are for a selected community, not indeed rich, not to many users, many rangefinder camera users consider the photography an art more than a luxury or fashion, too many digital SLR users and cameras, and specially that the quality of this camera is not in the envelope or the box of the camera. After all the problems trying to control a market that they can't control because Epson is not a camera maker. Can you imagine all the money that they have to spend to have capable people around the world to support the warranty just focused in repair cameras in place of printers?... that is why they decide to release the RD-1s just in Japan, it is more easy to control that problem in the neighborhood.
Now, to create a completely new RD concept is not easy, they have a very strong competitor, a competitor that have a name and maybe if the technology inside is not the best, the camera itself (the quality of the paint, the materials, after service of the costumers, etc.... inclusively the box) is a real luxury. Right now the costumers have a new idea of something that exist, to be a pioneer in a concept is not enough, the price vs quality have to be considered and I think that instep of thinking in luxuries they have to focus in a more popular and usable camera for rangefinder users.
All the RD-1 user have a question about when the RD-2 will come. I feel after all that Epson don't want to leave the battle and they are preparing something special for the next years. Do you think that the RD-1 concept will die with more RD-1s, x, y, z... or we will see in the next year a real new concept of the R-D2?
Hello, hellO... hellooOO! EPSON ARE YOU THERE!!!
When we thought again the end of this special camera Epson came with the RD-1x.
This time I feel that Epson is not just releasing an upgrade of the camera, I think that they are working in a new thing for the next years. They also have many questions for themselves. Maybe they ask them self what can happen with a fixed LCD screen. Why?... because this is a unique characteristic between it competitor, but like we know the folding screen have been a common problem with the costumers. It can be a sign that the RD-1x can be the predecessor of a new camera because finally they changed something about the structure of the camera.
When they released the RD-1 they omitted the data transmission by USB and the video output plug. Why?.. I'm not sure, but is illustrated in a japanese book that talk about the RD-1. My point of view about that it is that Epson was working hard against the time releasing a digital rangefinder camera when Leica announced that it will take some time to become truth. Epson work with many japanese companies together for the RD-1 to try to create a legend but when they released the R-D1 like a winner and luxury camera they face with their own expectations because many things were missing. Too late!
They face that the RD-1 was not the expected thing, the rangefinder cameras are for a selected community, not indeed rich, not to many users, many rangefinder camera users consider the photography an art more than a luxury or fashion, too many digital SLR users and cameras, and specially that the quality of this camera is not in the envelope or the box of the camera. After all the problems trying to control a market that they can't control because Epson is not a camera maker. Can you imagine all the money that they have to spend to have capable people around the world to support the warranty just focused in repair cameras in place of printers?... that is why they decide to release the RD-1s just in Japan, it is more easy to control that problem in the neighborhood.
Now, to create a completely new RD concept is not easy, they have a very strong competitor, a competitor that have a name and maybe if the technology inside is not the best, the camera itself (the quality of the paint, the materials, after service of the costumers, etc.... inclusively the box) is a real luxury. Right now the costumers have a new idea of something that exist, to be a pioneer in a concept is not enough, the price vs quality have to be considered and I think that instep of thinking in luxuries they have to focus in a more popular and usable camera for rangefinder users.
All the RD-1 user have a question about when the RD-2 will come. I feel after all that Epson don't want to leave the battle and they are preparing something special for the next years. Do you think that the RD-1 concept will die with more RD-1s, x, y, z... or we will see in the next year a real new concept of the R-D2?
Hello, hellO... hellooOO! EPSON ARE YOU THERE!!!
Last edited:
Dave Wilkinson
Veteran
Sadly - in view of the present economic climate, I think no.3 is the only realistic option.
Dave.
Dave.
aizan
Veteran
i think an rd-2 will pop up when full frame becomes realistic. why not?
Dave Wilkinson
Veteran
Why not? - perhaps because of the amount of demand for this type of camera, when there are so many more efficient, more cost effective alternatives available now.
Dave.
Tuolumne
Veteran
I think it depends on how well the RD-1x does. I'm not very optimistic given the current economic climate.
/T
/T
thinkfloyd
Flippy Nose
Unless they decide to sell the RD-2 at around $1000-$1500... they'll use less funds for R&D, having had experience with the RD-1.
I for one, love the RD-1 concept and wish they'd stick with that, and hope that if indeed the RD-2 comes, it will boast a decent sensor between 10-14MP with gorgeous high ISO capabilities, a slot to be able to transfer images via cord instead of removing the SD, return of the swivel screen, a larger buffer and a more silent shutter. I can live with 1.5x crop, but 1.3x will be a welcome addition. I hope they pull this off and sell at a lower price point to be able to compete with other camera makers... but as of today, I think the RD-1 series still has a long life ahead...
I for one, love the RD-1 concept and wish they'd stick with that, and hope that if indeed the RD-2 comes, it will boast a decent sensor between 10-14MP with gorgeous high ISO capabilities, a slot to be able to transfer images via cord instead of removing the SD, return of the swivel screen, a larger buffer and a more silent shutter. I can live with 1.5x crop, but 1.3x will be a welcome addition. I hope they pull this off and sell at a lower price point to be able to compete with other camera makers... but as of today, I think the RD-1 series still has a long life ahead...
photorat
Registered Abuser
The R-D2 but not for several years and not in the form most people would want it. I just don't see full frame ever coming to fruition in DRFs in the immediate future. Even a 1.3x crop would necessitate a complete redesign of the viewfinder mechanism (different framelines and/or viewfinder magnification) to say nothing of the flange depth issue.
mdspace
Established
The RD-1x means that Epson still interested, good news for all of us. I feel that for some reason they are waiting the new digital sensor and another characteristics for something new the next years.
aizan
Veteran
the r-d1x is a prestige product for epson. they're not trying to make millions, breaking even is just fine.
skibeerr
Well-known
At last within my reach?
At last within my reach?
What will this do to the, to high, second hand RD-1 prices
At last within my reach?
What will this do to the, to high, second hand RD-1 prices
marbrink
Established
Well, the only thing they would have to do according to me is switch to a 10 or 12mp Sony sensor and replace the LCD. Maybe they should offer a 0.68x viewfinder as well with framelines from 21mm.
fgianni
Trainee Amateur
I voted 2, but I am aware it's just wishful thinking.
P
peterbilitch
Guest
In releasing the R-D1x I would guess there's more to the business strategy than emptying a warehouse full of old bodies and sensors. Since in addition to the initial assembly, advertising and distribution costs, they have to keep the service and support facilities in place for some years.
So [I hope] it's safe to assume there's an R-D2 on the way...
Peter
So [I hope] it's safe to assume there's an R-D2 on the way...
Peter
FrozenInTime
Well-known
I reckon the RD1x and other crop Leica M format rangefinders and pseudo rangefinders like the µ4/3 line would really take off if Voigtländer could be persuaded to do what Leica wont: Make crop specific compact wide lenses.
Epson could use the same new Samsung CMOS sensor as Pentax's K20D... 14.6Mp with shallower photo sites, which seems to me good for dRF cameras due to being better able to pick up high-angled light rays as are problematical with the short RF flange-back distance. Also, this sensor minimizes the size of the electronics surrounding each photo site, leading to higher pixel density without making the sites smaller. Still APS format, but this should make for a good R-D2 improvement.
thinkfloyd
Flippy Nose
Exactly my sentiments (said about the same thing somewhre here...) though I didn't know about the shalower photo sites. But the high ISO capabilities of the K20D is lovely to say the least... even in a 1.5x crop format, I wouldn't mind as long as the IQ is excelent. I hope Epson is reading this...
ampguy
Veteran
What does the RD1-x do over the regular and "s" models?
thinkfloyd
Flippy Nose
RD-1x accepts SDHC cards, has a larger LCD screen but is fixed, no more swivel screen, has a grip option too. There are slight software upgrades I think, but I'm not sure what. There's a thread around here somewhere that discusses the differences though..