Camera impressions - Epson R-D1

The Epson R-D1 is the first and so-far only digital rangefinder camera. Based on the same body as the Voigtlander Bessa range of cameras, the mechanical part of the camera is manufactured by Cosina. Then the digital part of the camera, manufactured by Epson, is implemented into the body. Both companies individually do a great job but, at least until recently, a large percentage of produced cameras showed problems. Problems ranged from rangefinder alignment problems and wonky framelines to more severe issues as freezing shutters, large number of dead or hot pixels, and more. Epson provided (temporary) replacement cameras for those that returned their camera for repairs. In some cases, cameras were returned several times before a good specimen was delivered. Having said that, my specimen of the R-D1 showed only minor faults. I've not felt any need to return mine. It seems, though, that the latest batch of cameras is of much higher quality and shows little to no defects.

Epson R-D1.

The R-D1 handles, feels and is a proper rangefinder camera. Moving from film to digital never was easier! I have extensive experience shooting the Bessa R and shooting the R-D1 is exactly liek that. The camera is quite a bit heavier than the Bessa R. The R-D1 is not of the indestructive build of a Leica M2 and I don't think it will survive a drop on the pavement very well. That does not mean, however, that the camera is a worthless piece of plastic. On the contrary, I would say. The camera feels sturdy and solid. The layout of the dials, displays and buttons is excellent. The design of the displays is wonderfully ergonomic. Shaped as the speedometer of a classic car, it provides instant information on number of shots left, battery, white balance and file format and resolution. Another dial sets the shutter speed, iso value and sets the Auto Exposure lock. Aperture is, of course, set on the lens you use.

The 6.1 MPix CCD sensor delivers wonderful images. It is capable of recording very true-to-nature colours. The automatic white balance is very good. The standard Epson PhotoRAW software is intuitive and easy to use while still highly adjustable. It also renders the RAW files very quickly to your chosen output format.

I'm very content with the R-D1. It released me from scanning film (I still have over 200 rolls of developed film that need to be scanned) and, though the camera is expensive, it is saving me money that I would otherwise spend on film and developing.

Side note: I was using Hema iso400 colour negative film, which costs 2.00-3.50 euro depending on whether you buy rebate packs or not. Developing a roll costs about 4.00 euro. All-in-all, a roll of film would cost me 6.00-7.50 euro. Than add the time it takes to scan an entire roll, and you'll see how quickly things add up when you consider I shoot about 1 roll per day.

It pays to shop around for the R-D1. Especially in mainland Europe, prices haven't come down much from the RRP of 2999 euro. In the UK, the US and especially the Far East prices tend to be lower. Yet, even in those places the prices haven't come down much since the R-D1 was introduced nearly 2 years ago. I bought my R-D1 from Dr Yao in Hong Kong. He specifically had my camera tested for all the known flaws that palgued the earlier batches before sending the camera to me. Dr Yao is very good to deal with, is courteous, replies swiftly and accurately and is extremely helpful. I had no qualms about transferring my money to him, even such a large amount.

If you want to contact Dr Yao you can email him at joseph AT yao DOT com. Don't forget to mention me and my blog. :)

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