R-D1 was the first Digital Rangefinder M-mount that shocked everyone since Leica was saying it couldn't be done. What was more shocking was who made it.... Epson. Epson chose to design the camera based on the Voigtlander Bessa and keep it as close to an analog rangefinder as possible. This design choice included keeping the shutter mechanism tied to the film advanced lever just like in traditional film cameras.
Here is mine:
Notice the dial? It has analog indicators for # frames left, battery power, Image quality (RAW versus JPG), and White balance. The back display was also designed to completely flip inward hiding the LCD. This made the camera completely indistinguishable from a film camera. In fact, I usually leave the LCD flipped inward and shoot as if I were using film.
The camera listed $3000 new but was difficult to find in the US. Mine was a refurb direct from Epson for under $1500. The refurbs would only last a few hours and were available in spurts. I stayed up late and checked their Epson website early in the morning for weeks just for a chance to get in an order.
It is a wonderful camera!! Brilliant UI. There is a cult building around this camera too... (lots of R-d1 versus M8 threads out there). Many are holding their breath that Epson will release the R-D2.... I'm afraid their wish will most likely fall short.... The initial R-D1 sales were so horrible that it left a bad taste at Epson. It is so bad that users are running into trouble getting service from Epson.
When the refurbs hit the market it reignited a whole niche market of people just waiting for a digital rangefinder (some would say kicked Leica into finally making the M8). The word is that the refurbs essentially outsold quicker than when the R-D1 was market brand new... strange isn't it? Seems to me that people wanted a DRF but just couldn't see spending $3000 on an "Epson".
There is now a rumor that Nikon is stepping up to the plate with a Digital rangefinder. This is believable since Nikon made a wonderful line of rangefinders costing as much as many Leicas. They also have more resources than Leica in terms of digital.
Me? Where is my digital 645.. PENTAX???