EPSON R-D1x
Review and photo examples of the Epson R-D1 rangefinder digital camera.
Table of contents
Gallery
- The following two lenses were used for the example shots:CANON S 50mm F1.5,CONTAREX BIOGON 21mm F4.5
Review
The R-D1x is the successor to the R-D1 and R-D1s, and as of 2022, is EPSON’s last digital camera.
The official name is Epson Rangefinder Digital Camera R-D1x Grip Kit (R-D1xG)
Up to R-D1x was the camera name, and G was the grip.Since the camera and grip were sold as a set, they were sold under the product name R-D1xG.
Although this camera has not evolved from an APS-C size, 6.1 million pixel (3008×2000) sensor, it can obtain images sufficient for normal use.
It’s a shame that there were no improvements in the camera mechanism even in the third generation, but it can be said that the mechanism was perfected from the first generation.
In particular, the 1x viewfinder was reliable enough to guarantee success with a reasonable yield even with large aperture lenses such as the Nokton 50mm/F1.1.
I used the R-D1x as a map camera for about half a year after getting it from the last inventory. Regarding the R-D1 series, I used the first generation R-D1 for about 3 years, but I stopped using the R-D1x after a fairly short period of time. The main reason for this was that it was used in conjunction with the LEICA M8, and the resolution of the M8’s APS-H/10 megapixels and the R-1Dx’s APS-C/6.1 megapixels was different, and the larger sensor size was due to the lens’s unique characteristics. , so when I only had one camera with me, I prioritized the M8, so I used it relatively infrequently.
In 2010, when I was using the camera, there was intense technological competition for digital cameras (I myself would jump at the chance when a new camera with new specs came out), and there was a big change from the first generation to a 6.1 megapixel sensor (from the R-D1). The successor of the R-D1x did not include the addition of a heat sink to the sensor), and the vertical misalignment of the viewfinder’s double image has always been common since the first generation. My impression at the time was that the this camera was left behind by evolution. If this was the only camera I had, I would have used it out of love, but since it was cheap, I bought it and tried using it, but the style of using it with the M8 that I mentioned earlier meant that my nostalgia couldn’t overcome reality.
There are many enjoyable aspects of this camera, such as the adjusted focus accuracy of the viewfinder, Cosina’s unique clicking shutter sound, and the use of analog meters to display various information. Since production of the 6.1-megapixel sensor and the rear LCD, which could not be completed, was discontinued, I wanted this digital camera to continue to evolve its sensor and camera mechanism even if it had to partner with another company.
It’s a real shame that there is no longer a camera that can play the role of an inexpensive digital rangefinder camera, just as the rangefinder cameras Bessa and Zeiss Ikon were in demand among film cameras.
In 2022, a used R-D1 was put up for sale for 180,000 yen and sold quickly. Values vary from person to person, but I think 180,000 yen is too expensive for a camera that has completed its manufacturer’s repair period, so if it breaks, you’re done with it.
Also, as of 2024, it is becoming difficult to obtain the EPALB1 battery (NP-80, Fujifilm, DB-20, Ricoh) *1. It seems to be available on Chinese online shopping sites, but there are very few shop in Japan that sell it.
Specification
| Model name | R-D1 | R-D1s | R-D1x G |
| Effective Pixels | 6.1 Mega Pixels | ← | ← |
| Finder | Real Image | ← | ← |
| Max shutter speed | 1/2000 | ← | ← |
| Battery | EPALB1(NP-80,DB-20) *1 | ← | ← |
| Back LCD | 2.0-inch color LCD 235,000 pixels Rotatable | ← | 2.5-inch color LCD 230,000 pixels Fixed type |
| Recorded media | SD | SD | SD/SDHC |
| Release date | 2004 | 2006 | 2009 |
| Size(H x W x D) | 142.0 x 88.5 ｘ 39.5 | ← | ← |
| Weight (Body only) | 560 | ← | 570 |
| Body Color | Black | ← | ← |
Lens
| Focal length | Lens name | 35mm equivalent focal length |
| 12mm | Ultra Wide Heliar 12mm | 18mm |
| 15mm | Super Wide Heliar 15mm | 22.5mm |
| 21mm | Color Skopar 21mm | 31.5mm |
| 25mm | Snap Shot Skopar 25mm | 37.5mm |
| 28mm | Color Skopar 28mm | 42mm |
| 35mm | Color Skopar 35mm | 52.5mm |
| 40mm | Nokton 40mm | 60mm |
| 50mm | Nokton 50mm | 75mm |
| 75mm | Color Heliar 75mm | 102.5mm |
| 90mm | Apo Lanthar 90mm | 135mm |
Options
- RD1SC1 leather case
Reference links
Update history
- 2024.07.12
- 2024.02.17
- 2023.04.30
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