R-3 question

[Sickamore]

Good morning!

I just have one small question regarding the R-3. I found one on ebay that I would like to purchase but in the rather "iffy" description, it says:

"THE BATTERIES MUST BE DEAD BECAUSE I GET NOTHING IN THE VIEWFINDER AND IT WILL NOT CLICK OFF A PICTURE, EVEN THOUGH THERE IS SOME OLD FILM IN THE CAMERA. SHUTTER DOES OPERATE BY MANUALLY CLICKING IT."

Isn't the R3 a manual camera that requires batteries just for metering? I could be wrong. Would this be a faulty camera? Problems with the mirror-like?

Thanks for your help.

[dkpeterborough]

Originally Posted by Sickamore

Good morning!

I just have one small question regarding the R-3. I found one on ebay that I would like to purchase but in the rather "iffy" description, it says:

"THE BATTERIES MUST BE DEAD BECAUSE I GET NOTHING IN THE VIEWFINDER AND IT WILL NOT CLICK OFF A PICTURE, EVEN THOUGH THERE IS SOME OLD FILM IN THE CAMERA. SHUTTER DOES OPERATE BY MANUALLY CLICKING IT."

Isn't the R3 a manual camera that requires batteries just for metering? I could be wrong. Would this be a faulty camera? Problems with the mirror-like?

Thanks for your help.

Not sure what the seller is trying to say ref "will not click off a picture" as shutter appears to be working . As it has a lens with it plus all those accessories might be worth taking a chance .. the lens has to be worth at least $250. If was me buying I would ask seller tio inspect battery chamber for corrosion/leaking batteries

Dunk

[doubice]

Originally Posted by Sickamore

Isn't the R3 a manual camera that requires batteries just for metering? I could be wrong. Would this be a faulty camera? Problems with the mirror-like?

Thanks for your help.

The R3 is an electronic camera and does indeed require batteries to operate. I checked the auction you are referring to and it seems that the seller knows nothing about cameras. His description is typical - basically telling the world that "something" is wrong, but he does not know what. That way if the camera does turn out to be defective, he is covered.

The R3 in the auction does look like it is in good shape cosmetically, includes a case, box and other goodies. I feel that if you can get the whole kit and kaboodle for around US$250.00, you should be OK, even if the camera needed more than just batteries.

All the best,

Jan

[earleygallery]

Ask the seller to set the shutter to X and then try it. The X (1/90th) speed operates mechanically so if it still doesnt' fire at this speed you know you've got a problem.

Of course the seller - if they are truly ignorant - may then decide to relist as 'fully working' and hope for more money! However from my experience of e bay descriptions, the one given by the seller means "shutter broken but I'm gonna play dumb and hope you fall for it"