what would be a good price for a used R-D1s?

[RIVI1969]

Hello!

Last year I sold my R-D1 to afford a DSLR I needed for my job, then I got the Panasonic L1 with the 25mm prime and 2 R lenses in my failed quest for a cheap Digital M alternative.

Now I am selling all my 4/3s stuff and I will keep my D80 as my work DSLR, my Digilux 2 as my point and shoot and I am back searching for an R-D1/R-D1s just for the pleasure of using it.

I wonder what would be a reasonable price for one considering I am looking for a mint condition example in perfect working order with no focusing issues or cosmetic rubs, scratches etc. I can buy a new from Japan for $2100 dlls but since my verified Paypal address is based in Mexico, they don't want to send it to my address in Texas, so I guess the second market is my only option.

I hope I can get some advice here and thank you very much in advance for any help! (If there is someone with a mint one willing to sell it, please let me know)

Ricardo Villagran

 

[M. Valdemar]

Why does it have to be cosmetically perfect if it's working flawlessly? Are you putting it in a museum or taking photos with it?

 

[Tuolumne]

I think it will run somewhere between $1500-$1600. You might check on eBay and "watch" the results.

/T

 

[ampguy]

I've had 2 new ones, and am now looking for a user one, my price range is south of $1500 for used/working, unless there's some significant warranty left, then I'd probably go a couple hundred higher.

 

[RIVI1969]

"Why does it have to be cosmetically perfect if it's working flawlessly?"

Valdemar: it is not going to be in a museum or use as paper weight, it is going to be well used, but I have right to be the only one adding the scratches to my equipment don't you think?

 

[kevin m]

The camera itself is very appealing, but can it be serviced anymore? In a timely manner? 😕

 

[M. Valdemar]

Not really. If I buy a used user camera, a few tiny smudges or minor imperfections don't bother me in the least, as long as the camera is mechanically and optically sound.

You probably pay a BIG premium for a camera that's cosmetically "mint" as opposed to one with some minor signs of use.

What's the difference? It's not going to stay perfect long if you carry it and use it.

But if "mint" is important to you, that's your prerogative.

(I have three of them)

 

[aad]

3 RD1s? Whatever do you do with 3?

 

[RIVI1969]

Thanks for the response guys, so then we are talking about 1500-1700dlls depending on the condition. I hope I can find my scratch-scuff-blemish-free example in that range anytime soon.

Regards
R

 

[nrj]

The O.I.S Panaleica 14-50 is an excellent lens on the L1. But put an olympus 35 macro on the L1 and you get an excellent lightweight walkaround kit.

 

[RIVI1969]

Of course both the 14-50mm zoom and the 25mm 1.4 are superb lenses, but they are also huge and heavy not a kit to carry everywhere for sure. In fact my D80 with battery pack included is a much lighter kit.

My mistake was thinking that the R glass coupled with the L1 would be like the poor man's M8, only to later realized that those lenses are useless at f2 or f2.8 because of the extreme shallow DOF in 4/3rds cameras. (In practical terms the 2.8 zoom is faster than the R primes) so I don't see the need to keep to different SLR systems that do not complement each other, that is why I thought in the R-D1 again, not for a superior image quality which I find similar, or even better with the R-D1 at isos above 400, but for the actual experience the camera offers while using it.

Regards!
R

 

[JNewell]

I have right to be the only one adding the scratches to my equipment don't you think?

Yes, but it will cost you money, or time, or both. $1500 for such a camera is very optimistic, and if it ever comes along, the opportunity will be gone in hours, possibly minutes.

 

[Mike Ip]

$1,450 in the classifieds right now. Not mint; but, still.

Wow just saw that. If the OP really wants one, he should consider jumping on this one. I've been looking at R-D1s on ebay, and they've been selling upwards of $1800.

KEH had one for $1700 a little while ago as well.

 

[JNewell]

$1,450 in the classifieds right now. Not mint; but, still.

Was going to point that out. Not cosmetically perfect, but a fabulous buy. (No connection to seller.)

 

[RIVI1969]

Yes, it sounds fine, but I wonder how much dust a camera can collect in the sensor when there is no body cap on it? unless there is lens attached to it all the time of course...

 

[Steve Litt]

This thread seems to be moving away from its original theme and into a discussion about a dslr.However to add something relevant to the original question.If I was buying a used RD-1 I would buy from a dealer and get a warranty.I purchased my RD-1 from Robert White (new) and they have listed a ex display RD-1s £1045.00 (2060.85 USD) +vat UK customers, with 12 month full warranty.In passing I noticed that Panasonic L1 bodies are going for £299.00 (589.57) used with 6 month warranty.Rd-1s are certainly holding their price.
Regards
Steve

 

[Tuolumne]

The R-D1 is holding its value because it is quite simply a great camera. It's the first digital I have owned that I feel no compulsion to upgrade. That's why I've put my plans for buying an M8 on hold. I will be happy shooting my R-D1 until it breaks and becomes unrepairable. In that sense, it is as close to a film rangefinder as I have been able to get.

/T

 

[kevin m]

I'd love to try an R-D1 if the service issue wasn't so muddled.

The 4/3 cameras just aren't tempting. A full frame 5D with a prime lens is a smaller package than any of the currently available 4/3 primes. I just don't get the appeal.

 

[Tuolumne]

Kevin,
Buy one from a dealer with a warranty. Or else buy a new one. Epson is still honoring their warranty repairs (I believe). For me, I view it as a crap shoot. If it fails, I'll have it repaired, if it can be. If not, well...I have an unused backup in the closet that I'll pull out and use. 😎

/T

 

[Steve Litt]

I'd love to try an R-D1 if the service issue wasn't so muddled.

.

The British journal of Photography(13 june 07) in an article about the end of the RD-1 production stated, "Epson will continue to honour all warranty repair contracts for the next six years. Amateur photographer stated about the same time that spares would be available for the same length of time".If the prices do drop I will certainly get a second body.There are a lot of very satisfied RD-1 owners -I am one of them and there are far more things to worry about than if my camera will last as long as I do.So why not get one with a warranty and enjoy it while you can. You can always sell it to me cheap if you don't like it!

Regards
steve