Epson RD-1 still worth it?

bernards · 5th June 2008

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.

gohaj · 5th June 2008

brian · 5th June 2008

Originally Posted by bernards

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.

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

gohaj · 5th June 2008

Originally Posted by brian

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

Originally Posted by bernards

Is $1500 a reasonable sum?

For a moment, I thought it is SG$1500.

Daikoku · 5th June 2008

Originally Posted by brian

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

sadly am not heading that way till next year

gohaj · 5th June 2008

There is one for sale in CS Buy/Sell http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=381980

JamesW · 5th June 2008

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.

chiif · 5th June 2008

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

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.

kross · 5th June 2008

wait for the nikon drf....:-P

Hacker · 5th June 2008

Originally Posted by JamesW

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

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

.

gohaj · 6th June 2008

Originally Posted by chiif

I love analog things. The dial won me over many rounds.

a number of people who saw my epson r-d1s are "wow" by the dial!

nordleadx · 6th June 2008

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

gommy · 6th June 2008

Yes. the dial is nice!

Originally Posted by gohaj

a number of people who saw my epson r-d1s are "wow" by the dial!

gommy · 6th June 2008

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]

bernards · 6th June 2008

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.

Daikoku · 6th June 2008

Originally Posted by bernards

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.

" 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

docolmo · 6th June 2008

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).

triotary · 6th June 2008

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?

paisatge · 6th June 2008

Originally Posted by triotary

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?

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

triotary · 6th June 2008

Originally Posted by paisatge

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

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

5th June 2008	#1
bernards Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 884	Epson RD-1 still worth it? 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.

5th June 2008	#2
gohaj Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 3,469	Re: Epson RD-1 still worth it? some photos for you to judge for yourself http://www.mrgohaj.com/photos/otherp...tle_resize.jpg http://www.mrgohaj.com/photos/otherp...ast_resize.jpg http://www.mrgohaj.com/photos/otherp...uay_resize.jpg http://www.mrgohaj.com/photos/otherp...1rz_Chivas.jpg http://www.mrgohaj.com/photos/otherp...803_subway.jpg http://www.mrgohaj.com/photos/otherp...0843_Radio.jpg http://www.mrgohaj.com/photos/otherp...mpassPoint.jpg http://www.mrgohaj.com/photos/bokeh_...rz_redwine.jpg http://www.mrgohaj.com/photos/Eunice/EPrz0757B.jpg

5th June 2008	#6
gohaj Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 3,469	Re: Epson RD-1 still worth it? There is one for sale in CS Buy/Sell http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=381980

5th June 2008	#7
JamesW Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Singapore Posts: 575	Re: Epson RD-1 still worth it? 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. __________________ A camera cannot teach you how to see.

5th June 2008	#8
chiif Advertiser Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Excelsior S.C #02-25 Posts: 2,367	Re: Epson RD-1 still worth it? When there is no other alternatives, what we have today becomes the best in the market NOW. 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. __________________ www.chiifcameras.com Voigtlander dealer My flickr

5th June 2008	#9
kross Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: earth Posts: 1,270	Re: Epson RD-1 still worth it? wait for the nikon drf....:-P __________________ flickr me.... exposure medium: 95% film, 5% sensor

6th June 2008	#12
nordleadx Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: West Posts: 781	Re: Epson RD-1 still worth it? was quoted $7300 at Alan photo with a f2.5 lens.

6th June 2008	#14
gommy Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Moses' Hill Posts: 933	Re: Epson RD-1 still worth it? 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]

6th June 2008	#15
bernards Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 884	Re: Epson RD-1 still worth it? 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. Last edited by bernards; 6th June 2008 at 09:23 AM.

6th June 2008	#17
docolmo New Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 22	Re: Epson RD-1 still worth it? 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).

6th June 2008	#18
triotary Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 227	Re: Epson RD-1 still worth it? 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?