gilpen123
Gil
I've been longing to buy the RD1s for quite some time but real quality issues like RF alignment, shutter problems, etc. made me postpone and wait if either VC, ZI or Nikon will come out with a digital RF. It seems to be unlikely to happen this year or in the next year. Now that the RD1x has come out, is it safe to say that these issues are resolved already? I am waiting for some user review here.... I'm calling for the 1st RD1x user to please come out and post your experience with it.
MCTuomey
Veteran
Gil, from what I've read, the only changes are SDHC support, inclusion of a handgrip, and a larger rear LCD. The "quality issues" you mention wouldn't appear to be addressed. In my opinion, having owned an RD1 for a short time last year, the issues you mention are not significant deterrents from ownership.
JonasYip
Well-known
I would guess that none of the "issues" you mentioned have been addressed. You'll note that I also put issues in quotes, as they wouldn't keep from owning and RD-1 (and yes, I did have a shutter failure)
J
J
gilpen123
Gil
I think I will not buy if the previous quality issues have not been addressed. I guess I have to wait some more. The M8.2 is just too expensive for me. Thanks...
indianavince
Member
Me I like the Epson's 1:1 finder
If you want an M8 for under $3000 from a strait shooting dealer here it is:
http://www.tamarkin.com/catalog/products/leica/leicamcam.html
If you want an M8 for under $3000 from a strait shooting dealer here it is:
http://www.tamarkin.com/catalog/products/leica/leicamcam.html
thinkfloyd
Flippy Nose
Gil, I've had my rd-1 for quite some time, and it has been used extensively both by me and the previous owner and so far no "issues" have arisen. The rangefinder alignment is easily adjusted (doc eddie can attest to that)... continuing to wait for the "perfect" camera without issues would prove to be a fruitless endeavor I'm afraid, but for me, the RD-1 is perfect, and would keep it as long as I can. Even if the M8 drops in price, or if the standard MP count is higher, this RD-1 is here to stay 
Mr_Flibble
In Tabulas Argenteas Refero
I guess this 'fear' comes from the fact that most topics concerning the R-D1 are from people who have had issues with the camera.
You don't hear as much from the people who have no trouble with their camera.
Well, I've had my R-D1 for 8 months with about 6500 shutter activations and I have not had any trouble yet. I'm quite happy.
Reading these forums I get the feeling the M8 has more serious issues then any other camera. But I know for a fact there are people out there who use it without problems.
Regards,
You don't hear as much from the people who have no trouble with their camera.
Well, I've had my R-D1 for 8 months with about 6500 shutter activations and I have not had any trouble yet. I'm quite happy.
Reading these forums I get the feeling the M8 has more serious issues then any other camera. But I know for a fact there are people out there who use it without problems.
Regards,
yanidel
Well-known
Owning both the R-D1 and M8, I can say that both have issues.
The rangefinder misalignment will happen everyonce in a while, whatever the camera. On the R-D1 you can fix it yourself or it is easy to do by a camera shop. On the M8 it can't be done without a shop and sometimes it might even go for Solms for a long time.
My R-D1 had the shutter replaced, but that was after >20'000 actuations. It did not fail but during a CLA, it sweakeness was uncovered.
But my M8 also has a failing shutter, it does not work in continuous mode or cold weather. I will have to repair it.
There are also many people that haven't had any issues. So really, I would not worry too much about it, the R-D1 has no more than other rangefinders.
And more important, it is a wonderful camera. Even though I now have a M8, I still use from time to time (when it is cold ... or at night).
The rangefinder misalignment will happen everyonce in a while, whatever the camera. On the R-D1 you can fix it yourself or it is easy to do by a camera shop. On the M8 it can't be done without a shop and sometimes it might even go for Solms for a long time.
My R-D1 had the shutter replaced, but that was after >20'000 actuations. It did not fail but during a CLA, it sweakeness was uncovered.
But my M8 also has a failing shutter, it does not work in continuous mode or cold weather. I will have to repair it.
There are also many people that haven't had any issues. So really, I would not worry too much about it, the R-D1 has no more than other rangefinders.
And more important, it is a wonderful camera. Even though I now have a M8, I still use from time to time (when it is cold
... or at night).Frankie
Speaking Frankly
From studying the product specifications in Epson's Japanese only web site, I believe the LCD in the RD1x cannot be rotated inwards like the RD1s. Otherwise the RD1x can now support high capacity SD.
Once set-up, I don't need an LCD if no Live View is possible...other necessary controls are all available via dials and windows. I prefer to rotate the LCD inwards...more like a film camera.
Higher capacity in SD is academic. 2Gb is 200 Raw files...if that is not enough for a day, keep extras in your pocket; you will also need a new battery by then.
Can anyone confirm the RD1x LCD spec.?
Once set-up, I don't need an LCD if no Live View is possible...other necessary controls are all available via dials and windows. I prefer to rotate the LCD inwards...more like a film camera.
Higher capacity in SD is academic. 2Gb is 200 Raw files...if that is not enough for a day, keep extras in your pocket; you will also need a new battery by then.
Can anyone confirm the RD1x LCD spec.?
Frankie
Speaking Frankly
I found the official literature of the RD1x.
The LCD is fixed.
That eliminated my interest...a "as new" or "mint" used RD1s in Tokyo is ~$1800. Save the money for a ton of 2GB SD cards...only $10 each at the Bay.
The LCD is fixed.
That eliminated my interest...a "as new" or "mint" used RD1s in Tokyo is ~$1800. Save the money for a ton of 2GB SD cards...only $10 each at the Bay.
squirrel$$$bandit
Veteran
I love my R-D1 and have not had a single problem of any kind in a year of regular use.
Sam N
Well-known
Quoted for truth. Most R-D1 owners don't have issues. Average shutter life is a LOT of exposures. Even a failed shutter isn't too hard to replace. Just get the camera and enjoy shooting.
sevres_babylone
Veteran
Just get a Luigi (or other case), never open the flap to check the LCD, and you'll forget it is even there.
I would buy the earlier versions with the reversible LCD panel. Its a wonderful feature which is sadly missing from the much more expensive Leica M8 and 8.2.
Stephen
Frankie
Speaking Frankly
It is said that RD1 or ZM have issues because Leicaphiles want to believed Leica's don't. RD-1 made a mockery before the fact of the later M8; and ZM made the earlier M7 look ridiculous...hard to swallow.:bang:
doublep
Member
Hello,
I'm the proud owner of a R-D1x, which I bought in Tokyo at the start of July. Not having owned an R-D1 or R-D1s, I cannot really compare with the previous models, but my understanding is that the only real differences are the support for SDHC cards and the fixed display (yes, it is fixed).
I have taken 5000 shots in the past 6 or 7 weeks are everything is working fine. I mostly use a 28mm Ultron lens and a 40mm Nokton with the R-D1x.
I find the ergonomics better than those of the Leica M8, even if the sensor of the R-D1x is, in my opinion, slightly inferior to the one used in the Leica.
One point: although the R-D1x is sold only on the Japanese market, the menus can still be switched to English or a number of other languages.
Let me know if you have specific questions - I'll do my best to answer them.
I'm the proud owner of a R-D1x, which I bought in Tokyo at the start of July. Not having owned an R-D1 or R-D1s, I cannot really compare with the previous models, but my understanding is that the only real differences are the support for SDHC cards and the fixed display (yes, it is fixed).
I have taken 5000 shots in the past 6 or 7 weeks are everything is working fine. I mostly use a 28mm Ultron lens and a 40mm Nokton with the R-D1x.
I find the ergonomics better than those of the Leica M8, even if the sensor of the R-D1x is, in my opinion, slightly inferior to the one used in the Leica.
One point: although the R-D1x is sold only on the Japanese market, the menus can still be switched to English or a number of other languages.
Let me know if you have specific questions - I'll do my best to answer them.
Frankie
Speaking Frankly
When I was in Japan last October, plenty of new or used RD1s was available. What is the situation now regarding RD1s?
Are used one much available, and/or stores dumping old stock?
I am more interested in the RD1s because of the reversible LCD. 2GB (enough for 200 raw files) is large enough for me for a day...besides, I can carry extras and buy a truck load with sale pricing (if so) or an RD1s.
doublep
Member
They are somewhat less available now, but Fujiya Camera in Nakano regularly has some for sale, in store or on their website.
RD1X new is now 255,800 JPY.