how long can the RD1 be serviced?

[georgef]

I know that EPSON will no longer service this camera come what, next year? I would like to keep the RD1 forever, but am not sure if there is anyone else that can service it past EPSON's commitment expiry. I thought I read in one of the posts that there is a camera shop that will service it for the next 10 years or so; is that correct?

My decision was whether to go to an M8 or not; I much preffer the RD1 (I shoot mainly ISO 400, 800, 1600) and if it CAN be serviced, I can see myself buying a second body rather than the M8.
Hopefuly this is the case, and you can direct me to the right source.

thanks in advance.

 

[yanidel]

I have read several posts on the topic and I believe Epson will provide parts for at least 6 years so with dealer inventories, you probably have 10 years in front of you. Also, I bought mine new from a dealership 8 months ago so legally they can't just stop to service it, there are still probably 2-5 years of product support. Also knowing that the main issue is rangefinder alignment and can be fixed by yourself or any normal camera shop, your gamble is probably on electronics only (the shutter should be able to be fixed too) so the question is 5 years down the block when there are a M9 and a M10 as well as a ZI digital RF, will the RD1 really be your first body still ? Probably not though I will always keep it.

 

[JonasYip]

Search the RD1 archives for steve's camera for many repair stories. He has taken apart enough of them that he can probably fix anything that goes wrong mechanically, and possibly some of the electronics (for example, he was able to fix someone's failed LCD, but only when another RD1 body came in that he could compare with).

More info on Rich Cutler's RD1 FAQ service and repair section: http://www.richcutler.co.uk/r-d1/r-d1_14.htm

j

 

[JonasYip]

I should add, although I'm perfectly confident in the serviceability of the RD1 (and conveniently enough happen to live 15 minutes from Steve's Camera), I did buy a second body just in case....

j

 

[--]

Epson UK 3oct2007:

"In reply to your email, Epson will offer out of warranty services for as long as there is a demand. We believe products usually have a shelf life of between 5 - 10 years. Customers who have printers that are 10 years old are still able to obtain out of warranty services even if this includes fixed price upgrades to the latest models."

And they are fast answering too 😀

 

[georgef]

(with a breath of relief...) thanks for all the replies. I am sooo attached to this camera that I will be hard pressed to "upgrade"; I understand that there are electronic parts I may not be able to replace (i.e. sensor) but as long as the mechanical parts can be serviced, I will keep my baby running as long as I can.
The sensor on the D100 has had a very good track record, so I am hopeful minor mech service will be all it will need for the next while. Having said that, I have yet (knock on wood) to come across ANY issues with this body whatsoever. Lets hope it stays that way.

 

[kshapero]

Steve of Steve's camera told me around 10 years. Works for me.

 

[cam]

and here is the link for Steve's Camera in case anybody needs it. they're quick (on-premises service), reasonable (free estimate beforehand), and knowledgeable (they've seen it all).

in fact, after giving my newly purchased used R-D1 a once-over (i had brought it in for dust on the sensor -- repaired in a few hours, i was a walk-in customer) and ascertaining all else was good, i asked what was most likely to go wrong at some point. he said the shutter mechanism would eventually get slower and slower and need to be replaced (approx. $250, if i remember rightly). if that is the worst i'm likely to be looking at, well, i can live with that.

 

[yanidel]

and here is the link for Steve's Camera in case anybody needs it. they're quick (on-premises service), reasonable (free estimate beforehand), and knowledgeable (they've seen it all).

in fact, after giving my newly purchased used R-D1 a once-over (i had brought it in for dust on the sensor -- repaired in a few hours, i was a walk-in customer) and ascertaining all else was good, i asked what was most likely to go wrong at some point. he said the shutter mechanism would eventually get slower and slower and need to be replaced (approx. $250, if i remember rightly). if that is the worst i'm likely to be looking at, well, i can live with that.

I believe the main long term risk for my RD1 is that someone steals it or I drop it from a cliff 🙄.... all the rest can be fixed, of course, at some cost.

 

[cam]

I believe the main long term risk for my RD1 is that someone steals it or I drop it from a cliff 🙄.... all the rest can be fixed, of course, at some cost.

LOL! that cliff thing happened to me last week -- well, the threat of it anyways... if i am allowed to start rock climbing again next year, i think i'll just take the GRD 😀

 

[yanidel]

LOL! that cliff thing happened to me last week -- well, the threat of it anyways... if i am allowed to start rock climbing again next year, i think i'll just take the GRD 😀

Well, make sure that if you fall in the future, your RD1 stays alive 😀
Joking, be cautious !

 

[nestacio]

Another vote for Steve's Camera - I had my rangefinder lines adjusted there and he had multiple RD1s in the store. One was actually going out via FedEx and another one had just arrived.

I'm convinced he knows his way around the internals and a lot of owners trust him with their cameras.

My epson was not only adjusted, but completely cleaned (I bought it used and had it inspected by Steve right after it arrived).

 

[kxl]

Some truisms:

1) A digital camera has a finite life.

2) How long into the future a digital camera remains serviceable depend on the availability of repair shops and parts.

3) There will always be another one "right around the corner" -- yes, I do believe this applies even to digital RF bodies.

4) Steve at stevecamera.com deserves 😀😀😀 for his continuing to do a great job on the Epson R-D1S -- he did a great job on mine (RF alignment and CLA). He's also got my 50mm SUmmicron (Rigid) and 90mm Elmar for CLA right now.