Dilemma

[Eric P.]

Sent in my GRD to C.R.I.S. cam for an estimate on cleaning the sensor. Have a pretty good idea what the price will be. (Someone posted the price on the GRD flickr group).

Obviously I am leaning towards getting the camera repaired. Partly because I really like the quality of the images (especially in b&w). And I hate getting rid of an otherwise functional camera.

This is getting offset by a suspicion this will happen again. Also, I could go out and purchase a different camera for close to the same price of the repair. Lastly, the repair will mean being without the camera for the next month and a half or so. (Again, I could purchase a different camera and have something in the meantime.)

What would you do if it were your camera?

Thanks.

[thelps]

Eric,

just to qualify, is this the only camera you have digital or otherwise?

IF money was tight, and you are keen on the GRD series I would consider a GRD II. They are quite inexpensive right now and in good supply.
IF money is not an issue, perhaps go to the GRD III. I was recently surprised to learn the GRD III has 2 years warranty. At least in Australia it does!

Otherwise both GX100 and GX200s are still available and the GX100 is similar in price to the GRD II that I have seen!

Would it be worth contacting Ricoh rather the CRIS and see if they will help out?

Just some thoughts!

[Eric P.]

Update - the GRD is fixed. Quite expensive. They also did an overhaul and brought the camera back up to spec. Hopefully worth it in the long run. The turn around was quite fast. More time spent in transit than in repair. And CRIScam was very pleasant to deal with.

This is not, by a long shot, my only digital camera. (Have at least 3 other quality p&s plus a dSLR). More and more, though, I'm taken by the quality of the b&w photos from this camera. Besides, the build quality is better than any of my other cameras. And it is quite convenient to carry around all the time.

Now, though, I have gotten a case for the camera. So it is no longer a "true" pocket camera. And found out the case from an Olympus Stylus is a perfect fit. Especially with gaffer tape over the name

If I just ignore the fact that my total outlay on this camera is now more than a new one would cost, I'm fine. This does prevent the camera from ending up in a landfill.