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Summary

The Epson R-D1s, a 6-megapixel digital rangefinder camera from 2004, is celebrated for its unique charm, vintage aesthetics, and the joy of its shooting experience, despite its outdated specs and high price tag.

Abstract

The Epson R-D1s, introduced in 2004, is a digital rangefinder camera that has garnered a cult following for its distinctive appeal and retro design, which includes a manual film advance lever. Despite its modest 6-megapixel APS-C CCD sensor, which is considered low by today's standards, the camera is prized for its ability to produce images with a unique color rendition and a vintage look that requires minimal editing. The author argues that the camera's specs, while not competitive with modern cameras, are sufficient for most use cases, especially for social media where high resolution is not necessary. The Epson R-D1s is compared to Leica M8 and M9 models, noting that while it is similarly priced, it offers a different, more experiential value. The camera's tactile shooting experience and the emotional connection it fosters are deemed more important than technical specifications, making it a favorite among enthusiasts who prioritize the joy of photography over pixel count.

Opinions

  • The author believes that the Epson R-D1s' cult status and high resale value are justified by its unique shooting experience and the emotional response it elicits.
  • Despite the camera's high price, the author suggests that its value lies in the enjoyment of using it and the quality of the images straight out of the camera, rather than in its technical specifications.
  • The author criticizes the modern obsession with megapixel count, arguing that the "megapixel wars" are irrelevant for most photographers, especially those who share their work online.
  • The Epson R-D1s is seen as a camera that stands out against modern digital cameras for its ability to capture moments authentically and for its nostalgic design that mimics classic film cameras.
  • The author admits that while the Epson R-D1s is not suitable for all photography needs, it is the perfect tool for those who appreciate the art of photography and the tactile experience of shooting with a rangefinder.
  • The article suggests that the best camera is the one that brings joy to the photographer, emphasizing that specifications should not be the sole deciding factor when choosing a camera.

6 Megapixels of Pure Gold | Epson R-D1s

My favorite camera came out way back in 2004

Shot on Ricoh GRiii 28mm

When talking about the Epson, the question of specs invariably comes up.

This is mostly because many could almost ignore the “pitiful” performance in 2023 in exchange for the other unique charms this camera brings to the table. I say “almost”, because in recent years and months the camera has gained a bit of a cult following and the prices have skyrocketed into the $1500–2500 price range. I doubt most people could overlook the poor performance and the increased price simultaneously.

My first shot ever with the Epson, a cold wintery day. | Eastern Hungary

This came partly as a result of the internet making vintage cameras and lenses trendy again. I am guilty of both following and adding to this trend myself, oops.

Why not a Leica M8/M9 ?

Many people would say the camera is entering “Leica’’ territory in pricing and hype. I would lean toward agreeing with them. You could probably find a decent M8 (10mpx APS-H) or a rough M9 (18 mpx full frame) for the same price as a perfect Epson RD1. Both of those cameras would use the same lenses as the Epson and both would boast large lensors and higher resolution sensors. They would also both be Leicas, which carries its own entry fee by name alone.

It would be hard to push someone toward the obscure Epson, who’s brand name is more associated with office printers than with luxury rangefinder cameras. However, I would try to push them all the same.

Second weekend with the camera. | Budapest, Hungary

At the time of writing this, I have 3 digital Leicas (Leica CL, SL, and M246 Monochrom), and all of them have been special to me in different ways. The Epson however, charms me in a way that only the monochrome Leica comes close too.

Fine, let’s talk about megapixels.

With this in mind, I won’t spend forever listing off the specs of the Epson R-D1s (the world’s first digital rangefinder camera), because they are minimal at best. Some would even say the 6 megapixel APS-C CCD sensor is unfit for today’s digital realm where the newest iphone shoots 48mpx raws. They would be wrong, but let’s humor them for a moment.

Just a few years ago, most photography focused Youtube channels and camera reviewers chastised the Canon R6 for debuting with a “mere” 20mpx full frame sensor. Often these reviewers cited the Sony A7iii, and later the A7iv, sensor specs of 24 and 33 megapixel sensors as the “standard”.

There is some science and logic behind their argument. I learned from investigating (just long enough to also realize that I really didn’t care enough to investigate further) that there is a consensus that 24mpx is sorta the same resolution that your eye sees at, or more so, the same resolution that a frame of 35mm film would realistically collect in an analog format.

Any less megapixels *should* be a noticeable drop in resolution from film standards, and any higher would be wasted on most viewer’s eyes.

I prefer the camera for street photography, but it works well in landscapes too. | Central Oregon, USA

So the “megapixel wars” between cameras with 40–100mpx full frame and medium format sensors…they’re really a debate for professionals who print big, or prefer to crop in more than a zoom lens prefers to zoom in.

This should, hopefully, give some readers a brief relief from the upgrade anxiety of needing more megapixels. Because, you truly don’t need them.

The perfect “vintage” camera for posting to social media

Most photographers are posting their photos to social media, fewer are posting in full resolution to a website, and even fewer are printing their photos in coffee table books. In all of these listed use cases, the 6mpx from the Epson are perfectly adequate.

In fact, with the annoying compression algorithm used by Instagram, my Epson photos often look BETTER on instagram than my Canon, Leica, or Ricoh GRiii photos do, simply due to the less severe compression rate.

It’s not my favorite camera for black and white photos. Many will claim the CCD sensors are amazing for black and white photos, but I haven’t connected well with this. | Oregon/Canada/Hungary

Alright. I think I’ve spent both enough time discussing this, and probably not enough. The specs aren’t everything, we can all understand and move forward with this idea now, right? Cool.

It’s about feeling, man.

The experience of shooting the Epson, with its manual film advance lever to cock the shutter…on a digital camera. It’s the main selling point (there’s a second selling point, discussed in just a second). It’s freaking cool, simple as that. Is that single feature worth the $1400 price I paid for mine? Probably not, or not on paper at least, but I was fortunate enough to make that deal happen, and I haven’t regretted it even once.

To make my wallet feel a bit better though, the CCD sensor does put out some of the neatest vintage looking colors I have ever found on a digital camera.

If you want to learn a bit more about how a CCD sensor sees color, or more about digital sensors in general, you can check out my other article here.

I rarely have to edit the photos more than just a few minor exposure adjustments (the camera’s metering kinda sucks to be honest). The photos just come out of the camera looking how I would like them too.

So, again, the experience is more about using the camera, enjoying the camera, and enjoying the photos that magically come out 98% finished. For that experience, I do think the price is worth it.

Two of my favorites, colors right out of the camera. | Northern Idaho, USA

It also looks like a film camera, so that’s cool too bro.

I think we all understand that photography, and its expenses, aren’t an entirely rational hobby anyways. Many of us don’t make money from our photography, and if we do, many of those people only make enough to afford the cycle of upgrading their gear. In the end though, you take photos because you enjoy it. You also pay for expensive cameras and lenses because you convince yourself that you would enjoy those future photos more than your current photos.

The Epson RD1s does the same thing. It costs more, but promises less, and gives more than it should. I have written before my lamentations about my Canon R5, how I wanted to like it, but ended up despising it. On paper, it should decimate the Epson. On paper, it does. In the real world though, in your real human hands, taking real human moments, and capturing them as a digital memory, the Epson wins.

I don’t want to save the moments of my life in 45 mpx raw files that overheat my ipad when trying to edit them. I want to save the moments IN THE MOMENT and continue on with enjoying the moment.

I have been working on a specific “golden” preset for the Epson, these were the test photos. | Budapest, Hungary

That’s all good right?

The Epson isn’t for everyone though, and it isn’t for me ALL THE TIME either. I still own my Canon R6 and my Leicas for a reason. Different tools for different jobs. The RD1s isn’t for any job though, it’s for feeling.

For its pure enjoyment of the process, as cliche as it sounds, the Epson RD1s is about the journey, not the destination.

Lastly, if this post has made you want an Epson for yourself, I would never advise you to NOT get one, but I would ask yourself first: “Do I need it? Or could I just enjoy capturing my own moments here and now with what I already have?”.

Maybe that is the lesson this camera taught me. If specs ARE NOT everything, then maybe, the camera you WANT to use, is the best camera for you.

For that reason, I love it.

For that reason, the 6mpx Epson RD1s from 2004 is my favorite camera.

(Sorry Canon and Leica, I still like y’all too)

More Photos

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Other platforms: Instagram: @elijahrha | @foxfotoco Youtube: Elijah Aikens | Photos and Films

Rangefinder
Vintage
Photography
Camera Review
Film Photography
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