$1,100 for R-D1?

[ornate_wrasse]

I have a fairly simple question.

I have an opportunity to purchase an Epson R-D1 for $1,100. Is that a good price for this camera?

I did check the prices on completed auctions on Fleabay and most, but not all, were higher than $1,100.

Thanks.

Ellen

 

[kshapero]

If in good shape, the answer is yes.

 

[huntjump]

Yea that seems like a very fair price, depending on condition, shutter actuations etc..

 

[Rob-F]

The used R-D1 prices do seem to be dropping lately. Not too long ago, about $1600 seemed to be the norm. $1100 is as good a price as I've seen. Of course, condition is everything. If it's in excellent condition with everything working properly and the appearance is good, I would certainly go for it!

 

[pagpow]

Interesting, I would also say that is a good price if in good condition. Haven't followed closely in last two months, but prior to that my impression was that prices had been falling, but that they had started going back up again.

Maybe they have fallen again. But anything around $1,100 is lower than I had seen.

 

[majid]

Keep in mind the R-D1 had sometimes spotty quality control, and make sure the RF patch is properly aligned. It's still a great camera, and better than the M8/M9 at ISO 1600 in my opinion.

 

[back alley]

i wouldn't sell either of mine for less...

the rf allignment is not a hard chore at all. i just did it on one of mine, made much easier by using the 2x mag i just got from wouter.

i love my rd1s...

 

[jmarcus]

again try and find out the actuations, and it seems to be the market price.

 

[f16sunshine]

Ellen
It is a unique camera with unique image quality. I think $1100 is a great price if the camera and it's production potential suit you. I have one that is in beautiful condition but ready for a CLA. I will get the work done because the RD1 IQ is something I can't get somewhere else in a digital camera. Again If you love RD1 images go for it if the camera is working properly!

 

[ornate_wrasse]

Thank you all for your input!

@jonmanjiro - Thanks for the tip about the servicing available in Japan. That is good to know.


Ellen

 

[former member]

That's a good price, of course condition counts for a lot.

It is about 1/2 the price of a used M8.

 

[mountainrivera]

Not to gloat (but I guess that is what ia am about to do) but I bot one on flea bay for 650 very recently. My third time around for the rd1 Not sure why the auction received no attention. It was a refurb that came complete in the white box. New condition with a Zhou's case. The patch is spot on too. I guess you get lucky sometimes.

 

[Benitoh]

I am new to the forum. I have access to a brand new r-d1. It's been sitting in the store since it came out. The store is asking 1500. I am doubtful to jump at it, never had a digital rangefinder, although I have a film oly. It sounds like this would be worth it, even as investment. Agree?

 

[Steinberg2010]

I probably wouldn't see it as an investment as it's still a digital camera and therefore is subject to the same digital rot as other digital cameras. On the other hand for a brand new one that may be a good price if you intend to use it yourself.

S

 

[huntjump]

There is always some level of comfort when buying new...but at the same time this is an OLD camera. Thus, I think as Steinberg said if this is about using the camera, then the price seems fair for what it is. But for an investment, I think you would only be looking to lose money since as soon as you open it this camera becomes used and would reflect a lower used price. Though...if you look at fleabay then, while you won't make a profit, you would lose very very little if any if you decided to sell (at today's prices)

The closer the r-d1 gets to the $2k range, the more i'd think about the m8 or waiting.

 

[Benitoh]

I have an x100. Saw the r-d1 sitting in a shop here in Mexico city. Even though it is mint (never used, original box), it still seems like an investment (more then what I paid for the x100). I asked to see if the the owner still might reduce it more then the 1500 usd he is asking for. I guess I am still kind of excited at this approach to photography.

Still, thanks for your answer (to steinberg2010 as well)

 

[tobinharris]

I got my R-D1 a week ago in the UK for $1779.47 (£1100). It included

- camera body
- CV 25mm f4 lense
- charger
- 2 batteries
- strap
- manual
- original boxes

I felt it was a pretty good deal.
The camera has some real battle scars - adds to the charm. Picture quality and mechanics are perfect.

Am having much fun with the camera - the shooting experience is so much fun. Friends love it too, so retro!

I was really keen to "scratch an itch" with a true manual focus rangefinder. And I knew the decision doesn't have to be final, I can always sell it! I also have an "upgrade" path to the M9 once I've sold a kidney, and can keep any lenses I collect 🙂

Or, I could sell and buy an X100, but think I'm going to stick with the R-D1, it's got a classic feel about it and it's fun.

 

[menos]

Benitoh - I would run to the shop for this deal!
If there is even remotely a possibility, to get this even further discounted (the dealer might find a original battery in some forgotten corner ;-)), this would be a very solid deal.

Don't let others fool you - yes, second hand M8 are available not soo much more expensive, and yes, the R-D1 is an old camera, but still in 2011, it is a wonderful and very, very capable camera, to shoot - especially for B&W.

I still have mine around, although not using it anymore.

This comment comes from a M8.2 user, who recently has added a M9 as well.
These two digital Leicas do not change the R-D1's abilities the slightest!

It has mentioned, that the R-D1 holds it's own in ISO1600 against the digital Leicas.
I have been of that opinion myself for all the time, I used the R-D1 (mostly @ ISO1600 btw ;-) ) and even missed the great low light performance, when using mostly the M8.2 and pushed film.

Today, I have to say, that the M9 has broken that very barrier, the R-D1 always has been ruled - the M9 indeed has an edge in high ISO shots, even over the very, very strong R-D1. M9 files even push very nicely (not tested yet, if crazy speeds as ISO6400 or 12800 look as usable, as the R-D1 files though).

R-D1 @ISO1600:

M9 @ISO1600:

I would not sell my R-D1 for a low price as 1.100 USD - it's just too good, to be sold that low ;-) So anybody, who sees a deal as good at 1.100 USD for a nice looking, fully functional R-D1 should jump for it.

The 650 USD mentioned above indeed is a one in a kind too good deal - congratulations!

 

[ornate_wrasse]

I got my R-D1 a week ago in the UK for $1779.47 (£1100).

When I first looked at your post, I found it very interesting that you also bought yours for 1,100 (although your 1,100 is in pounds sterling and my 1,100 is in dollars) Then I realized that it was $1,779, so me thinks not so good a deal. And, then I slowly began to realize that it had a lens that was included. So, it wasn't such a bad deal after all. 🙂

Ellen

 

[ornate_wrasse]

@menos - those are some nice shots at 1600. I shot some color on my R-D1 using 1600 and was pleased with how they came out. They are posted in another thread. In the future, though, I think I'll try to shoot color using a lower ISO and save the 1600 for B&W images.

It's a fun camera to use and I'm glad I, uh, broke the bank to buy it.

Ellen