wintoid
Back to film
The purpose of this post is to relay a few bits of information which may be useful to other RD1S owners, and to generally express gratitude and praise for Robert White.
My RD1S took a 2 foot (!) tumble, whilst inside a padded Billingham bag. When I inspected it, it was unblemished but the vertical alignment had drifted. I contacted Robert White as it's still under warranty. The warranty situation was a little unclear as the issue arose from dropping the camera. Their first offer was to repair it for me without charging for labour, but with the risk that they might have to replace the leathers, for which I might be charged, and that I would have to cover postage costs. There was also likely to be a substantial delay.
In fact what happened was that I sent the camera in, and it was repaired within the day of receipt, and should be on its way back to me. RW decided not to charge me for the leathers, so I only have return postage costs to pay. Apparently a repair by RW doesn't invalidate the warranty because Robert has been trained by Epson.
I'm still frustrated that RD1 owners can fix this themselves, whereas RD1S owners with sausage-fingers like me will need someone else to do it, but I feel a whole lot better knowing that RW are able to deal with it, especially being such an excellent organisation. I was considering selling the RD1S on return, but in fact now I will be keeping it. Just shows how much difference a good dealer makes.
My RD1S took a 2 foot (!) tumble, whilst inside a padded Billingham bag. When I inspected it, it was unblemished but the vertical alignment had drifted. I contacted Robert White as it's still under warranty. The warranty situation was a little unclear as the issue arose from dropping the camera. Their first offer was to repair it for me without charging for labour, but with the risk that they might have to replace the leathers, for which I might be charged, and that I would have to cover postage costs. There was also likely to be a substantial delay.
In fact what happened was that I sent the camera in, and it was repaired within the day of receipt, and should be on its way back to me. RW decided not to charge me for the leathers, so I only have return postage costs to pay. Apparently a repair by RW doesn't invalidate the warranty because Robert has been trained by Epson.
I'm still frustrated that RD1 owners can fix this themselves, whereas RD1S owners with sausage-fingers like me will need someone else to do it, but I feel a whole lot better knowing that RW are able to deal with it, especially being such an excellent organisation. I was considering selling the RD1S on return, but in fact now I will be keeping it. Just shows how much difference a good dealer makes.
ClaremontPhoto
Jon Claremont
I have nothing but praise for Robert White. They are good people and give five star service.
garethc
Established
Great to hear that you got the RD1s back (and so quickly) and that you will be keeping it.
I haven't had much chance to purchase from Robert White (I bought my R-D1 and two lens bundle from e-bay) but every time I have spoken to them I am hugely impressed.
Its nice to have someone like them around especially with the mixed (read poor) experience I have had with so many of the Leica sellers in London, clearly little old me only looking to spend a thousand pounds or so on 2nd hand glass isn't worth being polite to!
I haven't had much chance to purchase from Robert White (I bought my R-D1 and two lens bundle from e-bay) but every time I have spoken to them I am hugely impressed.
Its nice to have someone like them around especially with the mixed (read poor) experience I have had with so many of the Leica sellers in London, clearly little old me only looking to spend a thousand pounds or so on 2nd hand glass isn't worth being polite to!
Steve Litt
Well-known
Thanks its good to know RW have such a fast turnaround. My RD-1 came from them is still in warranty but I would be happy to pay for such a quick reliable service.I use a leicatime shoulder strap with the half case and if I carry a spare lens it just goes in my pocket with a battery and memory card.
my collection of camera bags just sit at home and following your experience will sit away from the edge or on the floor in future.
Regards
Steve
my collection of camera bags just sit at home and following your experience will sit away from the edge or on the floor in future.
Regards
Steve
kshapero
South Florida Man
anybody in the States up to Robert White's level of service with the RD-1?
Terao
Kiloran
So are they happy to do RF alignments? Might pop in with my R-D1 - its drifted a little with use and I'm too cack-handed/scared to try and fix it myself...
wintoid
Back to film
Terao said:
Robert himself did my RF alignment (haven't seen it yet so can't comment). Apparently he's leaving on a trip, so you might want to call to check when he's back before taking your camera in.
iUser
Established
I bet the person who trained Robert White sure knows their stuff.
wintoid
Back to film
The camera is back, and the vertical alignment is perfect. In fact, I now wonder whether it was ever this good. Focus seems much more snappy.
Benjamin Marks
Veteran
What are "leathers"? Just curious,
Ben Marks
Ben Marks
wintoid
Back to film
I suppose it's what would be vulcanite on a Leica.
ClaremontPhoto
Jon Claremont
Leathers is the English term for Lederhosen.
Silva Lining
CanoHasseLeica
Robert White are a class act, excellent customer service and project knowledge. I always buy from them... 
jvr
Well-known
I already bought a lot of stuff from Robert White, including my R-D1s, and customer service is outstanding. Well, maybe even better than outstanding...
pfogle
Well-known
I have only one issue with Robert White, and to be honest, I haven't spoken to them about it directly.
That is - they seem to have got the sole agency for CV gear in the UK, and apparently refuse to resell at wholesale prices to any other dealers, thus in effect maintaining a monopoly and removing the possibility of competitive pricing.
Anyone else see that as unfair???
That is - they seem to have got the sole agency for CV gear in the UK, and apparently refuse to resell at wholesale prices to any other dealers, thus in effect maintaining a monopoly and removing the possibility of competitive pricing.
Anyone else see that as unfair???
wintoid
Back to film
Is that why www.theclassiccamera.com is more expensive?
pfogle
Well-known
they've recently stopped stocking them. So now it's only RW or Ffordes in Scotland IFAIK. TCC pulled out specifically because of RW's pricing policy.wintoid said:
ps TCC have also stopped stocking CZ, though I haven't asked them why.
wintoid
Back to film
That's a shame. Then again, a shop stocking CV stuff at a reasonable price that I could get to in my lunchbreak would be a very dangerous thing.
pfogle
Well-known
you can get to Pied Bull Yard in your lunch break? You must work near me - how about lunch? I work in King X.wintoid said:
kena
Established
Stateside service
Stateside service
Try Steves Camera in Culver City, CA. he did an excellent job re-aligning my finder...less than 1 day turnaround too.
Stateside service
kshapero said:
Try Steves Camera in Culver City, CA. he did an excellent job re-aligning my finder...less than 1 day turnaround too.