Online Ordering |
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Epson
R-D1 R-D1s |
Leather colors &
types for Epson R-D1 |
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| We have been supporting the R-D1
"off-site" so to speak, for a couple of years now. The Epson digital M
camera is now supported and those owners who are thinking of recovering
their camera will find it is well suited to an aftermarket covering.
There is one thing to consider for those still undecided: The shape, look and feel of your Epson will noticeably change if recovered with any of our kits. The factory covering is actually made of molded "parts" that cannot be made to lie flat, a completely different approach to covering a camera than the traditional leather part cut from a flat sheet. Once you peel off the "parts" you will see the back sides are molded to match specific impressions, holes and other contours of the metal body shell. This type of construction is also used on the R-D1's 35 mm predecessor, the Cosina-made Bessa R Series. All of the original rubber shell parts must be removed from your R-D1. None of our kits can be made to adhere over these parts. Your Epson will become slightly smaller in your hands. And if you choose to remove the back thumb grip, you will lose the "hump". |
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The camera here is shown in
Griptac black, by far the most often specified material for the R-D1.
Although the new material creates a shallower body, the effect is still
superior in grip strength to the original factory covering.
Additionally, the very aggressive texture of Griptac helps to hide any
irregularities that would otherwise show through a thin covering. Applying a replacement covering to the R-D1 is about as simple as this kind of work can be. There are no levers or lugs to prevent an easy, perfectly aligned application. If the "wet method" of application is used, it is only necessary to apply a tiny bit of liquid "inboard", close to the lens mount. |
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One area of concern to the R-D1
owner is the molded thumb grip, or "hump" on the back. About half of
all R-D1 owners who choose to recover, will leave the original thumb
grip in place. The
thumb
grip cannot itself be recovered. It must be removed to
apply the new piece. The Griptac piece here is obviuosly quite a bit different than the original hump, but it still provides for a very strong grip. Included with the back piece is a rubber spacer that is about 1mm thick. It should be applied first, at the right outboard edge of the back, right where it runs up against the lip of the access door. The spacer is applied to raise the new back leather above the lip. Otherwise, if you are holding the camera with your one hand, and your thumb is up against the lip, it might be possible for your thumb to open the door, causing the user to lose their grip on the camera. The use of the spacer is best illustrated in photos, which we will post as soon as we have some! |
| You can still have fun with your R-D1. This has been recovered with a naturally speckled genuine lizard skin. It is a special order leather! |  |