ah i see. my mistake...
Epson R-D1 : To be Discontinued....
- Thread starter AK00
- Start date
- Status
ah i see. my mistake...
Given the lack of other viable alternatives, the discontinuation of the R-D1 line will put an end to an avenue to the world of RF photography for many hardcore digital users who would not have otherwise explored using a rangefinder.
I fall loosely into this category when I acquired mine a while ago. I had a film RF camera but hardly touched it due to the inconveniences associated with the usage of film. I really took to the rangefinder only when the Epson came about. Quite often I hear many who have shunned rangefinders acquiring the R-D1 as their first rangefinder, and from reading many of the experiences of other new rangefinder users, I find this to be a common occurence.
There aren't many used bodies in circulation and over time, the value of second hand bodies will eventually rise and perhaps even surpass what it was when Epson was actively marketing the R-D1. This has been repeated many times over with other non-mainstream models that have been discontinued.
I'm certainly holding on to mine and I urge whoever is thinking of acquiring one to do so quickly before its value begins to appreciate. It's quite a joy to use the Epson and I often find myself picking it up whenever I get tired of using the DSLR.
I fall loosely into this category when I acquired mine a while ago. I had a film RF camera but hardly touched it due to the inconveniences associated with the usage of film. I really took to the rangefinder only when the Epson came about. Quite often I hear many who have shunned rangefinders acquiring the R-D1 as their first rangefinder, and from reading many of the experiences of other new rangefinder users, I find this to be a common occurence.
There aren't many used bodies in circulation and over time, the value of second hand bodies will eventually rise and perhaps even surpass what it was when Epson was actively marketing the R-D1. This has been repeated many times over with other non-mainstream models that have been discontinued.
I'm certainly holding on to mine and I urge whoever is thinking of acquiring one to do so quickly before its value begins to appreciate. It's quite a joy to use the Epson and I often find myself picking it up whenever I get tired of using the DSLR.
tomcat
Senior Member
Same here. I'm now a diehard digital shooter and would never have tried a analog RF even if it was given to me free because of the inherent delays and inconvenience of film. The R-D1 and R-D1s are destined to become cult cameras. Though they used the same sensor as the Nikon D100, the colours and the image quality from the Epson is superb... that's the way it should have been with the D100 but wasn't.
Ansel
Senior Member
The so-called "inconveniences" of film are the aspect or a dimension of film photography that some people still cherish, albeit, they are a dying breed.
It is not fair to compare the D100's images to the RD1's because, although they use the same sensor, their digital image processing technology (firmware) are of different eras. It is more of an apple to apple comparison if you compare with the D70s or D50, both with the same sensor, but with dramatically improved firmware, and correspondingly better resulting image quality.
Actually the inherent delays and inconveniences of film are what it is all about. I dunno about other photogs, but the heightened anticipation of waiting for my prints or slides to be presented to me at the lab (or to see the negs and prints develop in the dark room) always gives me a buzz.
It is akin to the anticipation you get waiting to rendevous for a first date. Hehe - ok -maybe not as good as that - but still an experience not to be missed.:bsmilie:
You don't know what you are missing. Boyo.
tomcat
Senior Member
Sorry to disappoint... but 'been there, done that'. I am old enough to be most of the people's fathers here and started off with film photography, having learned to develop and print both B&W and colour films. My parents in fact started the first local colour developing and printing lab in Singapore called Life Colour Lab in the late 1950s (those old enough might remember) and the work is so laborious that I don't get to see them every day until 10pm or later every night. Maybe that might have jaundiced my view of film photography but I am so glad that I can live without that kind of stress now.
Terence,
I like the way u put it... it made me feel like booking an air ticket right now and fly to Japan and grab one tomorrow! :bsmilie:
Haha, no need la. I'm sure there will a couple popping up from time to time on the local used market. I think a good second hand body still represents a better deal over a new one at the moment. Nothing like checking it out yourself to make the framelines aren't crooked and the rangefinder is properly calibrated.
Tried it. RF image is fuzzy and not aligned vertically (typical R-D1 problem), otherwise still in good working condition. (well used but not abused. only some paint drop off at the back.)
man, this is one real slooow (digi-)cam to use:sweat: IQ seems good.
gommy
Senior Member
It's official. R-D1s-RIP but Epson will honor service for next 6 years.....http://db.riskwaters.com/public/showPage.html?page=453252
any hint that this might be true? ;p
- Status
Similar threads
