dpreview.com: "Epson R-D1 Digital Rangefinder Camera"

[Jason Dunn]

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0403/04031101epsonrd1.asp

"Among many digital camera firsts, the R-D1 is the world's first rangefinder digital camera. A rangefinder is a type of camera that has a built-in device for measuring distance based on the principles of triangulation. The photographer focuses the camera by superimposing two slightly different views of a scene with the rangefinder. In general, compared to an auto-focus system, performance does not change even if lenses are swapped, and focus can be achieved quickly, accurately and with a light level that is nearly the same as the unaided eye, even in dimly lit locations. In addition, since the field of view is not blocked by the action of a shutter as it is with a single-lens reflex camera, the photographer will not miss the decisive moment.

The R-D1 is also the world's first digital camera to accept Leica L- and M-mounts*2. As such, it offers a new platform that links the future with the past. A huge number of lens types — more than 200 — have been created and sold over the long history of photography. This camera gives twenty-first century photographers a way to use these famed lenses from our photographic heritage. The new camera gives photographers the chance to develop a new cult of photography by allowing them to resurrect their familiar old lenses in a digital world."

Ok, I have to admit it - I just don't get it. Is this super-retro design made to appeal to film photographers that are using cameras like this from the 1960's? I don't mean that as an insult, but the design looks that old - the rangefinder functionality sounds cool, although again I'm at a loss as to what it would be used for. Clearly this camera isn't aimed at someone like me, so can someone explain it to me? :-)

[Jason Dunn]

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0403/04031101epsonrd1.asp

"Among many digital camera firsts, the R-D1 is the world's first rangefinder digital camera. A rangefinder is a type of camera that has a built-in device for measuring distance based on the principles of triangulation. The photographer focuses the camera by superimposing two slightly different views of a scene with the rangefinder. In general, compared to an auto-focus system, performance does not change even if lenses are swapped, and focus can be achieved quickly, accurately and with a light level that is nearly the same as the unaided eye, even in dimly lit locations. In addition, since the field of view is not blocked by the action of a shutter as it is with a single-lens reflex camera, the photographer will not miss the decisive moment.

The R-D1 is also the world's first digital camera to accept Leica L- and M-mounts*2. As such, it offers a new platform that links the future with the past. A huge number of lens types — more than 200 — have been created and sold over the long history of photography. This camera gives twenty-first century photographers a way to use these famed lenses from our photographic heritage. The new camera gives photographers the chance to develop a new cult of photography by allowing them to resurrect their familiar old lenses in a digital world."

Ok, I have to admit it - I just don't get it. Is this super-retro design made to appeal to film photographers that are using cameras like this from the 1960's? I don't mean that as an insult, but the design looks that old - the rangefinder functionality sounds cool, although again I'm at a loss as to what it would be used for. Clearly this camera isn't aimed at someone like me, so can someone explain it to me? :-)

[Gary Sheynkman]

where is yslee when you need him :lol:

[Lee Yuan Sheng]

Hey, I posted this a while back. =P

See, you must meet a leicanut in person to really understand it. At least, one must understand how Leica worship works.

[ppcsurfr]

Okay... here is something else...

With an SLR, you get mirror slap and all sorts of things moving in it... even for digital cameras...

With a RF camera, you don't... also, the lens to sensor distance is different.

Anyway, you can handhold a camera better with a RangeFinder camera IMHO.

Also, for those who have Leica prime lenses... well this allows them to use it on this digital camera...

Mabuhay!!!


Carlo

[Jorgen]

Since it supports M-lenses, it is made for people who has a Leica M and therefore used to rangefinder cameras. It will be interesting to see if Leica owners can live with lousy 6 megapixels!

Jorgen

[Lee Yuan Sheng]

Oh, they'll maintain that the bokeh from their lenses is superior. :roll:

[marlof]

I think if you've never used a rangefinder, it's probably hard to understand. But if a digital rangefinder would have no additional value over a DSLR, you could say the same about the Leica M range over the SLRs. Still many professionals use their Leica M rangefinders. Not for all their work, but for e.g. street or low light photography, a rangefinder is hard to beat. No noise. Speed. High quality. Easy focusing. If all this will be true in their digital counterparts remains to be seen, but on the Leica Digital forums people are dying for a digital M. And this seems to be getting awfully close to that.

Yes, it's only 6 megapixels, and for some that might not be enough. But IMHO Leica photography has always been a bit more about documenting than shear image quality. And documenting means true colors, and giving the ability to shoot in difficult circumstances. And at least the sensor is APS sized (probably the same sensor Nikon uses in their DSLRs).

I do agree with the criticism on the retro design, that went a little over the top. For instance: what I don't get though is the film transport lever. In my opinion, everything this thing does can be done in a much easier way when you're shooting digital. In the old days, yes, you needed manual power to transport film. But now I don't think you need manual power to write images to a storage card....

[Lee Yuan Sheng]

Originally Posted by Marlof Bregonje

Still many professionals use their Leica M rangefinders. Not for all their work, but for e.g. street or low light photography, a rangefinder is hard to beat. No noise. Speed. High quality. Easy focusing.

Not to sound offensive, but you do sound like parroting what the Leica fans love to preach about their cameras. For starters the noise from a cloth shutter might be quieter than say, an EOS 3, but it's not much quieter than a SLR like say, a F80, or even a FM3a. Your F828 is even quieter.

Speedwise, I again beg to differ. I'm no faster on it then on a manual or AF SLR; it's a matter of how you work.

High quality and size: Compare to a Nikon MF SLR like a FM3A, the quality is just as good. Size wise, they aren't that much smaller if you stick to prime lenses from 24mm to 50mm.

[Andy Manea]

How much is this camera supposed to cost? I still have a very old (from the 50s?) Russian rangefinder camera - the first thing my Dad ever bought from his own money, and the development cost of trial pictures is what always kept me away from it. I tried it out a few times but I ended up throwing away too many pictures. It's beautiful in its own way, so I can understand why Epson uses a similar design. There is something special about these cameras, .. they almost represent the beginning of photography!!
The R-D1 offers a cool way to learn how to use rangefinder cameras. Unless, of course, it costs an arm and a leg.

[Lee Yuan Sheng]

For some strange reason rangefinders always cost an arm and a leg compared to their 35mm counterparts.. even when it's a rebadged Cosina.