Epson R-D1x, The JOY of Photography - RED35 Retrospective

Latest camera technologies are great, yet can also be distracting. To re-align my photography senses, I've taken a few steps back, slow myself down with a simple and world first digital manual rangefinder camera (yes, it beats Leica!!), the Epson R-D1x, for my 50-year-old birthday trip to San Sebastián with my family. #photography #travelphotography #streetphotography
Lenses used (see my previous reviews):
Zeiss 35mm f1.4 ZM • BETTER than LEICA? Zei...
Artralab 50mm f1.1 M • MADE IN HONG KONG LENS...
TTArtisan 28mm f5.6 • BEST LOOKING LENS IN T...
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[@Red35Photography]

If you love photograph, I hope you enjoy today's video, it's not just about gear, but rather, my approach and thoughts about photography in general. Let me know your thoughts.

[@DrLuisAlbertoParra]

I have this same camera in the same mint condition. I fall in love with it more and more everyday

[@Red35Photography]

Thank you my friend. It's a really special camera that I will never let go for sure.

[@ImageMaven]

Happy 50th Jimmy! That camera looks very interesting. Great photos as always. Thanks for bringing back the basics.

[@Red35Photography]

Thanks!! It's a cult classic. First digital rangefinder camera (beat Leica), and the only digital camera to-date that has a manual winder for the shutter, also made by Epson, which is even rare of a story.

[@jmtphotographymedia]

Great images and a well done video. Simplicity is paramount for the joy.

[@TL-xw6fh]

Absolutely Jimmy! Lately, I've gone back to basics too. I've been using my trusty D200 with a fully manual and old Nikkor 35/2.8 AI lens. By simply shooting in full manual focussing and metering, I've been enjoying my photography again, forgetting about megapixels, sensor size, bokeh (urghh!), sharpness, etc. This old combination (and a 24/2.8 Nikkor AI too) simply gives me my mojo back. Now, I focus on subject matter (looking for the narrative), composition and lighting. These are the 3 ingredients for a wonderful image. Everything else to do with technology is simply the icing on the cake and hence not absolutely essential to capturing wonderful moments in time. Enjoy your photography and creating wonderful images, Jimmy.

[@Red35Photography]

Great to hear your journey too. It's great to revisit some old cameras and see why we started this hobby in the first place.

[@johnger850305]

Wow you take really good photos and the mint condition of your Epson RD1 is an absolutely treasure.

[@Red35Photography]

Thanks John! I really love the R-D1, it's just so special and iconic.

[@vadymmokromenko1207]

Thanks for samples, very informative

[@Red35Photography]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@SomeUnremarkableGuy]

I thought I heard at the beginning 20 euro camera instead of 20 years old xD Like what :D

[@abinam2255]

Great video. Had never heard of this Epson. I absolutely love Manual photography but equally hate the restrictive Cost of 35mm film. I bought a manual Nikon FM 45 years ago, with a few fantastic manual lenses. All are collecting dust, unless a similar Manual ‘body’ could take my N/AI lenses. Do you know of such camera, with fully manual traditional controls, but digital?

[@Red35Photography]

Thanks and glad you've enjoyed the video. For Nikon, I bought the Zf-c and Zf mirrorless cameras, they have physical controls and almost feel retro. Size wise, the Zf-c is closer to the FE but it's a cropped sensor. Zf is full frame, bigger and heavier. Both have shutter speed dials on top and looks good with manual AI lenses (with adaptor).

[@Paul-Genge]

The original RD-1 has odd memories for me. When it launched in 2004 I was at PhotoKina, and spent a long time admiring it on the Epson stand. If I remember correctly there was a second one on Zeiss stand behind glass. I took a few Japanese Minolta principles to the Epson booth so we could also examine it and discuss how I felt they needed to consider its design, purpose and function when planning the future DiMAGE line-up, we had just announced the A200 at the show. But I felt we needed a more traditional premium and expensive product, to add a classical line to the range. But it came to nothing, and the rest is history. And, I never bought one either. I admire it so much, its a camera that captivates me.

[@Red35Photography]

Yes Paul. Now looking back, it's an odd camera with the wrong branding. Epson may have bought Cosina/Voigtlander at the time, but using Epson instead of Voigtlander (which the R-D1 body was based!), which is a better brand, was beyond me. Yet, its quirk (at the time) has made it special, so special that it may be the only digital camera that features a manual advance crank. The analogue dial (for a digital camera) was also unique, and made by Seiko (something that the Japanese were very proud of), just really makes it one of a kind.

[@classic.cameras]

The older I get my friend the more simplcity I want in my photography. I used to carry a bag of L lenses. Now I like my Sony A7 IV with a simple Voightlander 35mm f1.4 Nokton. And for vintage, lets go back to the 5D with the simple 50mm f1.8 STM. Older, Simpler, and Lesser equals more fun.

[@JeevesTCW]

What a stunning place Jimmy hope you had a wonderful time. I made a mistake years ago by only staying in San Sebastian for 1 night when on a tour. Really wished I'd explored those views. On another issue, are you not doing any more of those "Gear of the Year" type video's you did 2 yrs ago when the Laowa 6mm won?

[@Red35Photography]

Thanks mate. Yes, San Sebastián was a very beautiful place and worth visiting. The Gear of the Year video was interesting to make. though I must admit that M43 lens development kind of stopped and there were only a handful of them came out over the past two years. If I am to make one, it will be a mix of APS-C and full frame.

[@Moonrakerd]

best digital cam ever made , i really need to fix the lcd cables on mine, loving this cam to bits

[@Red35Photography]

Yes! Me too, the BEST rangefinder EVER, even more so than Leica. This is what 'RETRO' digital rangefinder suppose to be. That manual advance winder was just pure joy, just like my old M3 and M6. Brilliant, I wonder why Leica never makes one.

[@Moonrakerd]

@@Red35Photography I wish someone would make an slr like that, as I do love SLRs more then RF, but no one is brave enough, I have an M9 as well but I really love epson more, its just gets all the geek in me excited with the manual winder and all the fancy dials, the menu system is horrid but no body cares about that :D plus mine is a rd1s I can flip the screen

[@Red35Photography]

@@Moonrakerd I also wanted the R-D1s, all because of the flip screen. I bought this last version of R-D1x (domestically in Japan is R-D1xg, the 'g' stands of grip, which it came with, apparently is rarer than anything, the grip alone can fetch £300!) Crazy but I am not using it and rather use the leather case you see in the video.

[@Moonrakerd]

@@Red35Photography I got really lucky with mine, the seller thought it doesnt work, but he was sticking a 32gb card in it :D rd1s can only take original SD cards up to 2gb, so I got it for £120, sometimes risking a bit does pay up :))

[@Moonrakerd]

btw whats that case as I dont really have any case on mine ?

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Just drop another comment to support a great video

[@Red35Photography]

Thanks Richard! Much appreciated your support my friend.

[@Maddin1313]

The biggest hurdle in making a new camera of this kind is that nobody is manufacturing film cameras anymore. Except Pentax! Here's the big chance for Pentax to take the Pentax 17 and stuff a digital sensor inside, keep the manual winder to wind the shutter.

[@RickMentore]

The Epson R-D1x is a most beautiful device. I rather like that top glass dial. Wouldn't be cool if Epson gets back in the game with a cool, small, travel camera? There are so many fantastic designs to copy, yet my camera company Sony, continues with the same boring body design! I thoroughly enjoyed this video.

[@LIGHTHUNTER.D]

I’ll always want one of these and will never pay the second hand price

[@Red35Photography]

Yeah, it's going for crazy prices now. My copy was a JDM model as the west never got the 'x' model. Mine also features the grip which in Japan refers to R-D1xg, the last batch before discontinued.

[@LIGHTHUNTER.D]

@ yeah not a deal breaker, but idk why they stopped doing the articulating screen on those ones

[@Red35Photography]

@@LIGHTHUNTER.D All early models, R-D1 and R-D1s suffer from broken LCD panel cables inside the articulating screen panel. There's another comment here said the same thing. So, after they pulled the international release, the domestic model R-D1x changed to a fixed (and bigger) screen and never had problems again. It was technology at the time I guess. They are of course much better now as most of our cameras feature flip out screens.

[@LIGHTHUNTER.D]

@ makes sense! Thank you for clarifying

[@Jack_Schularick]

Interesting how much A camera can influence how we feel about taking pictures and more. But you can do the same with any modern mirrorless with a hundred buttons. Just don't use them. Don't chimp. Switch to b+w jpegs, shoot manual with fixed iso etc. That's what i do. Whatever tickles your pickle.

[@Red35Photography]

Yes, that's what I said towards the end of the video, by switching off other non-essential features.

[@Jack_Schularick]

@@Red35Photography There is also the funny psychological effect of getting a new, special camera which unleashes tons of creativity. Suddenly every picture becomes special and great when taken with it. But what IF you take the most humble camera and imagine that this is THIS one which i special - the same thing. When you think you have a great camera you are more creative, you are more careful or even bold editing. You like the output more as it also seems more special.... It's a male thing. Women don't care much about gear as long as it does what they need. What do you think?

[@hjones451]

A Sony a6000 always in my pocket - 210mm zoom added if using a backpack.

[@mjbxxv]

„To celebrate my big 50, my wife cheated me“ im like, wtf 😳

[@Red35Photography]

hahahahah... I thought my English was alright.

[@jonatascd_]

love the "filmgital" term

[@Red35Photography]

Thanks mate.

[@SrCordeiro]

Still beat myself for not getting a good condition R-D1 for 500 bucks some years ago. Now it's impossible to get at a reasonable price. Regarding having a camera with limitations and no distractions, I've got a old Olympus E300 + 25mm f/2.8 that does just that for me. I have to work more to get the shots, and I love the process!

[@Red35Photography]

Great to hear that. I will make a proper video about the R-D1x later which will dive into the techs of the camera, including that special CCD sensor, which has a dynamic range of 5 stops hahaha

[@tbones8554]

My thoughts: Do you plan to sell your R-D1x ? If so I am the perfect one to apply in buying it as I'm not to young but have a young spirit and try to see the beautiful in the life ... and really careful with everything I own 😉 so you can consider me as the most valuable proud owner of this little beauty. This video made my cry. Pure joy. Good content, good steals, good music and so emotional as jumping in a rollercoaster and at the end crying👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾Peace

[@Red35Photography]

Wow, thanks my friend and glad to hear that you enjoyed this video. I enjoyed making it (and using the camera too!) Selling it? I am not so sure, I have a tendency of hoarding cameras and lenses at home hahah you should ask my wife, she wants me to sell everything!

[@findefuchs]

Hahahah bro sameee I want it so bad😭🤣

[@lensman5762]

One of the most enjoyable experiences of shooting digital recently that I have had, was when I dusted off my old Nikon D70 and went around just taking photos. I believe it has the same sensor as the RD-1 which incidentally was manufactured by Cosina for Epson Seiko. All this automation have taken the joy out photography. I am with you 100% regarding this stupid and irrelevant Bukeh. Just before I came across your video, I told one these ' arty ' young British photographers what I thought of the idea of Bukeh, and why I think it was total madness that he was using a 100 MP Fuji and went on to put a £100.00 Chinese lens on it which he said had a brilliant Swirly Bukeh wide open, residual spherical aberration galore!!!!

[@WhoIsSerafin]

I remember when this came out. I said Ricoh is going to give Leica some big competition 😂 And this is why I don’t play the stock market 😂. But you can only wonder what the future would have looked like with this line of cameras.

[@Red35Photography]

Tell me about it. Epson should have gone for a different branding, instead of using Epson, it should be Voigtlander (which the body was based), made it sound 'German' and more premium. But it's also because it's an Epson, that makes it even strange and rare.

[@bublt4me]

If my wife said I could only have two cameras, it would be my OM-1 Mark II and Epson R-D1. I absolutely love this camera. Leica is really missing out by not adding a manual winding shutter in their D cameras.

[@Red35Photography]

Thank you. Yes, I would find it very hard to let go of this camera as well. It will never leave here because of its iconic design and status.

[@SneakyCaleb]

I swear you said 20 euro in the beginning lmao

[@ericlundquist3466]

I'd buy this camera if it was re-released. With a 40-60mp sensor and new computer, the rest stays the same. Even the flip for the shutter, which i feel, is the best part . No gimmicks, video , stacking ,mg42 shoot speeds, endless lists, just a regular single shot camera. Id pay 3k+ for that. Everything else is commercialized garbage.

[@BickramKhatri]

Hi

[@StreetMusicReportage]

So u got this camera for 20€?

[@Red35Photography]

LOL, I saw the automated CC.

[@jimblues21]

Gr