Bipod

You are absolutely right to be worried that it will fail and be unrepairable.
There are no good options for repair. I would urge you to sell it.

I just wanted you to feel justng in asking more for it than some of the posters
would infer--at least to start.

ffweir

Thx again. I cleaned it today...lots of rubs and bright spots...def not a collector. I may well sell to a dealer yet. Hate to have anyone unhappy.

Bipod

It's good that you understand the condition issues. However, it sounds like "honest ware".
As long as he discription mentions and/or photos clearly show the condition, you shouldn't
have any problems.

I forgot to ask about the specific model: original RD-1, RD-1s (worth more) or RD-1x (only sold
in Japan and worth more still).

You won't get much from a dealer. Your best bet is to find a private party that wants a digital
rangefinder. If you list it for sale, be sure to mention "true rangefinder digital camera" in the ad.
Good luck!

ffweir

Thanks. It's original rd-1. I was out shooting with it and went to a brewery. One of the bartenders asked if it was "analog." I told him digital rangefinder. He asked what megapixels and spun on his heels and walk away when I said "six". That was the end of story for him... obviously a piece of junk if only six megs lol! Do you have a website or Flickr account Bipod?

ffweir

What does "honest ware" mean? New one to me ...I'm a geezer, sorry...69 going on 75 LOL!

Bipod

Sorry. I'm a geezer too! It's like "patina" -- which means wear and aging of finish.
"Honest wear" specifically refers to wear caused by normal use, not abuse or damage.

It's a guitar collector term. If you find a 1956 Fender Stratocaster in "like new"
condition, it's been refinished or is a fake. Time waits for no guitar....or camera.
So with old collectables, wear is good, not bad. A old, valuable item without wear is
extremely suspect.

In the context of this thread, the Epson RD-1 isn't very old or valuable. And with
cameras, the only things that are commonly faked are non-original lenses and
accessories sold as original, or model numbers "upgraded" to a more desirable model--
not likely with a digital camera.

But an RD- 1 in "very good " condition worth $600 - 7000. but only $450 - 500
in "average"condition, according to one site that tracks prices for used cameras:
http://collectiblend.com/Cameras/Epson/R-D1.html

Is $150 worth somebody's time to give an RD-1 a "face lift" to hide wear and damage?
I doubt it, but who knows these days.

ffweir

Bipod...do you play guitar? I took up upright bass after retirement, play in cajun and bluegrass geezer groups. Bought a beat up 1949 Kay C-1...get compliments on the sound. Its the bluegrass bass of choice if in bluegrass country down south. Paid for quite a few repairs. Thanks for values for RD-1. I cleaned it up. Cleaned sensor once but will need another round. Had sat for years, collected lots of dust. Still seeing gray areas on sensor when shooting the sky at f11. Sure don't want to pay for a professional sensor cleaning but I may check costs. I live 40 minutes from Midwest Camera Repair, a good outfit. IF I can get sensor sorted out, I think I'm looking at $400 to $500. Have a dealer offer at $300 so far. Thanks yet again for your help with this.

Bipod

I think your $400 to $500 estimate is spot on, based on what the dealer offered.

The offer is really good news. It means he thinks he can sell it for $500 to $600.
As a private party, you can expect to sell it for a little less--just as you say. Above all,
it means there is a ready market for the RD-1.

IMHO, holding onto any digital cameras is hopes of appreciation is not a good idea.
The price for a used RD-1 *is* likely to go up--driven by scarcity as the existing
ones and can't be fixed. Also, some company could start making a true digital
rangefinder. If you do decide to hold onto it, consider packing it in a sealed
food storage container with a bag of dissicant (and even some oxygen-getter
packets if you want). Store it in a cool place with a fairly constant temperature.

Also, you'd run the risk of some company putting a new digital true rangefinder
on the market, but I don't think there's much chance of that happening because
of the cost of the optics and the soft demand for digital cameras of all kinds.

Personally, I would never use a new camera or one that I just refurbished for a
trip or a paying job. (But then, I don't take paying jobs--one of the joys of
retirement is turning down work!)

I don't envy you lugging a stand-up bass around. But what a wonderful instrument!
You're C-4 is pretty rare--I looked it up: estimated less than 100 made. And a
concert model .http://www.kaybass.com/Kay%20HBass%20Models.htm
I know how tough it is to find a good-sounding double bass without spending a
fortune, so you're lucky to have it. I've never seen one that didn't have repairs.

Yes, I play guitar, but pretty seldom these days.

ffweir

Thx bipod. I have a Kay C-1 not 4 so your link said 12k made. Cool link. Had not seen that. I have a Stagg electric upright. Nothing great but much easier to lug. Need to play it more but I much prefer the Kay. Love how it moves the air, literally will shake the floor.

Metric17

Hello ffweir, I stumbled upon this thread because I have actually been looking to purchase an Epson R-D1! Just wondering, are still in possession of your R-D1? If you are, I would be happy to purchase it from you!