Analog guage (semi) failure

[PaulN]

My 1.5 year old R-D1 developed a new problem over the weekend. The power guage (E - F) no longer works as it did originally. "Full" is now at the 12 o'clock 1/2 full section, and I cannot adjust it via the menu calibration tool. When I try to adjust it to "E" when running the calibration tool, it does won't let me. It is almost as if the whole needle needs to be rotated to the right.

My warranty is up, but I purchased an extended warranty through Mack. Hahaha, I doubt that they would replace it and send me a new one, ala Epson 😉

Has anyone else experienced this? I have 6k+ pictures on this body (my 3rd) and it is definitely a "user" camera. It is not mistreated, but it is used heavily and carried around daily.

-Paul

 

[sevres_babylone]

Mine developed the same problem, around the same time (just after my warranty expired) and around the same number of shots. That was in March, and I have been living with the problem since.

 

[rami G]

two of the bodeis I own/ed developed that- my current one just developed it recently (was there a full moon or something?) and my long ago replaced body had that too. Calibration does not help at all. and it does it with any battery (have 4 original) so it is not an issue with the battery. Really hope the other dial wont age as well.

 

[andrewch]

Mine develop that problem after 11 months of moderate use. Epson Hong Kong sent the camera to Tokyo to have the camera fixed, and it took about 3 weeks.

Andrew

 

[rvaubel]

Do you know for sure you got back the same camera and it was not just replaced. If so, it would be the first actual repair I have heard of.
Rex

 

[andrewch]

Yes , it was the same camera. I would have left the faulty battery gauge alone if they were going to replace my camera, as my camera worked perfectly since day 1.

Andrew

 

[rvaubel]

Thats very interesting. I would assume only Seiko(Epson) would have the parts to make that repair.
SEAN, are you reading this.
Rex

 

[iUser]

I think there is a software tool to reset the dials using the USB port on the side of the RD1. you might need to ask epson or a epson service centre.

 

[fgianni]

Mine had the same problem a couple of months ago, but I managed to fix it the following way:

1) did a partial calibration
2) switheed the camera off
3)repeat 1 and 2 untill fully calibrated.

I think it took me 3 or 4 cycles, but it has been fine since.

 

[rvaubel]

Has anyone with an analog gauge problem tried fgianni fix? My camera is an early model sn 001801 and has no QA problems. If my gauge broke I would be very hesitant to send it back to Epson for fear of losing my camera. I very real documented fear.
Rex

 

[PaulN]

Has anyone with an analog gauge problem tried fgianni fix? My camera is an early model sn 001801 and has no QA problems. If my gauge broke I would be very hesitant to send it back to Epson for fear of losing my camera. I very real documented fear.
Rex

Hi Rex,
I haven't tried it just yet, as my camera is out of state with my wife at the moment. As soon as they are back, I'll give it a shot and report back.

I understand your fear; I purchased an extended warranty through Mack, and loathe sending the camera to them. If they just turned around and sent it back to Epson, I'm looking at 3+ weeks turnaround time. If the keep the camera, who knows how long it will be there as it will most likely be their first guinea pig, and I am concerned that other things may happen to the camera.

-Paul

 

[Sean Reid]

iUser,

USB port?

Generally, I don't know what is going on with Epson right now. I've sent several e-mails to my contacts and have heard nothing.

Cheers,

Sean

 

[iUser]

There's a usb service port on the side you put the SD card in.

 

[PaulN]

There's a usb service port on the side you put the SD card in.

Unfortunately, I don't have my R-D1 with me at the moment, but I only recall seeing the SD card slot. Can you post a picture of this service port? It isn't mentioned in any literature. What type of USB connector does it have?

-Paul

Edit: Are you referring to this covered port to the left of the SD card in this picture:
http://www.epsonrd1.co.uk/img/gallery/rd1_memory.jpg

That is a sealed USB port for diagnostics?

 

[RML]

Edit: Are you referring to this covered port to the left of the SD card in this picture: http://www.epsonrd1.co.uk/img/gallery/rd1_memory.jpg

That is a sealed USB port for diagnostics?

Hey, I never noticed that one! But is there on my R-D1 as well.

 

[fgianni]

Of course I forgot to mention that between steps 2 and 3 you need to switch the camera on again 😱

 

[Sean Reid]

Hmmm...well I certainly see where the space for it is but mine seems to be just filled with plastic. That's a removeable cover you say? Interesting....

Cheers,

Sean

 

[PaulN]

Does anyone have a thin flathead screw driver available to gently pry the cover off? I'd do it on my camera, but it is 1000 miles away at the moment 😉

-Paul

 

[fgianni]

iUser, can I ask you a couple of questions please:

How do you remove the cover withut damaging it?
What software do you use to interface with the camera?

Thanks

 

[iUser]

iUser, can I ask you a couple of questions please:

How do you remove the cover withut damaging it?
What software do you use to interface with the camera?

Thanks

I used a pin to remove it.

Sorry, i have no idea what software works with it. It must be for epson's service programs, pixel remapping etc.