Final Epson digital camera 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
1．Overview
The EPSON R-D1x is the successor to the R-D1 and R-D1s, released in 2009, and is the last digital camera from EPSON as of 2022. Its official name is Epson Rangefinder Digital Camera R-D1x Grip Kit (R-D1xG).
The R-D1x is the camera name, and G stands for grip. The camera and grip were sold as a set, so it was sold under the product name R-D1xG.
The main specifications are as follows, and detailed specifications are listed in the table.
- 6 megapixel APC-C size sensor
- 1x magnification viewfinder
- 28mm, 35mm, and 50mm viewfinder frames
- 2.5-inch 230,000-dot fixed LCD
2．Usability
This camera has not evolved from its APS-C 6.1 megapixel (3008×2000) sensor, but it can still produce images that are good enough for normal use.
It’s unfortunate that there has been no improvement in the camera mechanism even in the third generation, but it can also be said that the mechanism has been perfected since the first generation.
The 1:1 viewfinder in particular was reliable, guaranteeing success with a reasonable yield even with large aperture lenses such as the Nokton 50mm/F1.1.
I got the R-D1x from Map Camera, the last clearance item, and used it for about half a year. I used the original R-D1 series R-D1 for about three years, but stopped using the R-D1x after a fairly short period of time. The main reason for this was that I used it in conjunction with the LEICA M8, and since the resolution is different between the M8’s APS-H/10 megapixels and the R-1Dx’s APS-C/6.1 megapixels, and the larger sensor size is better able to express the quirks of the lens, I prioritized the M8 when I was only taking one camera out, so I used it relatively infrequently.
There are many fun aspects of this camera, such as the adjusted focus accuracy of the viewfinder, the shutter sound unique to Cosina, and various information on analog meters. One of the reasons for the lack of continued supply was the discontinuation of the 6.1-megapixel sensor and rear LCD screen, which could not be replaced, so it is a digital camera that I would have liked to see continue to evolve the sensor and camera mechanism even if it meant partnering with other companies.
Just as there was a demand for rangefinder cameras such as Bessa and Zeiss Ikon in film cameras, it is truly unfortunate that there is no camera that can take the position of an inexpensive digital rangefinder camera.
In 2022, a used R-D1 was put up for sale for 180,000 yen and sold immediately. Values are different for each person, but since this is a camera that has completed its repair period with the manufacturer, I think 180,000 yen is too expensive for a camera that will be finished if it breaks.
Also, as of 2024, it is becoming difficult to obtain the battery EPALB1 (NP-80, Fujifilm, DB-20, Ricoh). It seems to be available on Chinese mail order sites, but there are very few places in Japan that sell it.
3．Summary
To sum up the Epson R-D1x, the R-D1x is a camera that has been left behind by the evolution of digital devices; it is merely a minor change to the R-D1.
At the time, I was tempted to buy it because of its low price, but using it with a LEICA M8 emphasized the negative aspects of the R-D1x, and my nostalgia for the camera could not overcome the reality.
In particular, when I used this camera in 2010, the technological competition in digital cameras was fierce, and the R-D1 was lost to the times. Rather, if it were re-released in 2025, when the resurgence of film cameras has subsided due to the rising cost of film and other items, the film-like R-D1 may be accepted by the market, depending on the selling price.
Specification and Competitor
The R-D1 series is taller than the LEICA M8, but even when using the two together for shooting, you won’t notice the difference in size.
- The camera photos are taken from each company’s PDF and the size has been adjusted by us, so they are not exact.
| Items | R-D1x | M8 |
| Effective pixels(Megapixels) | 6.1-Megapixcels | 10.3-Megapixels |
| 映像素子 | 不明 | Kodak KAF10500 |
| Sensor size | APS-C 23.7 x 15.6mm | APS-H Size 27 x 18mm |
| Rear LCD | 2.5 inch 23 million dot | 2.5 inch 23 million dot |
| View finder | 1 | 0.68 |
| Mechanical Shutter speed | 1/2000 | 1/8000 |
| Battery | EPALB1 | Leica 14464 |
| Recorded Media | SD | SD |
| Size(mm) W x H x D | 142.0 x 88.5 ｘ 39.5 | 139 x 80 x 37 |
| Weight (g) (without battery) | 570 | 545 |
| Release date | 2009 | 2006.11 |
| Body color | Black | Black Silver White |
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
- EPSON R-D1 description page by Wikipedia
- R-D1xG Specification(Japanese)
- EPSON R-D1・Shige’s hobby
- LEICA M8・Shige’s hobby
- LEICA M8.2・Shige’s hobby
Update history
- 2025.4.16
- 2024.07.12
- 2024.02.17
- 2023.04.30
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