Epson R-D1: Perfection of a Digital-Analog Rangefinder

Epson R-D1 with Omnar CN26-6 Lens

This article is intended to be an enthusiastic ‘yes!’ to anyone discerning whether or not they should bother buying the first ever digital rangefinder, the Epson R-D1. My recent experience with the camera has been very positive, and I want to encourage you to try one when they’re still around. For those of you who don’t like to read, I’ll sum up my feelings toward the camera in one sentence below.

The Epson R-D1 is the best film rangefinder experience you can get from a digital camera. That’s right. Not a digital Leica M. Now, before some of you start throwing a tantrum and bang on about how the Leica M has the best rangefinder system, viewfinder, image quality, and so on and so forth, let me clarify that I don’t argue with that. But if you love the rangefinder system and are looking for the best analog experience from a digital camera, the Epson is at the top of the list. Here’s why…

1. An actual advance lever Yes. That advance lever actually cocks the shutter, unlike the one on the Leica M10-D, which is essentially just an ornament serving as a thumb rest. With the Epson, you’ll still get that occasional “oh…I forgot to advance the lever” while pressing the shutter button and realizing the camera didn’t take the photo. This, I find, is the element that makes the Epson R-D1 your best choice for a digital-analog rangefinder camera.

2. Flip Screen Don’t even bother using the screen, as it’s so small and doesn’t showcase the photos accurately. Close it and forget that it’s even there. Yes, you can get this screenless experience from the Leica M-D for an extra…AUD3000 at least for the M-D 260. There’s also the Fujifilm X-Pro 3, but it is not a rangefinder. The Fuji might be a good option if you zone focus most of the time using a manual lens. Even so, going back to my first point, both the Leica M and Fuji X-Pro lack the advance lever, and they’re way more expensive.

3. The Analog Dial I was going to make this the first point, as the dial is the best thing I’ve seen from a digital camera. All information about battery power, frame counter, and image quality is visible from the same window. I only wish that the dial were mechanical and would show the information even when the camera is turned off.

4. 2GB Maximum Storage With a 2GB memory card, if you shoot RAW, it equals about 200ish photos per memory card. Don’t cheat and chimp. Treat it like an actual film camera and wait until you run out of storage (you’ll know pretty easily as the dials on top show you how many shots you have left) before replacing the memory card. You can review the 200 photos you’ve taken once you’re back at home or whenever you feel like it. You have now saved at least AUD150 on film rolls and developing. 5. 1:1 Life Size Viewfinder

It may not matter to everyone, but I like to have both eyes open when shooting on the street and this is only possible with a 1x viewfinder magnification…or 0.91 magnification like the Leica M3. I’m not aware of any other digital rangefinder camera having this feature.

Buying Tips… 1. Get extra batteries & chargers

If you just put the camera in the bag and occasionally pull it out to take some shots on your commute to and from work, one battery should be enough. But if you’re going to go for an actual photo walk, you’ll need at least two spare batteries. I myself have six spare batteries in total…it’s a bit of a hassle to charge all of them beforehand so get yourself extra chargers to speed up the process. 2. Be patient

Wait until you find one for a good price. I personally won’t spend more than AUD2000 for this camera, as I’m not sure I can find a technician who’s willing or capable of fixing it when it fails. There is only a scarce amount of copies available, so I’d imagine getting parts will be tough. I bought mine for AUD1300 including all the spare batteries, chargers, and extra memory cards. The viewfinder wasn't damaged when I bought it, and so far there hasn't been any technician who has the part to fix it (and believe me, I've searched).

3. Be aware of the APS-C sensor

If you like shooting with a 40mm focal length, this will be perfect for you. Just get a 28mm lens, and the frame lines for the 28mm lens will show a field of view of 42mm. If you prefer the 35mm focal length, get yourself a 24mm lens and use the remaining space outside of the 28mm (42mm) frame lines as your guide. If the crop sensor is a deal breaker for you, then unfortunately, you’ll miss out on one of the best, if not the best, digital-analog camera experiences ever.

For all of you film shooters who love the rangefinder system and want to slowly transition to digital for whatever reason…look no further than the Epson R-D1. I’m telling you, it is the best film rangefinder experience you can get from a digital camera.