The Epson R-D1 is another departure from our usual delve into 35mm-esque single lens reflective cameras. Instead of the rush for more-more-more: more auto-focus points, more megapixels, more complexity; the R-D1 is a meditation on less.
Rangefinders first existed not as a type of camera, but as an accessory that could be used with a camera to accurate set the focussing distance of the lens. Through most of the 20th century, they were common, well loved for their portability, simplicity, and small size when compared to single lens reflective (SLR) cameras. A favourite of travelling journalists and street photographers, their size and inconspicuousness were welcomed assets.
With compact cameras having through-the-lens live view on an LCD, the size benefits of rangefinders in a digital world may have disappeared, but the R-D1 does have benefits in terms of power usage (since it doesn't need to power auto-focus or live-view) and responsiveness of the viewfinder. The 6MP APS-C R-D1 feels pricey at $3,000; but if you're looking for a digital camera for your fancy Leica lenses, you probably won't care about that.