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.
back alley
IMAGES
barjohn
Established
Plasmat
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You don't sound like you have the right temperment for this sort of thing. You're basically buying a semi-experimental product that probably will have various problems at some point.
You need patience, an open mind, and the ability to deal with an imperfect product.
Since you use the term "roll the dice" many times, you sound like the type who can get shook up easily.
If you do get one, don't sell your M6. Get one, send it back if you get a bad one, and dump it on eBay after the warranty expires.
Assume the worst and just be happy if you get a good one, don't panic if you get a bad one (or several bad ones in a row). Get a refurb with a warranty Be patient until one shows up.
You need patience, an open mind, and the ability to deal with an imperfect product.
Since you use the term "roll the dice" many times, you sound like the type who can get shook up easily.
If you do get one, don't sell your M6. Get one, send it back if you get a bad one, and dump it on eBay after the warranty expires.
Assume the worst and just be happy if you get a good one, don't panic if you get a bad one (or several bad ones in a row). Get a refurb with a warranty Be patient until one shows up.
Jim Watts
Still trying to See.
I am concerned about Epson's lack of proper support for this camera, which should be much better, but mine has had over two years use from new without problems. At my rate of use I would think if I get another 2 years use out of it, then it will have fully paid for itself (£2K GBP when purchased) compared with film and film devopment (only) costs for my M4. After that I would consider any extra longevity a bonus. Although I would be reluctant to loose the camera.
A number of people have had problems getting a decent camera from the offset or a proper repair without some hassel , but I can't remember anyone reporting in this forum that they never finally got a working camera. (i.e. no one has reported a total write off as far as I know). I think Jonas Yip came closest, but even he found a repairer in the end.
I think a refurb R-D1 with a warranty might be the best bet. Prices are much lower than when I brought new and if the rangefinder should drift out it is easier to fix yourself than the R-D1s, which has to be opened up.
A number of people have had problems getting a decent camera from the offset or a proper repair without some hassel , but I can't remember anyone reporting in this forum that they never finally got a working camera. (i.e. no one has reported a total write off as far as I know). I think Jonas Yip came closest, but even he found a repairer in the end.
I think a refurb R-D1 with a warranty might be the best bet. Prices are much lower than when I brought new and if the rangefinder should drift out it is easier to fix yourself than the R-D1s, which has to be opened up.
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MarcoS
R9/DMR . M8 . R-D1
I'm selling my R-D1 (firmware upgraded to v. 2.0), because since I got the M8 I haven't used it once, despite its better handling.
Send me a note if you are interested
Send me a note if you are interested
Chuck A
Chuck A
back alley said:
Joe,
Looks like you floated this idea before me. Thanks for the link. I haven't been around much lately.
Chuck A
Chuck A
Plasmat said:
You are probably correct about not liking to deal with an imperfect product. I can do it but I will hate it.
Anyway, putting the defects aside, if the R-D1 handles similarly to the R2A and R3A I will be very pleased to use it. I buy and sell cameras all of the time, trying to find the ones that handle best for me. I have had about 8 different digitals and they all had their strengths and weaknesses. One weakness they all posessed was a poor viewfinder. I have gotten nice photos with all of them. As long as the camera is capable of a good quality file I can get decent work from it. It is the enjoyment in its handling that I am looking for. Something similar to my M6.
I guess that I will have to resign myself to possible defects in the R-D1 if I want this type of handling. If I get a good one I can rejoice. I just can't afford the M8 at this time.
Joe Mondello
Resu Deretsiger
RD-1s are so hard to come by it seems (at least refurbs are hard to come by) that if you buy a used or refurb and don't like it you will just about certainly get your money back by re-selling it.
So as long as you can bear the freight originally, why not give one a spin and see what you think.
My re-furb is hardly perfect, but I'm still keeping and using the camera and liking the results I'm getting.
Oh go ahead! Take a risk!
That's SO easy to say with other people's money ;-) ha!
So as long as you can bear the freight originally, why not give one a spin and see what you think.
My re-furb is hardly perfect, but I'm still keeping and using the camera and liking the results I'm getting.
Oh go ahead! Take a risk!
That's SO easy to say with other people's money ;-) ha!
Ken Ford
Refuses to suffer fools
Being a deep drinker of the digital Kool-Aid, I say go for it. Digital has so completely changed my shooting style that I can hardly remember what it was like to be totally constrained by film. Now, I can shoot film when *I* want to - and yes, I frequently still do.
I'm just biding my time for a full-frame M mount RF that I can actually afford. (It might actually happen in my lifetime.) But, I personally don't feel a pressing need to buy an M8 or R-D1 since I have an extensive DSLR kit.
I'm just biding my time for a full-frame M mount RF that I can actually afford. (It might actually happen in my lifetime.) But, I personally don't feel a pressing need to buy an M8 or R-D1 since I have an extensive DSLR kit.
Didier
"Deed"
Don't buy any R-D1, if new, used or refurbished, without that is has been checked for RF and sensor accuracy. I believe the few samples they have left are mostly lemons, and ordering one of them is like russian roulette. Epson UK for instance is completely out of flawless R-D1 bodies - they couldn't replace my defective one (see thread).
Didier
Didier
