Sold my Leica Q3 43 and looking to get back into Rx1R mark III
p.1 #1Sold my Leica Q3 43 and looking to get back into Rx1R mark III
Hello everyone.
I am a former owner of Sony Rx1R m.I and Rx1R m2. Long story short - I waited for years for Mark III and finally gave up in January of 2025 when I got Leica - this was before Sony released the III series.
Regrettably I could never get used to the Leica size, which made me leave the camera behind more often than anticipated.
Fast forward to now, I sold the Leica and I am now back looking into getting Rx1R III.
I would prefer to get one that is considered used - like new condition. With that said, I have never purchased anything on Fred Miranda. What specific information I should be considering and looking for in ads on here, to ensure I am not getting scammed?
Would you also suggest perhaps getting one from major retailers, if they have a used model?
Any advice welcomed and thank you
I am a former owner of Sony Rx1R m.I and Rx1R m2. Long story short - I waited for years for Mark III and finally gave up in January of 2025 when I got Leica - this was before Sony released the III series.
Regrettably I could never get used to the Leica size, which made me leave the camera behind more often than anticipated.
Fast forward to now, I sold the Leica and I am now back looking into getting Rx1R III.
I would prefer to get one that is considered used - like new condition. With that said, I have never purchased anything on Fred Miranda. What specific information I should be considering and looking for in ads on here, to ensure I am not getting scammed?
Would you also suggest perhaps getting one from major retailers, if they have a used model?
Any advice welcomed and thank you
Jun 28, 2026 at 11:19 PM
p.1 #2Sold my Leica Q3 43 and looking to get back into Rx1R mark III
https://www.mpb.com/en-us/product/sony-rx1r-iii recommend them purchased from many times.
Jun 29, 2026 at 04:26 AM
p.1 #3Sold my Leica Q3 43 and looking to get back into Rx1R mark III
For background, I acquired the RX1R when it was released 13 years ago, then moved tro the RX1RII and then the RX1RIII. I also owned the Leica Q3 28.
While I really liked the Q3, the focus was not consistently accurate enough for my taste (spoiled by Sony cameras) and it also "glitched" a lot as mentioned by a number folks on various forums. After the RX1R series, the OSS was a very welcomed feature for low-light shooting, however.
I have come to depend of the tilt-screen for shooting grandkids & great-grandkids, etc and found the fixed screen on the RX1RiII to be a serious shortcoming, so I sold it and re-purchased an RX1RIi, which has the tilt-screen (at 79, I'm not as limber as I used to be ). I mainly use the camera as one I can just leave in the trunk of the car. I also use it for when I am shooting telephoto lenses and want a small/light camera around my neck for occasional wider angle shots. My normal camera are the A1 II, A7RVI and A7CR.
Over the years, I have purchased over 100 cameras/lenses on FM Buy & Sell with no real problems. Just make certain to read the seller reviews and be careful about sellers with no significant sell history. For more expensive items, I generally pay the 3.5% B&S fee; although, I will often skip it for sellers with whom I have a history with. Make certain that shipping insurance is included. Used, like new, RXRIII's can be had for $4000 to $4150 (net) on FM. As a note, buying from sources like MPB means no factory carton is included much of the time - something that will help facilitate selling in the future.
When I need small/light, I mostly use the A7CR. The IBIS adds a ton of flexibility and the faster focusing motor on most lenses allows better motion shooting than with the RX series, which incorporates a very slow focus motor that cannot always keep up with the very fast focus system. On the other hand, the leaf-shutter on the RX series really facilitates good flash performance with compact flashes.
Good luck.
While I really liked the Q3, the focus was not consistently accurate enough for my taste (spoiled by Sony cameras) and it also "glitched" a lot as mentioned by a number folks on various forums. After the RX1R series, the OSS was a very welcomed feature for low-light shooting, however.
I have come to depend of the tilt-screen for shooting grandkids & great-grandkids, etc and found the fixed screen on the RX1RiII to be a serious shortcoming, so I sold it and re-purchased an RX1RIi, which has the tilt-screen (at 79, I'm not as limber as I used to be
). I mainly use the camera as one I can just leave in the trunk of the car. I also use it for when I am shooting telephoto lenses and want a small/light camera around my neck for occasional wider angle shots. My normal camera are the A1 II, A7RVI and A7CR.Over the years, I have purchased over 100 cameras/lenses on FM Buy & Sell with no real problems. Just make certain to read the seller reviews and be careful about sellers with no significant sell history. For more expensive items, I generally pay the 3.5% B&S fee; although, I will often skip it for sellers with whom I have a history with. Make certain that shipping insurance is included. Used, like new, RXRIII's can be had for $4000 to $4150 (net) on FM. As a note, buying from sources like MPB means no factory carton is included much of the time - something that will help facilitate selling in the future.
When I need small/light, I mostly use the A7CR. The IBIS adds a ton of flexibility and the faster focusing motor on most lenses allows better motion shooting than with the RX series, which incorporates a very slow focus motor that cannot always keep up with the very fast focus system. On the other hand, the leaf-shutter on the RX series really facilitates good flash performance with compact flashes.
Good luck.
Jun 29, 2026 at 06:34 AM
p.1 #4Sold my Leica Q3 43 and looking to get back into Rx1R mark III
InFocus2014 wrote:
For background, I acquired the RX1R when it was released 13 years ago, then moved tro the RX1RII and then the RX1RIII. I also owned the Leica Q3 28.
While I really liked the Q3, the focus was not consistently accurate enough for my taste (spoiled by Sony cameras) and it also "glitched" a lot as mentioned by a number folks on various forums. After the RX1R series, the OSS was a very welcomed feature for low-light shooting, however.
Are you happier with the focus of the RX1R II vs the Q3, or just happier with it for the price point?
Jun 29, 2026 at 07:48 AM
p.1 #5Sold my Leica Q3 43 and looking to get back into Rx1R mark III
The issue iwth the Q3 is that it will indicate that focus is captured, only to find-out later that the shot was not perfectly focused - not all the time, but enough to make it frustrating. I originally thought my camera was faulty, but numerous reviewers have had the same issue. The latest Leica firmware may have helped, but I had sold the camera by the time it was released.
At least with the RX1RII, if it indicates focus, the shots actually are. It is the same focus system as the A7RII, which includes Eye Focus.
Price is not an issue, but performance is. If the rumored Q4 has a vastly improved focus system and IBIS, I will be one of the first in line to acquire one.
At least with the RX1RII, if it indicates focus, the shots actually are. It is the same focus system as the A7RII, which includes Eye Focus.
Price is not an issue, but performance is. If the rumored Q4 has a vastly improved focus system and IBIS, I will be one of the first in line to acquire one.
Jun 29, 2026 at 08:15 AM
p.1 #6Sold my Leica Q3 43 and looking to get back into Rx1R mark III
I have a brand NEW Sony RX1R III (never used) that I'd happily sell you for $3,900. I had sent mine in to an authorized service center for sensor cleaning but was told by them that they couldn't get the parts needed. They reached out to Sony on my behalf and I was offered a brand new unit in exchange for their inability to service mine - very strange. I've received and checked the serial number - it's not the unit I sent in for service. I powered it up and checked for dust at F22. Looks perfectly clean.
I just haven't had time yet to list it on the B/S boards. Interested?
I just haven't had time yet to list it on the B/S boards. Interested?
Jun 29, 2026 at 01:10 PM
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p.1 #7Sold my Leica Q3 43 and looking to get back into Rx1R mark III
kshatch wrote:
I have a brand NEW Sony RX1R III (never used) that I'd happily sell you for $3,900. I had sent mine in to an authorized service center for sensor cleaning but was told by them that they couldn't get the parts needed. They reached out to Sony on my behalf and I was offered a brand new unit in exchange for their inability to service mine - very strange. I've received and checked the serial number - it's not the unit I sent in for service. I powered it up and checked for dust at F22. Looks perfectly clean.
I just...Show more →
Did Sony include paperwork that specifies the serial number of the new camera?
I have a brand NEW Sony RX1R III (never used) that I'd happily sell you for $3,900. I had sent mine in to an authorized service center for sensor cleaning but was told by them that they couldn't get the parts needed. They reached out to Sony on my behalf and I was offered a brand new unit in exchange for their inability to service mine - very strange. I've received and checked the serial number - it's not the unit I sent in for service. I powered it up and checked for dust at F22. Looks perfectly clean.
I just...Show more →
Did Sony include paperwork that specifies the serial number of the new camera?
Jun 29, 2026 at 02:27 PM
p.1 #8Sold my Leica Q3 43 and looking to get back into Rx1R mark III
Not precisely - no. The box arrived directly from UPS-SCS-SONY with a packing slip containing delivery order number, order number (internal), customer PO, etc, etc. I have an associated email from Sony Imaging Pro Support containing the following:
"Thanks again for choosing Sony to repair your DSCRX1M3/B Tag# 4834539. Due to parts delay, we are unable to complete the repair as requested. We understand not having a working unit can be frustrating, so we would like to offer you a replacement unit at no cost and Sony will keep your defective unit. To begin the replacement process, please send a copy of your proof of purchase, once validated, we can process the exchange. This would be a brand-new DSCRX1M3/B with a 1-year warranty based on the original purchase date or 90-day warranty, whichever is greater. Please let us know your decision by 06/09/2026."
However, the new camera's serial number is NOT on the Packing Slip.
"Thanks again for choosing Sony to repair your DSCRX1M3/B Tag# 4834539. Due to parts delay, we are unable to complete the repair as requested. We understand not having a working unit can be frustrating, so we would like to offer you a replacement unit at no cost and Sony will keep your defective unit. To begin the replacement process, please send a copy of your proof of purchase, once validated, we can process the exchange. This would be a brand-new DSCRX1M3/B with a 1-year warranty based on the original purchase date or 90-day warranty, whichever is greater. Please let us know your decision by 06/09/2026."
However, the new camera's serial number is NOT on the Packing Slip.
Jun 29, 2026 at 03:17 PM
p.1 #9Sold my Leica Q3 43 and looking to get back into Rx1R mark III
kshatch wrote:
Not precisely - no. The box arrived directly from UPS-SCS-SONY with a packing slip containing delivery order number, order number (internal), customer PO, etc, etc. I have an associated email from Sony Imaging Pro Support containing the following:
"Thanks again for choosing Sony to repair your DSCRX1M3/B Tag# 4834539. Due to parts delay, we are unable to complete the repair as requested. We understand not having a working unit can be frustrating, so we would like to offer you a replacement unit at no cost and Sony will keep your defective unit. To begin the replacement process, please send a copy...Show more →
That's a very nice offer from Sony. I'm sure Leica owners would wish for a similar policy on delayed repairs by Leica! It might be to your advantage to request an email with a serial number confirmation from Sony. How much of the warranty is left?
Not precisely - no. The box arrived directly from UPS-SCS-SONY with a packing slip containing delivery order number, order number (internal), customer PO, etc, etc. I have an associated email from Sony Imaging Pro Support containing the following:
"Thanks again for choosing Sony to repair your DSCRX1M3/B Tag# 4834539. Due to parts delay, we are unable to complete the repair as requested. We understand not having a working unit can be frustrating, so we would like to offer you a replacement unit at no cost and Sony will keep your defective unit. To begin the replacement process, please send a copy...Show more →
That's a very nice offer from Sony. I'm sure Leica owners would wish for a similar policy on delayed repairs by Leica! It might be to your advantage to request an email with a serial number confirmation from Sony. How much of the warranty is left?
Jun 29, 2026 at 05:44 PM
p.1 #10Sold my Leica Q3 43 and looking to get back into Rx1R mark III
The only advice I would give is to make sure you buy a US model with a receipt. Many Japanese models have flooded the used market and were hacked to display the US menu. This isn't really an issue, but I don't know what the warranty and service implications would be. Of course, if you get a blazing deal on a Japanese model with a US menu, it might be worth the risk.
Jun 29, 2026 at 08:23 PM
p.1 #11Sold my Leica Q3 43 and looking to get back into Rx1R mark III
Thank you everyone - lots of great comments. I will keep searching, as I don't really want to spend the retail price.
@kshatch - I am curious why you are not wanting to keep the replacement camera at this point?
@kshatch - I am curious why you are not wanting to keep the replacement camera at this point?
Jun 29, 2026 at 09:20 PM
p.1 #12Sold my Leica Q3 43 and looking to get back into Rx1R mark III
I had decided to sell my original RX1RIII for several reasons - none of them had anything to do with the dust spot on the sensor discovered by MPB when they inspected it. I sent it in to be serviced with the expectation that I could recoup that cost when it came back to me fixed. I never expected to get a new unit as a replacement. The fact that it was new didn't change the original fact that it wasn't the right camera for me.
It's a lovely camera - very discreet, amazing quality images, very small and VERY easy to travel with. I love all those qualities about it. However, most of my photography hobby activity lies in shooting extractive landscapes, wildlife and airshows. My main body is a Sony A7RV and my muscle memory with that body is very strong. While traveling with the RX1RIII I've found that my hands and fingers keep reaching for the customized button layout of my A7RV. In the end, I decided it wasn't worth having both bodies. It's just that simple.
It's a lovely camera - very discreet, amazing quality images, very small and VERY easy to travel with. I love all those qualities about it. However, most of my photography hobby activity lies in shooting extractive landscapes, wildlife and airshows. My main body is a Sony A7RV and my muscle memory with that body is very strong. While traveling with the RX1RIII I've found that my hands and fingers keep reaching for the customized button layout of my A7RV. In the end, I decided it wasn't worth having both bodies. It's just that simple.
Jun 30, 2026 at 12:04 PM