How well is YOUR RD-1 ageing?

[mtokue]

Ok Chaps,
Even though the RD-1 does have/had quite a few QC problems... I for one am very happy with mine!.... But another issue has begun to rear its head!
I have a couple of Ms and they all have scratches and nicks which to me add a certain "Character" to them. I am also fortunate to own a Black paint specimen which to me is getting more charming as she ages and shows her brass!!
Now, my RD-1 is not by any means abused nor could I even say being put through a particularly intensive life. In fact she’s still a Young-un.....BUT. I have started to notice that the Black paint?/covering in a few places wearing through to show white?/Chrome? and whilst I was inspecting her this evening a piece about 2-3mm square came away on my finger just above the Lug strap!! I use a leather strap and have the O-ring? covered by leather to protect the body....
IS anybody else experiencing this??
My observation is that dull chrome/white does not look very appealing in patches on a black Camera...Now if the rest is going to come away on my finger this seems like it could be a big problem...
Mike....

 

[Jim Watts]

Hi Mike,
I agree the black paint finish is not very durable and the white/grey metal underneath is not very attractive. Mine has not been abused either but is showing wear on the bottom plate, where you flip the card door open and around the card door hinge. Its O.K. where the lugs are (I use the leather O ring covers) but this is probably because I'm usually holding it in my hand and not letting it dangle from my shoulder most of the time.

Mind you if you think the R-D1 is bad you should look at a used X-Pan. My MK1 version is losing paint all over the place, again without much abuse and this also has the same unattractive White\Grey metal underneath.

I expect I'll end up covering them both in black tape as I used to do with a chrome M2 years ago. This also makes them less attactive to thiefs. I'm not really bothered about appearance, except that I like the camera to be as unnoticable as possible, but it does of course effect secondhand values.

 

[Sean Reid]

I've lost some paint from the on-off switch but nowhere else yet. So long as the camera works well, cosmetic problems don't bother me much. I'm not likely to sell this camera so resale shouldn't be much of an issue.

Cheers,

Sean

 

[RML]

I'm wondering if there's only the Luigi case for the R-D1. Though the Luigi cases look fab they're a tad on the expensive side, at least for me. And the case for my Bessa R does not fit (it was the first thing I checked though from handling the R-D1 I already got the idea it wouldn't fit).

 

[Jim Watts]

I'm wondering if there's only the Luigi case for the R-D1. Though the Luigi cases look fab they're a tad on the expensive side, at least for me. And the case for my Bessa R does not fit (it was the first thing I checked though from handling the R-D1 I already got the idea it wouldn't fit).

I'm suprised at the high number of people who use cases for their rangefinders throughout the various forums here. IMHO although they of course offer protection I have never found a case that does not impair the speed and handling of a camera. I have owned them (usually if they came with the camera), but they are the first thing I discard.

 

[Pherdinand]

The only thing I hate about camera cases is that I have to change film from time to time. Especially with the super ikonta, I have to do it after every 12th frame. And the body itself has no strap lugs 🙁 But regarding the age of that beast, the thick real leather case made a very good service in protecting it.

Film changing with the case on should not be a problem with the R-D1 (RD-1?) though 🙂