Epson RD-1 still worth it?


B

bernards

Senior Member
I need some advice. I don't know much about rangefinders, never owning one. I am considering a M8. Unfortunately, the more I think about it, the less inclined I become to spend 7k on a body. It's got some quirky specs for that price as well.

I was poking around and saw the Epson RD-1 is quite a competent machine. I need some advice here. I have no idea how much a used one is going for. I'm in Tokyo for a few days and can go poking around for one. Is $1500 a reasonable sum? Is the sensor decent by today's standards? Is the camera sensr able to resolve high resolution that many RF lenses are capable of?

Thanks ahead for any advice.
 

 

bernards said:
I need some advice. I don't know much about rangefinders, never owning one. I am considering a M8. Unfortunately, the more I think about it, the less inclined I become to spend 7k on a body. It's got some quirky specs for that price as well.

I was poking around and saw the Epson RD-1 is quite a competent machine. I need some advice here. I have no idea how much a used one is going for. I'm in Tokyo for a few days and can go poking around for one. Is $1500 a reasonable sum? Is the sensor decent by today's standards? Is the camera sensr able to resolve high resolution that many RF lenses are capable of?

Thanks ahead for any advice.
Click to expand...

Market price for a RD1 (not R1Ds) is more like 1500USD in Tokyo. MAP Camera has 4-5 the last time I was there.
 

brian said:
Market price for a RD1 (not R1Ds) is more like 1500USD in Tokyo. MAP Camera has 4-5 the last time I was there.
Click to expand...

;p;p:thumbsup:
sadly am not heading that way till next year
 

I would edge towards the M8. None of the digital RFs are perfect right now. But I think if you have another film RF, the M8's 1.33 focal length would be a better compromise than the R1's 1.5. No sensor (even the 1DSM3) right now can out resolve a good lens right now.

I think Hacker might be able to get an M8 for 5.9K which I quoted from another thread.
 

When there is no other alternatives, what we have today becomes the best in the market NOW. :bsmilie:

In my own opinion, RD-1 is a great camera in terms of built quality, feel & ergonomics. Personally, I feel the ergonomics is better than the M8. I can fully see the White Balance, File Image Quality, Battery Life, Remaining Frames Left ALL at one glance on the analog dial. And it is very intuitive. I love analog things. The dial won me over many rounds. :)

Well, if you are looking at picture quality and sensor technology, then the RD-1 might not be your cup of tea. It's at least 2 to 3 generations back from the latest Nikon D3 sensor technology. Just imagine, this same sensor was used in Nikon D70, D100... and now we are talking about D300, D3, D3X... And also firmware was not updated since the RD-1s version.

WELL... having said all these, sensor technology might not be that important afterall. The Leica M and L39 screw mount RF lenses open to a world of exciting & excellent lenses that people in SLR world can only envy. It's true that digital sensors today might not be able to resolve the image quality of the lens truly (at least those sub USD20,000 catagory)... that's why sticking to film and a little more patience has it's rewards. :bsmilie:
 

wait for the nikon drf....:-P
 

JamesW said:
I think Hacker might be able to get an M8 for 5.9K which I quoted from another thread.
Click to expand...

Price may go up again come 1 July! I can get 1-2 sets more at the most. After that, no more, :cry:.
 

was quoted $7300 at Alan photo with a f2.5 lens.
 

Good price. I think is is about Hacker's price when he get from them to break the set.
QUOTE=nordleadx;4071491]was quoted $7300 at Alan photo with a f2.5 lens.[/QUOTE]
 

Thanks all for sharing your knowledge. I'll be free this evening and pop by Shinjuku for a look at the used shops. I'll set aside about 3k for the body and a lens ot two. Actually, I am suprised a discontinued camera of such vintage by a company with no track record is holding it's value so well. Shocking actually.

Currently I am more intrested in the moody, glowy, softie look. It seems like the R-D1 and some old lenses will work quite well for me. The high details question is for the possiblity of leaving my DLSR at home for good. I mostly travel for business and really don't want to carry 5kg of gear. I figured a 12, 35 and 50 lens should be able to cover my needs.

I'll post an update once I manage to browse around tonight.
 

bernards said:
Thanks all for sharing your knowledge. I'll be free this evening and pop by Shinjuku for a look at the used shops. I'll set aside about 3k for the body and a lens ot two. Actually, I am suprised a discontinued camera of such vintage by a company with no track record is holding it's value for well. Shocking actually.

Currently I am more intrested in the moody, glowy, softie look. It seems like the R-D1 and some old lenses will work quite well for me. The high details question is for the possiblity of leaving my DLSR at home for good. I mostly travel for business and really don't want to carry 5kg of gear. I figured a 12, 35 and 50 lens should be able to cover my needs.

I'll post an update once I manage to browse around tonight.
Click to expand...

" Actually, I am suprised a discontinued camera of such vintage by a company with no track record is holding it's value for well. Shocking actually. ""
I agree with you on this
:bsmilie:
 

I got in December 2006. And in July 2007 got the M8. Somehow, I am still reluctant to sell it off inspite of so many offers. Auto white balance is more predictable than M8, and a nice earthy tone (not cold or warm, but more "brownish"(?)). I don't normally make prints, and never make BIG prints, so the resolution doesn't seem limiting to me (except when you do pixel-peeping).

Because of the high crop factor, for me the most suitable focal length is 28mm, and the Leica Elmarit 28 ASPH is just perfect for it (CV color skopar 28 vignettes more). The CV 40mm is also very convenient. Recently, the Summarit 35 and 50 just weigh in nicely with the Epson (great images, too).

If ever you get the M8, the Epson is a practical second or backup camera (only thing if you are travelling, you need different types of batteries than the M8--either carry several or carry a different charger).
 

IT is no doubt a really cool camera! very niche! anyway this has been bothering me, what is the purpose of its winder since it is digital?
 

triotary said:
IT is no doubt a really cool camera! very niche! anyway this has been bothering me, what is the purpose of its winder since it is digital?
Click to expand...

to c_o_c_k the shutter. It's a digital sensor but still a rangefinder body ;)
 

paisatge said:
to c_o_c_k the shutter. It's a digital sensor but still a rangefinder body ;)
Click to expand...

:bigeyes: hahahaha to satisfy those who are addicted to film, else cold turkey... :bsmilie:
 

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