Epson R-D1

Infobox Digicam
model = Epson R-D1


kind = Digital rangefinder camera
sensor =
res =
lens = Leica M mount
shutter =
shutterRange =
metering =
emode =
mmode =
farea =
fmode = manual
cont =
viewfinder =
speedRange =
flash = fixed hot shoe
flbkt =
fcbkt =
WB =
wbbkt =
rearLCD =
storage =
battery =
weight =
obp =

The R-D1, announced by Epson in March 2004, [ [http://www.epson.co.jp/e/newsroom/news_2004_03_11.htm Epson Launches the World's First Rangefinder Digital Camera] , TOKYO, Japan, March 11] was the first digital rangefinder camera. Manufactured by Cosina, which also builds the current Voigtländer cameras, the R-D1 and its successor, the R-D1s (mechanically identical but with a firmware upgrade), use Leica M-mount lenses or earlier Leica screw mount lenses with an adapter.

One unique feature to note on the RD-1 is that it is a digital camera that has a mechanical shutter, despite not being a DSLR. The controls operate in the same way as film-based rangefinder cameras.

Data such as white balance, shutter speed, picture quality, and shots remaining are all displayed with servo driven indicators on a dial like a watch face (made by Epson's parent company Seiko). With the rear screen folded away, it is not obviously a digital camera. The Epson R-D1 is the first professional grade digital camera to benefit from a free software update that will bring it up to the specifications of its successor (named R-D1s). Nikon and Kodak have both offered such firmware upgrades but they have not been freeFact|date=April 2008.

External links

* [http://www.epson.co.uk/products/digital_cameras/RD1.htm R-D1 on the Epson website]
* [http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/cameras/epson-rd1.shtml Epson R-D1 : A Field Test] , The Luminous Landscape
* [http://www.richcutler.co.uk/ Rich Cutler's web site] , Site with much supporting information for R-D1
* [http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?forumid=48 R-D1 specific forum] on Rangefinderforum.com