My second R-D1s went away

[Didier]

Looks like my R-D1s shutter has the same problem as Angel posted in january (thread).
But the finger tapping trick did not work out in my case...

After all the troubles I've had with that model I am seriously thinking about going evil. Evil DSLR.

The first R-D1 body I had was exchanged because of a tilted sensor, completely disaligned rangefinder and other issues. The replacement R-D1s I got had a significant vertical rangefinder disalignment after a few weeks only, and now, after a year and a half, the shutter went off. A repair is possible, but likely expensive. I'm waiting for Robert White's offer.

But even if I let it repaired, I will not really rely on that camera anymore. So what are the alternatives? M8? After Leica's massive price increase, this camera is more out of my reach than ever.

I'm thinking about going DSLR, maybe keep the R-D1s as second body for available light and other special occasions. I think I'll wait until Photokina 2008 before I decide (assumed the R-D1s can be repaired and will hold until then).

But actually I'm in other troubles - must use a point&shoot for my PAW project

[tomasis]

IF you can"be in pain" with DSLR 2-3 years from now so Leica M8 might be affordable then. I hope that price goes down a bit after a few years. I don't know really if it will always be market of used m8 when it is only alternative as digital rangefinder.

How common is the shutter which is used on Rd1 bodies? Is there a similar shutter from Bessa R? I think even a repair pays of always because it let film costs down. Another thing you get is play with M-mount lenses, LTM etc. With DSLR you got big 2liter coca cola bottles

[mani]

Originally Posted by Didier

So what are the alternatives? M8? After Leica's massive price increase, this camera is more out of my reach than ever.

I recently noticed that used M8s are beginning to appear around the $3,6-3,7 range - with the current exchange rate, that is less than half the cost of a new M8 here in Sweden, and I'm beginning to think that they may be a good alternative if and when my R-D1s gives-up.

The only problem for me is the continued apparent failure-rate of the M8s themselves. But still worth thinking about, as I see you're based in Switzerland and the dollar may even drop further.

[Kevin]

When the 25mm f/2.8 Zuiko pancake lens comes end of April I have the feeling I will be using my new Olympus E-410 much more often than my R-D1. Perhaps the new E-420 might be something for you?

[noimmunity]

With the dollar so low, hard not to say that now is the time to buy your used M8 in North America.
Your posts have always impressed me with how much you prefer the RF style with its inherent gains and limitations. For this reason you may have to consider how to survive the problems of a single RF body. Either go back to film (you have a great film camera) or start saving for a digital upgrade. I'm sure the Oly is great, but from what you've shared here I just don't see it for you. But then again, I'm sure you'd bring that same verve to the dSLR world...
At times like this I wonder why the heck I put my money into an RD-1? But I was just using it tonight, and I have to say that I really love it. Probably would love an M8, too, for that matter.

[Didier]

Originally Posted by noimmunity

With the dollar so low, hard not to say that now is the time your used M8 in North America.

The $ went below the swiss franc (for the first time ever) ...I might let the R-D1 repaired in the USA.

Originally Posted by noimmunity

Your posts have always impressed me with how much you prefer the RF style with its inherent gains and limitations.

Thank you. Yes I'm indeed a rangefinder guy and have always preferred this style over SLR's. Just that Epson quality problem is driving me nuts sometimes... I hope when it comes back repaired I'll like it again. Actually I could throw it at the wall
Didier

[Olsen]

If I were you I would have bought a M8 2.hand and jump on this Leica up-date program that provides you with an additional 2 year warranty period. If you have a collection of M-lenses, regardless what make they are, they are far better than any Canon or Nikon alternative.

My M8 is a cropped Canon 1Ds II - I know, I have them both, but the Leica gives me access to the excellent Leica/Cosina/Zeiss lenses.

[ampguy]

Unless there is something about the M8's IQ or features that you need, I'd just plan on having a 2nd RD1 around if you can afford it.

I've been lucky, with 3 RD1s, and a total of about 15K snaps (4K on current RD1s), I haven't had this problem.

I have had the vertical RF mis-alignment on a new one, but DAG was able to fix it very reasonably and several folks do it themselves if they're comfortable with this kind of stuff.

It might be worth considering shipping to the US, since in addition to DAG, I have heard that Steve Chen in LA, and possibly others now service these. See if you can get some estimates.

Good luck.

Originally Posted by Didier

Looks like my R-D1s shutter has the same problem as Angel posted in january (thread).
But the finger tapping trick did not work out in my case...

After all the troubles I've had with that model I am seriously thinking about going evil. Evil DSLR.

The first R-D1 body I had was exchanged because of a tilted sensor, completely disaligned rangefinder and other issues. The replacement R-D1s I got had a significant vertical rangefinder disalignment after a few weeks only, and now, after a year and a half, the shutter went off. A repair is possible, but likely expensive. I'm waiting for Robert White's offer.

But even if I let it repaired, I will not really rely on that camera anymore. So what are the alternatives? M8? After Leica's massive price increase, this camera is more out of my reach than ever.

I'm thinking about going DSLR, maybe keep the R-D1s as second body for available light and other special occasions. I think I'll wait until Photokina 2008 before I decide (assumed the R-D1s can be repaired and will hold until then).

But actually I'm in other troubles - must use a point&shoot for my PAW project

[Didier]

Originally Posted by ampguy

It might be worth considering shipping to the US, since in addition to DAG, I have heard that Steve Chen in LA, and possibly others now service these. See if you can get some estimates.

Is this http://www.stevecamera.com? I have asked them for an estimate, as well as the seller, Robert White, too. Another option is to contact Epson France directly (as all european R-D1 repairs are done there, afaik). The easiest way would be Epson Switzerland (who then sends it to France), so I wouldn't have any export/import/VAT/fee hassles; but they'll likely charge me for that service.

Yep, that Olympus e-420 with 25mm pancake is tempting.

A used M8 is not an option. In that price category, even if it's only the half of the new price, I want at least 2 years of warranty.

Another option is raising funds for a FF camera. D3 or whatever.

Or (gasp) use a film camera? M6, Kiev 4a, Mamiya 645e, Petri Color 35, Bessa L, FED-2???? ...

Didier

[ampguy]

A year or so ago, he let someone photograph as he was completely disassembling an RD1, so it seems like they know what they're doing there. I haven't used their services before, but I find it reassuring that there have been positive comments about them.

I'd also check with Don Goldberg (dagcam@chorus.net). He's seen quite a few RD1s lately, including mine, and is always reasonable and has some goodies at fair prices as well.

Originally Posted by Didier

Is this http://www.stevecamera.com? I have asked them for an estimate, as well as the seller, Robert White, too. Another option is to contact Epson France directly (as all european R-D1 repairs are done there, afaik). The easiest way would be Epson Switzerland (who then sends it to France), so I wouldn't have any export/import/VAT/fee hassles; but they'll likely charge me for that service.

Yep, that Olympus e-420 with 25mm pancake is tempting.

A used M8 is not an option. In that price category, even if it's only the half of the new price, I want at least 2 years of warranty.

Another option is raising funds for a FF camera. D3 or whatever.

Or (gasp) use a film camera? M6, Kiev 4a, Mamiya 645e, Petri Color 35, Bessa L, FED-2???? ...

Didier

[LCT]

Originally Posted by Didier

...Another option is to contact Epson France directly (as all european R-D1 repairs are done there, afaik)...

I did it for a new R-D1s and it worked with no problem. The body was under warranty though. BTW i'm based in France but i've bought the body in Italy.

[chikne]

There are shops around that still have the old price on the M8.... unless it's a trick to attract potential customers....

[Kawabatnam]

Originally Posted by Didier

Looks like my R-D1s shutter has the same problem as Angel posted in january (thread).
But the finger tapping trick did not work out in my case...

After all the troubles I've had with that model I am seriously thinking about going evil. Evil DSLR.

The first R-D1 body I had was exchanged because of a tilted sensor, completely disaligned rangefinder and other issues. The replacement R-D1s I got had a significant vertical rangefinder disalignment after a few weeks only, and now, after a year and a half, the shutter went off. A repair is possible, but likely expensive. I'm waiting for Robert White's offer.

But even if I let it repaired, I will not really rely on that camera anymore. So what are the alternatives? M8? After Leica's massive price increase, this camera is more out of my reach than ever.

I'm thinking about going DSLR, maybe keep the R-D1s as second body for available light and other special occasions. I think I'll wait until Photokina 2008 before I decide (assumed the R-D1s can be repaired and will hold until then).

But actually I'm in other troubles - must use a point&shoot for my PAW project

I feel the same... See the thread on my R-D1s almost dead sensor... And my R-D1's shutter is going "stickier" every day... I really like this camera but the quality (mechanics and electronics -image quality not involved here) is really too poor... I've had a Canon DSLR for years now and I never had the slightest problem with it... On the other hand I just don't enjoy using it... I am going to Japan in a few days and guess which camera will be used? Sadly the R-D1 will stay home...

[JNewell]

I have been dabbling in DSLR-land.

It's great!

But it's not the same, not at all.

[cosmonaut]

Why not get a Panasonic L1.....It looks RF

[Didier]

Originally Posted by cosmonaut

Why not get a Panasonic L1.....It looks RF

Definitely no. It looks RF, but is a DSLR, and as such not very attractive. Technically outdated (very noisy above ISO 400 just to mention one issue), quite big and heavy. If a fourthirds DSLR, then preferably a Oly E-420 lightweight with pancake, or, if a bigger and heavier DSLR, then something like a Nikon D300.

D.

[tonyc]

Hello Didier

If you ever travel or have friends in Japan, you might
try Epson in Tokyo to repair you R-D1s.

I sent mine their for simple rangefinder repair, after
dropping it.
They carried out the work for about GBP24 ! including
postage, and very prompt and polite [they phoned to
say they were shipping it back earlier than expected - "is that ok?" !]
Although they don't speak English.

-tc

[Didier]

Originally Posted by tonyc

Hello Didier
If you ever travel or have friends in Japan, you might
try Epson in Tokyo to repair you R-D1s.
-tc

Thanks, Tony.
I'm shure Epson Japan would have done a very good job. Actually I have decided to send it to Steve's Camera Service Center in USA, who offered a much better price for repair, RF alignment and sensor cleaning than Epson Switzerland. The camera will be shipped today.
Didier

[SteveM(PA)]

Originally Posted by Didier

Thanks, Tony.
I'm shure Epson Japan would have done a very good job. Actually I have decided to send it to Steve's Camera Service Center in USA, who offered a much better price for repair, RF alignment and sensor cleaning than Epson Switzerland. The camera will be shipped today.
Didier

Well that's encouraging! I was hoping it wasn't Steve's who denied your repair in your earlier post.

[Photon42]

Originally Posted by Didier

Thanks, Tony.
I'm shure Epson Japan would have done a very good job. Actually I have decided to send it to Steve's Camera Service Center in USA, who offered a much better price for repair, RF alignment and sensor cleaning than Epson Switzerland. The camera will be shipped today.
Didier

Hi Didier,

good to hear you found your solution, really. As I never had something repaired outside CH, can I ask how the customs question is handled when the camera is returned? Will it be declared as a repair and are there changes this gets accepted?

Regards from ZH
Ivo

[tomasis]

buy a lots of film to m6 !!

10x 400 feet film reels from Kodak Eastman (Double XX movie film)

720 rolls, 26000 exposures price $1300 damn it looks appealing for me to switch rd1 for those films

[Didier]

This weekend I asked a reputed camera repair specialist, who also did R-D1 rangefinder adjustments in the past, if he could repair my shutter and adjust the RF of my Epson. His answer just came in, and I can not keep it back for those who still evaluate to purchase this camera:


"I never did anything more than adjust the rangefinder in the Epson R-D1 cameras. I have no knowledge to do anything else to this camera. Furthermore, I feel that the rangefinder of the R-D1 has such bad adjustments that I no longer repair them."

I will not communicate who he is, as I have not asked him to quote his statement in public. Those who know the odyssee of my first Epson may easily guess it.

Didier

[Krosya]

Doesn't RD1 have the same shutter as all Bessa cameras? As well as RF system? So based on that shouldn't places that can fix Bessas could fix RD? Just a thought.
Let us know how yours come out. Good luck!

[mn4367]

Hello Didier,

I think it was a good decision to get it repaired. It still seems to be the cheapest solution even if it's hard to pay just to get where you were before it failed. I also have an R-D1 which worked without problems so far (knock on wood..) but nevertheless from time to time I think about buying a film RF (which most likely would be the Ikon). But then I had to buy a scanner and spend a lot of money for the rolls, not to mention the time/cost for developing, scanning, archiving etc. OK, I could probably live with that, but summing up the costs pushes me in a region where an M8 it is not sooo far away because I'd buy a Nikon scanner with the magazine holder, at least 1500 EUR .

But what prevents me from going back to film is being able to choose ISO with the R-D1 whenever I like or when it's necessary. And I think the high ISO qualities of the Epson are pretty good. With film I had to change rolls, which I really don't like to do.

So most of the time listening to reason tells me "stick with the R-D1, perhaps get a second one as a backup". In 2 or 3 years maybe we have a (better) digital RF alternative. If not, film as a resort is perhaps still there. If not perhaps some kind of ultra expensive Mx waits. And if not, well...


PS:
Your PAW is impressive. Seems you've found the right tool for your style. I'd say don't change it.

[Didier]

Originally Posted by Krosya

Let us know how yours come out.

I sent it to Steve's Camera Repair Service who did a very good job - see new thread here.
Didier