R-D1x: Worth the upgrade?

[ksporry]

I spotted a couple of R-D1s's and an R-D1x in Shanghai. Boxed and look in very good condition. Haven't done a full inspection yet.
I have an R-D1 which was upgraded. I wonder if it's worth exchanging it for the R-D1x. The x version will set me back 14000RMB (around 1400GBP, or 1550euros, which I think is ridiculous for that camera, compared to a Leica M8 or M8.2), minus anything I would get for my own R-D1 "u".

I like the idea of a large LCD display. I don't really need the ability to use SD cards up to 32GB, since the upgrade allows me to use 2GB cards which is more than sufficient for a single day's work. I don't know what the improved processor will do for me, other than maybe faster write speeds, but then again, how fast can I crank that lever?!?

Are there any other upgrades that might make the R-D1x worth buying?

[Vincent.G]

The R-D1 and R-D1s has swivel LCD screen but not the R-D1x. You can flip the LCD screen in to protect it - a feature sadly missing in the newer R-D1x.

If you do not need the larger capacity SD cards, your upgraded R-D1 is more than good enough.

[umcelinho]

if you dont miss being able to use SD cards above 2gb, don't bother with the x.

[ksporry]

excellent, all I needed to know...! Thanks!

[conradyiu]

I am in Shanghai right now and love to have a X for long time, will go to check it out. But RMB14000 is really a crazy price.

[ksporry]

I bought my R-D1 "U" in Osaka for 89k yen, not counting tax free discount

[Keith]

I don't have a problem with the size of the LCD on the RD-1 or RD-1s and the current SD card capacity is fine considering the battery life when shooting. If changes in these areas is all the X offers then why bother?

Now if it had a 12 megapixel sensor!

[Lss]

I prefer the swivel screen over the fixed screen of the R-D1x. The only functional advantage the newer body gives is support of larger cards. There are cases of the swivel screen dying, so the 'x' may also be slightly more reliable.

[gilpen123]

Positive :Better skin not easily peeled off, more robust RF alignment, latest production beginning 2008, higher SD capacity and better, brighter VF.

Negative : fixed LCD screen, no swiveling screen.I'll pick an RD1x anytime.

[Lss]

and better, brighter VF.

Never heard of this before. What exactly is changed?

[Peter Wijninga]

I have decided to buy a new R-D1s or an R-D1x. To mothball until such time my R-D1 and R-D1s are no longer serviceable.

[f16sunshine]

Well I don't have an RD1 currently but was an early adopter of the originally released Camera. I would much prefer a slightly larger and higher resolving screen to the sort of flimsy swivelly screen. I repaired mine once through Steves Camera early on for a screen failure as a result of simply using it as designed. Actually I would highly recommend current owners leave their screens turned out and never touch them
It's the equivalent of the self timer in old Fixed lens RF's IMO. One of these days an action that could be the kiss of death.
Some day I hope to get an RD1x although they are quite difficult to find in the US.

[elmer3.5]

hi, the ability to use larger sd cards is nice, when on a trip i just ran out of cards so quiclky!
I could manage to cut a pair of slits inside the mr.zhou case to put two extra cards...

But since the x version doesn´t have that pretty swivel lcd screen i don´t know...guess i´d stick to the rd1 o rd1s because of the swivel back!

[gilpen123]

The VF is clearer to my eye than my RD1, probably because it's newer.

Originally Posted by Lss

Never heard of this before. What exactly is changed?

[gilpen123]

When I sold my 1st RD1 and replaced with an M8.2, I terribly missed it and eventually sold the M8.2 and got an RD1x when I chanced upon in Adorama. I eventually got the grip
for it - RD1xg.

[donz]

Looks gorgeous...so maybe this is better then m8 ?

[crispy12]

What do you prefer about the Epson compared to the M8?

[crispy12]

What do you prefer about the Epson compared to the M8?

[gilpen123]

The M8.2 is good but struggles in ISO 640 above, shots from it are very clean at lower ISO and sharp, difficult to explain but I still prefer the draw of the RD1.

M8.2



RD1

[gilpen123]

Now with the grip

[donz]

Very nice indeed...I need to find myself the RD1x

[gilpen123]

Good luck with the hunt, not so many of them out there though.

[Keith]

Originally Posted by crispy12

What do you prefer about the Epson compared to the M8?

Handling, high ISO, shutter sound, colours, viewfinder, files convert better to black and white IMO, menu and associated dials needles etc.

I like the look of it better ... the M8 looks like a bar of soap in comparison.

[donz]

LOL well put it Keith ..a bar of soap

[gilpen123]

Or a can of Portuguese sardines.