Why are the Q's so expensive??

aaacb · 11-02-2019, 08:48 AM - **1 Like**

I almost ordered an original Q this week, and I didn't have many options to choose from unless I wanted to order it from Japan... It's a pretty cool camera, and because it's sort of old (the first one especially), uncommon if not rare, and unique, it's been building a small cult following in its semi-after-life; I can see why the prices are not dismal. Maybe it will be enough to prompt ricoh for a new release at some point. The q-s1 was released only five years ago. To put that into perspective, the k-3ii has been released at about the same time and the official replacement is due next year. I'm not saying that I expect a new Q, just that the main gap for me is that the camera's out of production, not the age of the existing models.

**csa** · 11-02-2019, 08:57 AM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by Mikesul

I remain puzzled by the OP. I do not think that Qs or the lenses, except, perhaps, for the outstanding 08, are expensive at all.

If people think the Q's are just a toy/fad; then yes they are expensive. However, I see the Q as an amazing camera and the lenses also are pretty neat. The 08 is on my dream list.

Of course, when you buy a Q lens, paying a "large" amount, and you receive a tiny lens, perhaps some don't feel they got their money's worth.

**clickclick** · 11-03-2019, 10:00 AM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by csa

The 08 is on my dream list.

I recently snagged an 08 off Amazon for about $275 with free shipping. which is the lowest I've seen for a new one since I started looking (about spring before last, so almost 2 years). Not regretting it.

**csa** · 11-03-2019, 12:25 PM

Have you posted any photos here, with it?

**Gorgarath** · 11-03-2019, 05:45 PM - **1 Like**

This thread has made me rekindle my desire to get a Q. Always thought it seemed like an interesting camera.

2old4toys · 11-03-2019, 07:21 PM - **1 Like**

Not expensive at all given the frequency of use I have gotten out of it due to its small size to carry on trips TOGETHER with a handful of lenses. Barely an inconvenience. The 08 I finally managed to pick up used and glad I have it at hand. Worth it!

**clickclick** · 11-04-2019, 08:04 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by csa

Have you posted any photos here, with it?

No. Nothing I'd consider worth sharing. Been using it mostly for photos of fiberglass repair on a sailboat, but it's let me get some shots in tight spaces I couldn't get the framing I wanted with the 02 standard zoom. It's anything but art photography, but the QS-1 with this lens has been great to have for size and convenience in this role. The fun shots will come with time.

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11-02-2019, 08:48 AM - 1 Like	#76
aaacb Pentaxian Join Date: May 2016 Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,725	I almost ordered an original Q this week, and I didn't have many options to choose from unless I wanted to order it from Japan... It's a pretty cool camera, and because it's sort of old (the first one especially), uncommon if not rare, and unique, it's been building a small cult following in its semi-after-life; I can see why the prices are not dismal. Maybe it will be enough to prompt ricoh for a new release at some point. The q-s1 was released only five years ago. To put that into perspective, the k-3ii has been released at about the same time and the official replacement is due next year. I'm not saying that I expect a new Q, just that the main gap for me is that the camera's out of production, not the age of the existing models.

11-02-2019, 08:57 AM - 2 Likes	#77
csa Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Montana mountains Posts: 10,133	Originally posted by Mikesul I remain puzzled by the OP. I do not think that Qs or the lenses, except, perhaps, for the outstanding 08, are expensive at all. If people think the Q's are just a toy/fad; then yes they are expensive. However, I see the Q as an amazing camera and the lenses also are pretty neat. The 08 is on my dream list. Of course, when you buy a Q lens, paying a "large" amount, and you receive a tiny lens, perhaps some don't feel they got their money's worth.

11-03-2019, 10:00 AM - 2 Likes	#78
clickclick Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2016 Location: East Coast Posts: 2,903	Originally posted by csa The 08 is on my dream list. I recently snagged an 08 off Amazon for about $275 with free shipping. which is the lowest I've seen for a new one since I started looking (about spring before last, so almost 2 years). Not regretting it.

11-03-2019, 12:25 PM	#79
csa Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Montana mountains Posts: 10,133	Have you posted any photos here, with it?

11-03-2019, 05:45 PM - 1 Like	#80
Gorgarath Total n00b Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 735	This thread has made me rekindle my desire to get a Q. Always thought it seemed like an interesting camera.

11-03-2019, 07:21 PM - 1 Like	#81
2old4toys Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2018 Posts: 391	Not expensive at all given the frequency of use I have gotten out of it due to its small size to carry on trips TOGETHER with a handful of lenses. Barely an inconvenience. The 08 I finally managed to pick up used and glad I have it at hand. Worth it!

11-04-2019, 08:04 AM - 1 Like	#82
clickclick Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2016 Location: East Coast Posts: 2,903	Originally posted by csa Have you posted any photos here, with it? No. Nothing I'd consider worth sharing. Been using it mostly for photos of fiberglass repair on a sailboat, but it's let me get some shots in tight spaces I couldn't get the framing I wanted with the 02 standard zoom. It's anything but art photography, but the QS-1 with this lens has been great to have for size and convenience in this role. The fun shots will come with time.