New RD-1x

Anyone know if battery life is reportedly better this time around? The RD-1 could suck the chrome off a trailer hitch, er, I mean, suck a fresh battery down in minutes.

no clue.... but the original Epson seems to last for a decent amount of time which is why i'm excited that i'll be able to get more :)

(fyi -- i don't chimp and have a habit of switching the camera off if i won't be using it for a bit so perhaps that's why i don't have the problem.)
 
There was a thread at the back end of last year about Epson sending a questionnaire to Japanese RD1 users. This may be the result.

I bought an RD1 at the beginning of 2005 when they first came out in the UK. I've still got it and it produces very nice files - even today :eek:.

I'm pleased that Epson have resurrected the RD1 (most likely inventory left over from the original production run, but so what). Who knows, they may even be tempted to do more in the future. In the meantime I'll continue to enjoy what I have in spite of the meagre 6MP ;).
 
I actuallythink this is a smart move and it makes me very happy. I have wanted a DRF for along time but I refuse to pay so much for an M* and I don't want to pay $1500 for a used digital camera. But I will gladly pay $2,000 for a new one, even if it's only 6MP. I can count on one hand how many pics I print above 12 x 18 so 6 is plenty for most people.

I also think with the huge increase in DP a LOT more people would be interested in a DRF then there were when the original came out. Esepcially at 2K.

I for one can't wait to get my hands on one.
 
Stuff is usually considerably more expensive when buying direct from the manufacturer's online store, @ least as compared to U.S. (& probably HK) retailers, as they are not obliged to maintain a minimum price (though they may have an agreement w/Epson not to advertise a discounted price).

300,000 yen isn't just the msrp, it is the price at which the camera is available for order on the Epson website. This means that the camera will actually be US$3,000.
Why does Adorama list $2000 when Epson's own site is taking orders for 3k?
 
There's nothing wrong with 6 mp. The D40 is the best real-world digital camera yet made: smaller and lighter than virtually all film SLRs (hell, it's smaller and lighter than my avatar camera) yet capable of astonishing image quality, especially in low light where it's better than any 35mm film I've ever used.

But I wouldn't pay $2000 for one. I mean, come on.
 
I Looked at the thumbnails Rob provided. I wish they had changed the finder to a lower magnification, and incorporated framelines for the 24/25mm lens, as well as the 21mm. As it stands, the widest lens you can use with the built-in finder is still 28mm, which is a 42mm equivalent. Not enough for me. Six MP would be OK with me, but I want a wider choice at the wide end.

I think I'll save my $$ for a used M8. The widest finder frame is what: 21mm or 24mm? I forgot. Well, even 24mm x 1.33=32mm. That's not so bad. And people say it has better IQ than the R-D1.
 
Available only to the Japanese market according to Epson UK (I know.. I know.. someone over there will sell them to the rest of the world via online).

I too want to know where the sensor is coming from. That would be the part that I would wonder about - if I'm paying the same $3000 USD for a sensor that's "old" - then I'd be a bit concerned.

Cheers
Dave
 
Sensor issues aside, I think if the rangefinder mechanism were improved internally, that would be the second most needed improvement as rangefinder alignment issues have always been a bane of this camera...not necessarily the quality of the sensor or files generated.
 
you guys think Epson is trying to pull off a fast one with RD2 on the way?

DPreview states that Epson UK has announced this camera will be issued in Japan only. This market limiting leads to think the camera is meant to sell off left over stock permanently. To make it sell, fitting a larger LCD, a grip and a lens would suffice.

Epson probably has estimated that the number of cameras would be enough to sell in Japan, but not worldwide. My guess: after the R-D1x, its over with Epsons digital rangefinder ventures.

For the time being, this does extend service and parts so in that aspect its a good thing.

When I read the headline I felt a little sting over the M8 I will be collecting from the shop next week, but I'm allright now:p
 
Just another way to sell old inventory?

Just another way to sell old inventory?

As I read this thread, I'm wondering if this is just a way for Epson to sell remaining inventory of parts. Does anyone know if more "bodies" were manufactured by Cosina?

This still sounds good for RD-1 users though, meaning that we'll still have replacement parts in the future .. better replacement parts?
 
This is probably why Epson sent out those 'customer satisfaction' surveys to R-D1/s owners in Japan not too long ago. I guess they got enough positive feedback to 'relaunch' the R-D1 just in Japan. I was hoping that the survey was being used to help fuel an R-D2. But I'm still hoping nonetheless. :)
 
This is great, but I think it's just a rebadged R-D1 with a firmware update.

It seems 100% identical to the R-D1 and the R-D1s.

It's a miracle they came out with this. Maybe they had a big inventory of unsold bodies?
 
New R-D1x or R-D1(s)

New R-D1x or R-D1(s)

I have an R-D1s and an M8 so I can't rationally justify another rangefinder, especially in these times. Perhaps though if the new leftover R-D1s drops in price it might be more feasible. If we can update the firmware for the SDHC, I could live with the smaller LCD. Ohh but wait then there's the grip, new shutter feel and kit lens ( I think). What do you R-D1 wizards think?
 
Nice to know Epson is still selling a digital rangefinder. Larger screen, SD-HC capability, newer imaging software, new grip - everything certainly OK - but nothing exciting for me. I could still live well with a 6 megapixels sensor, if he would at least be a bit bigger. But keeping the pixel count and the sensor size doesn't make much sense, except if they have lots of old sensors in stock to get rid off. All in all it feels like a very minor and rather tepid upgrade, if such a small step after such a long time can be considered as an upgrade at all. It will be interesting to know if they managed to improve the rangefinder's reliability. As dpreview states, only sales in Japan are planned - a hint for a low production count, and very likely a price which will not be significantly lower than with the R-D1s.
 
..any chance this leads to cheaper batteries for existing r-d1 or r-d1s users? Anyone happy with the performance of a recent OEM battery purchase for their Epson?
 
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