Top-of-the-line digital technology, traditional handling

With the R-D1 rangefinder camera, Epson presents a precision digital camera unique in the world of photography, which prompted furore even long before its market introduction. The combination of traditional handling, top-notch processing quality, and all the advantages of digital photography makes the R-D1 go both against and with the stream of the digital age.

Two different companies were involved in the development of the R-D1 product. Cosina was responsible for the classical body, well-known to connoiseurs and based on the famous Bessa R2 housing, along with all mechanical elements and the photometric components of the camera for control of exposure and focus. Epson provided all components involved with the recording and electronic processing of image data - from the specially developed and fabricated CCD sensor, through the analog/digital conversion and processor units for image processing, to the wide selection of software for PCs which "develop" the RAW images files from the camera, then refine them and prepare them for use in target media. And naturally, at the end of the photo processing chain is the variety of photo printers by Epson. In the hobby and professional arenas alike, they guarantee optimum results - whether you need fast prints at postcard size, or costly Fine Art prints in poster formats.

How does the R-D1 differ from traditional digital cameras?

As a modern example of the rangefinder cameras, the R-D1 not only has the visually attractive retro appeal from the golden age of analog photography, but also stands for the notion that, in these days of increasing snapshot automation, the classically oriented photographer can have a tool back which makes photography an active experience again. The picture creator can take full control of every aspect of the process of image creation, thereby regaining among other things the traditional mechanical and precise tools of the classical rangefinder method. To focus, two partial images from different angles are made to overlap in the viewfinder using the focus ring on the lens, resulting in a focus setting of the motif viewed. Just like the use of the rangefinder system in a digital camera, it is also a global first that the rangefinder image is neither magnified or shrunk - the photographer sees in the rangefinder exactly what the naked eye sees, and picture segments can be composed correspondingly precisely.

Many details regarding the use of the camera make the experience more intense and highlight the philosophy of the entire construction. Thus the quick-change lever for film transport still sets up the shutter and provides the feeling of a classical camera. The knob which used to be used to rewind the film now fulfills the logical function of paging through the software menus and images. And the filigreed round instrument with the indicators on the right next to the flash shoe gives the user information about the number of pictures remaining, the settings of the white balance, the battery charge state, and the image resolution selected.

The only clear feature which betrays to the user that the R-D1 has a digital heart is the particularly large and brilliant LCD display, at 235,000 pixels and two inches diagonal, for viewing of photos and changing the camera settings. And even this display is only apparent as such when the folding rear plate of the camera is opened up.

Unprocessed JPEG examples from the Epson R-D1
2005 © Chaudigital

Specifications

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