R-D1 arrived with bad LCD

[Godfrey]

I bought an R-D1 from an Ebay auction. It seems nice, but the LCD isn't working, or rather ... worked once for about two minutes after a few dozen on-off cycles and presses of the Menu button. That's unacceptable.

Oh well. Now to return it, the auction did say 'full refund for up to three days from receipt'. I hope I don't have a problem as it will turn into an expensive mistake then.

(Is there Epson service available that could repair it, just in case?)

Playing with it a bit, it's neat but I prefer the feel of the M8 and M9. So once it goes back, I'll just hold off until I feel like spending the dosh and buy the M9.

so it goes ...

 

[back alley]

rich cutler's rd1 info page...
LCD screen not working

There have been rare reports of the LCD screen dying: it simply stops working.

Solution

This may be fixable yourself if you're happy to dismantle your camera and have some knowledge of electrical circuits; otherwise, the camera will need to be sent off to Epson. Steve’s Camera Service Center, based in the USA, have experience of servicing and repairing the Epson R-D1 and may also be able repair the camera.

The most common reason for this fault is a blown internal fuse or a faulty switch on the LCD swivel mechanism, or a combination – the latter can cause the former.

 

[35mmdelux]

Paypal has better return policy and will not honor a 3 day return policy for obvious reasons. If you feel you got punked, return it and file a claim. Let the seller know in advance.

 

[Vagabond]

Back in October my LCD flickered a couple of times and then stopped working. I sent it out to Steve's Camera in Culver City, CA. www.stevecamera.com It was back within a week and the price included cleaning the sensor and aligning the rangefinder. I was very pleased with the quick response to my email concerning the repair and the very fast turnaround.

 

[dreilly]

Steve's great, have dealt with him a few times. For anything beyond him, Japan Camera Hunter is, I think, handling R-D1 repairs direct with Epson Japan. good luck, it's a lovely camera...

doug

 

[Godfrey]

Thanks for all your responses.

The seller contacted me after I wrote him and assured me that if I want to return it, he will give ma a full refund. I did some further testing at his behest with all the batteries (there are four in the package) just to be sure ... The LCD is just not working.

I've decided that I'll return the camera to him. It would have been nice, but I think I'll just hold off on this.

(I have other cameras that I will use instead, primarily the Ricoh GXR with M-bayonet camera mount, and it's already in my financial plan to go for an M9 some time next year. I have simply always been interested to try one of the Epson R-D1 bodies. It is certainly a fascinating and appealing piece of equipment! But I'll prefer the M9 for its larger format and similarity to my M4-2.)

 

[Particular]

My LCD stopped working recently as well. Based on the info from Rich Cutler I tried to open up the flip screen, and base and back of the camera. I figured out that to get at the buttons, or any fuse would require a complete strip down. I didn't want to do that, so now I would like to send it out.

Vagabond, how much was your repair?

Back in October my LCD flickered a couple of times and then stopped working. I sent it out to Steve's Camera in Culver City, CA. www.stevecamera.com It was back within a week and the price included cleaning the sensor and aligning the rangefinder. I was very pleased with the quick response to my email concerning the repair and the very fast turnaround.

 

[Vagabond]

My LCD stopped working recently as well. Based on the info from Rich Cutler I tried to open up the flip screen, and base and back of the camera. I figured out that to get at the buttons, or any fuse would require a complete strip down. I didn't want to do that, so now I would like to send it out.

Vagabond, how much was your repair?

It was $295. I'm the original owner and it's definitely my favorite camera so I wanted to get it repaired. I thought about buying another one as a backup but I think I'll wait until I see what Fuji comes up with in the near future.

 

[Particular]

Thanks. That is not so cheap, but it may be my only option.

 

[japancamerahunter]

I can have Epson cameras serviced by Epson in Japan without a problem. They have the price capped for the repairs, so it id not going to be terribly expensive. Drop me a line if you need more info and I can arrange everything.
Japancamerahunter

 

[Shade]

Sorry to hear about it, but I would love to find an RD1 myself as I really like what thy can produce without the IR concerns. Moreover I really like their analogue indicators hheehe..

 

[back alley]

Thanks. That is not so cheap, but it may be my only option.

send it to japan camera hunter!

i had mine done with dirk (predecessor) and it only cost a few bucks more than the price to fix the lcd...and your camera comes back in peak shape.

 

[Vobluda]

Japan exposures are not in the business any more???

send it to japan camera hunter!

i had mine done with dirk (predecessor) and it only cost a few bucks more than the price to fix the lcd...and your camera comes back in peak shape.

 

[back alley]

Japan exposures are not in the business any more???

i think they are but just not doing repairs any more...there was a thread here awhile back with some info...

 

[Particular]

send it to japan camera hunter!

i had mine done with dirk (predecessor) and it only cost a few bucks more than the price to fix the lcd...and your camera comes back in peak shape.

I'll look into it. I'm not a chimper, so I don't really miss the LCD as it is (I always shoot with it flipped closed). It would be nice to get it back into shape though.

 

[Godfrey]

I'll look into it. I'm not a chimper, so I don't really miss the LCD as it is (I always shoot with it flipped closed). It would be nice to get it back into shape though.

I don't chimp much either, but having a working LCD is important to me for making settings on the camera, formatting memory cards, checking focus or exposure with the histogram, etc. So much of the R-D1 UI is presented by discrete mechanical bits and indicators you can get along without it, but these functions give digital capture its edge over shooting with film.

 

[paradoxbox]

bump for an old thread but important information.

i have discovered that dead/dying batteries or poor quality 3rd party batteries can cause the LCD to appear as if it no longer works - try an epson battery. furthermore it may be necessary for you to take a few dozen photos or otherwise drain the battery somewhat before the lcd becomes operational again.

i found that if the battery indicator moves a notch the LCD starts working again.

while there may be switch/fuse problems causing the issue in some people's camera, the battery issue is worth investigating first as it's cheap to check it out and doesn't risk opening the camera.

 

[sandrini]

Thanks for this Information.

 

[Darthfeeble]

I had the same problem with my most recent one, sent it to Steve's Camera in Culver City CA and two weeks and $285 later all is well. S

 

[ryback]

don´t send it anywhere. it´s not so complicate do identify which problem it is and repair it yourself. read here:

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=122459&highlight=ryback

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=123650&highlight=ryback