Advice on Buying R-D1[s]?

[sjmcdonough]

Hello All -

This is my first real post and first I wanted to thank everyone for their postings here, they've been very informative!

At any rate, I'm thinking of taking the plunge into Rangefinder photography after getting a taste for manual controls with a Sigma DP1. I was wondering if I could trouble you all for some advice.

I'm thinking I want to get a used R-D1. Leicas are very interesting, but seem a bit too expensive for a hobbyist like myself. Maybe after I learn the ropes.

In general, looking here or on eBay, the RD-1s fall into three categories:
1) New, unopened box (mostly in Japan): $2100ish
2) New, opened box: $1900ish
3) Used, in various states: $1400-1600

My question is, which of these would you buy?

I'm a bit worried about getting one with a misaligned rangefinder, and I've heard that the rangefinders have high failure rate new out of the box. Because of this, I would almost prefer a used one where someone vouched for the alignment. However with used, I wonder how durable the shutter mechanism is?

Also, I have heard that it is easier to adjust the rangefinder on the R-D1 than on the R-D1s. Is this true?

I guess my best case scenario would be a beat up, cheap RD-1 with a perfectly aligned rangefinder mechanism that I could learn from. Ah well, I can dream.

Thanks in advance for any advice,
Scott

 

[kshapero]

In order of preference:
1. A used one from the RFF classifieds
2. A new one from Japan

 

[retnull]

Another option: don't purchase yet -- wait to see results from the new Panasonic G1, which is alleged to be able to mount M-mount lenses via an adapter. Pro: $799 for a brand-new 14 mpix camera. Con: crop factor, size/looks, other unknowns??? We shall see.

 

[gdi]

I wouldn't count on the alignment being right with a used or new one. I found that you could adjust it and it would continue to drift out of alignment. It is not hard to adjust, but still a pain.

I've had two and they are great to use, but I was always worried about failure - the shutters do go bad (happened to one of mine). I sold mine to stick with an M8, which is more reliable and has much better RF stability. The M8 is more expensive, but the used gap is narrowing as the RD-1 seems to stay around $1200-1500 and the M8 is dropping...

Good luck!