edhohoho
Established
I reported a dead LCD on a R-D1 body that was replaced by Epson a while back and thought I would post the end result of this fiasco.
Basically, the warranties ran out on my R-D1 body and the repairs Epson did in the past so I thought I would have to live with a dead LCD since Steve at Steve's Camera Repair took a look at it once before and was not able to find the problem. Contrary to what most people think, even though the LCD is not often used because many of the most vital functions are accessible via the external controls on the camera, the LCD is the only means of seeing and accessing many other useful functions of the camera such as formatting SD cards and hot pixel correction.
Luckily Steve kept my number and called me when he received another R-D1 that was sent in for repair. By comparing the two, he was able to figure out that the dead LCD was due to a combination of things: 1) blown fuses on the circuit board, and 2) faulty on/off switching mechanism on the LCD swivel.
Steve was awesome. He fixed the LCD, adjusted the rangefinder, and performed some maintenance on the shutter in less than 1 week...more on the order of 3-4 working days. I was fortunate that he wasn't too busy at the time and I live locally, but he is a really nice guy and stands by his work.
So, if your R-D1 has a similar dead LCD, you might want to talk to Steve before you send the camera out to Epson via an authorized Epson Repair Center because going through Epson will cost $40-$50 just for the repair center to attempt to "diagnose" the problem, plus another $500 flat rate repair fee for Epson to attempt to repair the problem or more likely than not swap your body for another questionable one. (And it goes without saying that you will likely have to wait anywhere from 2 to 8 stressful weeks before you ever see your camera again).
The amazing thing is, despite the problems I have had with this camera, I still enjoy the results I get from it. It is a great camera when everything is working, and remains the only digital rangefinder option for me at this time because even after the initial cost of the camera and subsequent repairs, it still costs less than half the price of a used M8. Although I hope to own an M8 or its successor someday, in the meantime I will continue enjoying the R-D1 and maybe even get a second body as a spare.
Basically, the warranties ran out on my R-D1 body and the repairs Epson did in the past so I thought I would have to live with a dead LCD since Steve at Steve's Camera Repair took a look at it once before and was not able to find the problem. Contrary to what most people think, even though the LCD is not often used because many of the most vital functions are accessible via the external controls on the camera, the LCD is the only means of seeing and accessing many other useful functions of the camera such as formatting SD cards and hot pixel correction.
Luckily Steve kept my number and called me when he received another R-D1 that was sent in for repair. By comparing the two, he was able to figure out that the dead LCD was due to a combination of things: 1) blown fuses on the circuit board, and 2) faulty on/off switching mechanism on the LCD swivel.
Steve was awesome. He fixed the LCD, adjusted the rangefinder, and performed some maintenance on the shutter in less than 1 week...more on the order of 3-4 working days. I was fortunate that he wasn't too busy at the time and I live locally, but he is a really nice guy and stands by his work.
So, if your R-D1 has a similar dead LCD, you might want to talk to Steve before you send the camera out to Epson via an authorized Epson Repair Center because going through Epson will cost $40-$50 just for the repair center to attempt to "diagnose" the problem, plus another $500 flat rate repair fee for Epson to attempt to repair the problem or more likely than not swap your body for another questionable one. (And it goes without saying that you will likely have to wait anywhere from 2 to 8 stressful weeks before you ever see your camera again).
The amazing thing is, despite the problems I have had with this camera, I still enjoy the results I get from it. It is a great camera when everything is working, and remains the only digital rangefinder option for me at this time because even after the initial cost of the camera and subsequent repairs, it still costs less than half the price of a used M8. Although I hope to own an M8 or its successor someday, in the meantime I will continue enjoying the R-D1 and maybe even get a second body as a spare.
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mobilexile
Well-known
So very happy to hear of your fix and experience.
For the benefit of those of us who don't have the pleasure, how do we reach the magical Steve and his workshop of love? Have heard much about someone named 'Steve' -- always with glowing praise. Assuming this is the same person.
Thanks.
For the benefit of those of us who don't have the pleasure, how do we reach the magical Steve and his workshop of love? Have heard much about someone named 'Steve' -- always with glowing praise. Assuming this is the same person.
Thanks.
wray
Well-known
pphuang
brain drain...
The usual suspects (DAG, Sherry Krauter) are just too busy - the turnaround can be a bit long, and they are not always so responsive by email, although their work is always excellent.
I discovered Steve about a year ago and have sent him several lenses - very responsive, quick turnaround, and I was quite pleased with the results. I'm hoping that he does not become too popular for my own selfish reasons
Link here: Steve's Camera
I discovered Steve about a year ago and have sent him several lenses - very responsive, quick turnaround, and I was quite pleased with the results. I'm hoping that he does not become too popular for my own selfish reasons
Link here: Steve's Camera
ampguy
Veteran
This is great news
This is great news
I had a great fast experience with DAG, maybe 2-3 weeks turnaround for RF alignment and check up, not too much longer for film M body work as well.
Great to know that Steve's Camera is fixing these as well. Thanks!
This is great news
I had a great fast experience with DAG, maybe 2-3 weeks turnaround for RF alignment and check up, not too much longer for film M body work as well.
Great to know that Steve's Camera is fixing these as well. Thanks!
The usual suspects (DAG, Sherry Krauter) are just too busy - the turnaround can be a bit long, and they are not always so responsive by email, although their work is always excellent.
I discovered Steve about a year ago and have sent him several lenses - very responsive, quick turnaround, and I was quite pleased with the results. I'm hoping that he does not become too popular for my own selfish reasons
Link here: Steve's Camera
Holmz
Established
I have nothing but praise for Sherry...
My dad reported that his pentax (circa 70's) was broken and that the local shop said to get their fancy digital.
I never dealt with Sherry before, but suggested that Pops contact her.
$15 plus some labour and 2 weeks later it was back.
I would send in the old Ansco super mimar for the range finder alignment, but need it for a trip, and it only misaligned in the vertical.
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I've been looking at RD-1s and was pretty pleased with the one I held in Japan a few months ago. What do hair line cracks in the sensor indicate?... Doesn't sound optimal, but is it common? and something to avoid?
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JNewell
Leica M Recidivist
How recently has anyone had DAG or Sherry work on their R-D1? Last time I talked to them, both had stopped working on them.
M. Valdemar
Well-known
1) If you send in an R-D1 to Epson, you have to keep calling until you get someone who allows you to send the camera directly to Indiana. Skip the "diagnoses" part. Nobody knows anything about the camera except in Indiana. (in the USA)
2) DAG and Krauter are not capable of doing any work on the R-D1 except for rangefinder alignment. Steve is the only one who can do shutter repair and electronic work.
2) DAG and Krauter are not capable of doing any work on the R-D1 except for rangefinder alignment. Steve is the only one who can do shutter repair and electronic work.
nestacio
Member
I'm in the rare position of living down the street from Steve's shop (incidentally there is a big box camera store a block or two away).
I can vouch for the fact that he knows his way around an RD1. I brought mine in for rangefinder adjustment, and he was in the process of working on one or two other RD1 bodies from other owners.
He showed me how difficult it actually is to get at the internal board; he has to remove points that are assembled by Epson with adhesive, and then reattach those points when he reassembles the bodies. My camera was not only adjusted well, he cleaned the sensor and internals (I bought my RF1 slightly used).
His shop is family-owned; he and his son work there with maybe one or two other employees. Note that they focus on servicing cameras, not selling them, which is why they do it fairly well.
I can vouch for the fact that he knows his way around an RD1. I brought mine in for rangefinder adjustment, and he was in the process of working on one or two other RD1 bodies from other owners.
He showed me how difficult it actually is to get at the internal board; he has to remove points that are assembled by Epson with adhesive, and then reattach those points when he reassembles the bodies. My camera was not only adjusted well, he cleaned the sensor and internals (I bought my RF1 slightly used).
His shop is family-owned; he and his son work there with maybe one or two other employees. Note that they focus on servicing cameras, not selling them, which is why they do it fairly well.
Didier
"Deed"
crusius
Established
Old thread, I know.
Just to let you all know that Steve just fixed my dead R-D1 LCD screen (it has been dead for quite a while, I decided to give Steve a call after seeing this thread last week). Quick service too.
- Cesar
Just to let you all know that Steve just fixed my dead R-D1 LCD screen (it has been dead for quite a while, I decided to give Steve a call after seeing this thread last week). Quick service too.
- Cesar
jbf
||||||
Out of curiosity, could you perhaps divulge how much it cost you to have your RD-1 repaired? Both the cost of the LCD, as well as the CLA, etc?
crusius
Established
Sorry, but I'm not sure Steve would like me to tell that, as it was a custom quote. And I think the LCD is a case by case basis: sometimes it is wires, sometimes a fuse, and so on. Maybe ask Steve himself? At least, with the R-D1, the only relevant thing you can't set with a broken LCD is the date: every other relevant control is on top.
Nevertheless, it was less than what people say is the Epson "$500 for any fix" rate. And it took him two days to do it, compared to who knows how long for Epson. *And* the camera came back looking better than when I sent it. Nothing to complain about.
Cheers,
- Cesar
