slowbicycle
Established
Hello,
First time posting here, and I'll apologize straight off cause I know there was a similar post a while back. Anyways, I discovered the Epson some time ago, but my interest was truly peaked recently on a trip to Tokyo where I saw one for the first time. Reading this forum, it seems like there is still a healthy interest in the camera, and I must admit I've been pulled in!
I've almost made the decision to buy new from Matsuiyastore, which everyone here seems to recommend, but on a whim, I went to a local store and found that they actually have a used RD1s. Unfortunately, they are asking $2100. When I mentioned I could purchase new from Japan for slightly less, they said they could go down to $1950 + an extra Epson OEM battery. I realize, of course, that even this isn't a very attractive price for one used.
So, I'm wondering if it's really worth it to purchase new and risk getting a "problem" camera or the likely hassle of a rangefinder out of alignment. Is the manufacture warranty not valid in the US, and with all the complaints I've read about Epson service, are there any real benefits other than the possibility that they can exchange the camera for another?
Cosmetically, the used RD1s appears to be in great shape. From the little time I had to play with it, everything seemed to work as well. Though the guy at the shop admitted to seeing very few of the Epsons, because he is a Voigtlander dealer, he said he could probably take care of any small problems in the future, including rangefinder adjustment. He had no information about the previous owner, though, or how many shots had been taken. (Is there a way for me to figure this out?) Of course, the advantage here seems to be the possibility of developing a good customer/ service relationship with this local shop for the future. How can I get them to sweeten the price though?
Well, when it comes down to it, would you still go for the new from Japan? What are your thoughts?
thanks guys!
dunstan
First time posting here, and I'll apologize straight off cause I know there was a similar post a while back. Anyways, I discovered the Epson some time ago, but my interest was truly peaked recently on a trip to Tokyo where I saw one for the first time. Reading this forum, it seems like there is still a healthy interest in the camera, and I must admit I've been pulled in!
I've almost made the decision to buy new from Matsuiyastore, which everyone here seems to recommend, but on a whim, I went to a local store and found that they actually have a used RD1s. Unfortunately, they are asking $2100. When I mentioned I could purchase new from Japan for slightly less, they said they could go down to $1950 + an extra Epson OEM battery. I realize, of course, that even this isn't a very attractive price for one used.
So, I'm wondering if it's really worth it to purchase new and risk getting a "problem" camera or the likely hassle of a rangefinder out of alignment. Is the manufacture warranty not valid in the US, and with all the complaints I've read about Epson service, are there any real benefits other than the possibility that they can exchange the camera for another?
Cosmetically, the used RD1s appears to be in great shape. From the little time I had to play with it, everything seemed to work as well. Though the guy at the shop admitted to seeing very few of the Epsons, because he is a Voigtlander dealer, he said he could probably take care of any small problems in the future, including rangefinder adjustment. He had no information about the previous owner, though, or how many shots had been taken. (Is there a way for me to figure this out?) Of course, the advantage here seems to be the possibility of developing a good customer/ service relationship with this local shop for the future. How can I get them to sweeten the price though?
Well, when it comes down to it, would you still go for the new from Japan? What are your thoughts?
thanks guys!
dunstan
Joe Mondello
Resu Deretsiger
Sent you a PM.
kshapero
South Florida Man
wait and pay $1600 est. from someone here at RFF. They pop from time to time.
slowbicycle
Established
well, i took your advice and purchased a used RD1 from a fellow RFF'er. (thnks Joe)
really looking forward to working with it, so i'll be sure to see y'all back on this forum!
dunstan
really looking forward to working with it, so i'll be sure to see y'all back on this forum!
dunstan
Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
That was great advice ... and taken immediately no less!
Talk about a streamlined thread.
