Chuck A
Chuck A
Since the M8 is way out of my price range and R-D1 prices are getting into the affordable range, I am seriously considering taking the plunge. I have been using digital cameras for a few years now and I really enjoy the immediacy of the process. The major problem with the majority of digitals is the horrible viewfinders. The cameras with better viewfinders are mainly large and bulky. I absolutely love the size and portability of my M6 that I have now and the Bessa R2A and R3A that I used earlier. The cameras are small and the lenses much smaller than SLR lenses.
For me, the viewfinder is the essense of the camera. Having a great viewfinder makes the process enormously more enjoyable for me. I also love using rangefinders. So obviously, the digital camera that fits the budget and the criteria I have set is the R-D1.
Anyway, I digress. I am thinking of getting an R-D1. I could sell my M6 now and get an R-D1 soon or save for a few more months and get an R-D1 to compliment the M6. But do I really want to give up my M6 for an R-D1. That is part of the dilema. The other part is how to buy. It is clear that about 25-30% of the R-D1s have problems. Either with the viewfinder, rangefinder or shutter. If you were going to buy an R-D1, which is the safest way to go?
1) New cameras have a warranty, for whatever that is worth, with Epson. But are you rolling the dice with a new R-D1? You will probably eventually get a good one but the process could be agonizing.
2) Refurbs are hard to find and seem to have some of the same problems as the new ones. They can be returned if Epson deems them defective upon arrival. There is no warranty beyond that. Seems like another roll of the dice.
3) Used R-D1s from a reputable seller have the advantage of having been tried out but they generally will not come with a warranty so if anything goes wrong it will cost to fix it. The question here is how good are the R-D1s long term. If they make it through an initial shakedown, how long do they last?
Most of the cameras that I have purchased have been used and I have only had one problem with a camera in 30 years of photography. Most cameras are pretty reliable. The R-D1 gives me pause though. If reliability was not an issue, the R-D1 would be in my hot little hands very soon. As things are I am not sure what to do.
If any of the R-D1 owners who wish to chime in I could use some insight. Perhaps I am just overthinking the whole process.
For me, the viewfinder is the essense of the camera. Having a great viewfinder makes the process enormously more enjoyable for me. I also love using rangefinders. So obviously, the digital camera that fits the budget and the criteria I have set is the R-D1.
Anyway, I digress. I am thinking of getting an R-D1. I could sell my M6 now and get an R-D1 soon or save for a few more months and get an R-D1 to compliment the M6. But do I really want to give up my M6 for an R-D1. That is part of the dilema. The other part is how to buy. It is clear that about 25-30% of the R-D1s have problems. Either with the viewfinder, rangefinder or shutter. If you were going to buy an R-D1, which is the safest way to go?
1) New cameras have a warranty, for whatever that is worth, with Epson. But are you rolling the dice with a new R-D1? You will probably eventually get a good one but the process could be agonizing.
2) Refurbs are hard to find and seem to have some of the same problems as the new ones. They can be returned if Epson deems them defective upon arrival. There is no warranty beyond that. Seems like another roll of the dice.
3) Used R-D1s from a reputable seller have the advantage of having been tried out but they generally will not come with a warranty so if anything goes wrong it will cost to fix it. The question here is how good are the R-D1s long term. If they make it through an initial shakedown, how long do they last?
Most of the cameras that I have purchased have been used and I have only had one problem with a camera in 30 years of photography. Most cameras are pretty reliable. The R-D1 gives me pause though. If reliability was not an issue, the R-D1 would be in my hot little hands very soon. As things are I am not sure what to do.
If any of the R-D1 owners who wish to chime in I could use some insight. Perhaps I am just overthinking the whole process.
