Sean Reid has reviewed the Epson R-D1. http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/cameras/epson-rd1.shtml
Not a perfect camera, but:
"The camera’s list of strengths is too long to reiterate here but it is a very impressive camera overall and a particularly remarkable performer especially considering that this is Epson’s first venture into the world of 'serious' digital cameras. I highly recommend the Epson R-D1."
Josh Root has also posted his R-D1 thoughts: http://www.photo.net/equipment/epson/rd1/
"As this isn’t a full “review” I’m not going to go over each one of the features here. But rather I’m going to give a user opinion of my short afternoon shooting and fiddling with the camera. Then I will add on a few statements and opinions from photographers who have used the camera for a longer period of time."
My understanding is that Epson only mfg'd 10,000 units partly as an "antenna product" (built to see what attention it attracts). Assuming there are enough Leica users with choice M-series lens that want to add a digital body to their bag of M-bodies (I'm in that category) then I think Epson can propbably sell most of these units worldwide without having to dramatically reduce price. Many of us that love their Leica optics are intrigued with what type of digital images these lenses will produce. And, most Leica users know that Leitz' long promised M series camera probably won't be any cheaper than the RD-1...and it probably won't be available until 2006 if in fact they can pull it off before going bankrupt.
Leica is releasing their digital M-mount body in 2006 and Zeiss is working on a digital M-mount rangefinder body as well. I'd sit tight since those two will undoubtedly be improved over the Epson in every aspect. Two companies with more classic camera experience using next year's electronics technology... yeah.
Without the halo effect of Leica, I can think of the following advatages of the RF camera.
1. More compact and quiter than SLR. ( more portable )
2. Excellent image quality at Wide-angle side due the Leica optics. ( But this merit is not fully exercised yet due the the lack of Full Frame sensor )
I had a brief demo of this camera. It was quite an experience. A real blend of old, and new. The old of the rangefinder/viewfinder (love em, or hate em), and the new of the digital.
The controls are a real blend, and the winding lever (to cock the mechanical shutter) takes a bit of getting used to. You review the stored images by rotating the "rewind" knob!
I can't comment on the image quality from my brief use, but the appeal of a digital body that uses Leica glass is exciting.
All the talk of disappointment with less that a full frame sensor belies the lack of understanding of just how difficult that would be with the lens designs of rf lenses.Talk about edge problems with oblique light rays striking the sensor from deeply recessed rear elements.
The price to me is the biggest limiting factor. Just how much is a digital rf worth?? I don't know, but I thank Epson/Cosina for giving it a try.
