What is a used R-D1 worth?

[CDT]

Hello all. I'm a former rangefinder user (M6, M3, IIIa, Canon P, IV etc) who has been suffering from withdrawal every since I switch to digital. I'm thinking about getting a R-D1.

I can't find enough history to find out a reasonable used value. Since a new one can be had for $2200, $1500 or so seems about right to me. Any thoughts.

Is the quality on a new R-D1s likely much better than a used R-D1?

Thanks,
Chris

 

[Keith Cocker]

Next to nothing I think given thir reliability record. (I've had 2)

My understanding is that there is no difference between the RD 1 and the RD1s apart from the software. The body and the sensor hardware are the same. Shame cos on a good day it takes beautiful pictures

 

[Steve L]

CDT-
I've got a good R-D1, with R-D1s upgrade (and yes, there are good ones and bad ones) which I'll be selling shortly (M8 on order), let me know if you are interested.
-Steve
slipsey@alum.mit.edu

 

[pfogle]

Next to nothing I think given thir reliability record. (I've had 2)

My understanding is that there is no difference between the RD 1 and the RD1s apart from the software. The body and the sensor hardware are the same. Shame cos on a good day it takes beautiful pictures

If I were getting one, I'd rather buy a lightly used one that has proven its reliablility, rather than a new one and take the risk, as the problem doesn't seem to be that the basic design is unreliable, but rather that the quality control is appalling on the new ones. For the same reason, I think the 's' designation on the upgraded model is purely cosmetic, and holds no practical value over the software upgrade.

Mine's run faultlessly for 18 months.

 

[Steve L]

I agree - I wasn't even going to take the chance, but then came across a really good one, and couldn't resist. I'm glad I did - I love the camera and have really enjoyed it, even though I will sell it now (M8 on order, but I'll miss the R-D1...).

 

[Terao]

I agree - I wasn't even going to take the chance, but then came across a really good one, and couldn't resist. I'm glad I did - I love the camera and have really enjoyed it, even though I will sell it now (M8 on order, but I'll miss the R-D1...).

Same for me - mine is spot on in every regard. I'll swap it for an unproven M8 🙂

 

[Terao]

And to answer the question I would buy a combat-proven R-D1 - actually less risky IMO than buying one new, particularly if you're importing and local support is iffy. I bought mine privately and had the chance to handle and test it before parting with the large pile of used tenners...

 

[RML]

I have a "combat"-proven R-D1 which has served me well since June 2005. It's not for sale, unless I can get a good price so I can use it as a down-payment on an Leica M8. 🙂

 

[ian_watts]

And to answer the question I would buy a combat-proven R-D1 - actually less risky IMO than buying one new

I'm inclined to agree but have there not been reports of some RD-1 shutters failing after 10K or so actuations?

 

[fgianni]

I'm inclined to agree but have there not been reports of some RD-1 shutters failing after 10K or so actuations?

AFAIK the shutter failing is a common problem, (I had one occurence) but it happens much earlier, something like a few hundred shots.
Epson has linked this particular fault with the use of third part batteries.

I think if you buy a used one the most likely fault it can develop is rangefinder mis-alignment, but that can usually be fixed for not too much money.

It is probably a very good time to pick one up, with everyone selling too get an M8, the value is likely to be very low.

Personally I think I'll keep mine since I am not prepared to sell it for peanuts, and the fact that the M8 is out does not make it a less competent camera.

 

[sreidvt]

The shutter failure, from what I gather, does indeed tend to happen early if it happens at all. I've never experienced it. Used R-D1s are still holding their value and will continue to unless owners allow them to be sold for peanuts. I certainly won't sell mine for peanuts. The M8 is a much more expensive camera than the R-D1 and it is beyond many people's budgets. The R-D1 also has a very unique design that still has advantages over any other digital camera. I myself will be using one M8 and one R-D1.

Cheers,

Sean

 

[AhShun]

I won't sell mine for the M8 or any other camera, considering the unique 1:1 finder.

 

[Grober]

Less than whatever it was before the M8 became official, that's for sure.

 

[Steve Litt]

Anyone shopping for a used RD-1? I have just noticed ffordes have one listed at £849.00 ($1588.00) slight signs of use.I have no affilation with them but have used them in the past.
Regards
Steve

 

[fgianni]

Anyone shopping for a used RD-1? I have just noticed ffordes have one listed at £849.00 ($1588.00) slight signs of use.I have no affilation with them but have used them in the past.
Regards
Steve

If I did not already have it, at that price I would get it tomorrow!

 

[sreidvt]

Mine sold for $2200 last week.

Cheers,

Sean