I too have lately been bidding on E-1s when I see them on Ebay. I don't have a lot of extra cash right now, but I feel compelled to add the E-1 to my arsenal, and maybe sell my old OM2S and OM-1 to pay for it. I hear all of these stories that go something like this: "I picked up a MINT E-1 for a hundred and fifty bucks!"But when I bid on a nice looking one, I am outbid instantly. I think the word is out and the E-1 is getting a rep. as a cult camera. Will I ever be able to find a nice E-1 for a hundred bucks? -- Dr. Lecter

Doctor Lecterwrote:But when I bid on a nice looking one, I am outbid instantly. I think the word is out and the E-1 is getting a rep. as a cult camera. Will I ever be able to find a nice E-1 for a hundred bucks?Depends how you define "nice"...But state of the camera shouldn't really worry you, it is built like a tank and shutter seems to last forever. Hint: you can cheaply replace E-1 rubber grips.

KEH.com has one for $286.00 with a EX+ rating. They usually underrate their stuff, so I would guess it's in darn nice shape.

mrmutwrote:Doctor Lecterwrote:But when I bid on a nice looking one, I am outbid instantly. I think the word is out and the E-1 is getting a rep. as a cult camera. Will I ever be able to find a nice E-1 for a hundred bucks?Depends how you define "nice"...But state of the camera shouldn't really worry you, it is built like a tank and shutter seems to last forever. Hint: you can cheaply replace E-1 rubber grips.Well, you might remember that dog of an E-1 I picked up off eBay, it was awful, but it still took great pictures. I did end up buying another from a dealer, and got it mint for a good price (in the UK though). It could be worth trying the known dealers where you are - the one's on eBay here were about the same kind of prices (around £150), even with defects.

Andy Hewittwrote:mrmutwrote:Doctor Lecterwrote:But when I bid on a nice looking one, I am outbid instantly. I think the word is out and the E-1 is getting a rep. as a cult camera. Will I ever be able to find a nice E-1 for a hundred bucks?Depends how you define "nice"...But state of the camera shouldn't really worry you, it is built like a tank and shutter seems to last forever. Hint: you can cheaply replace E-1 rubber grips.Well, you might remember that dog of an E-1 I picked up off eBay, it was awful, but it still took great pictures. I did end up buying another from a dealer, and got it mint for a good price (in the UK though). It could be worth trying the known dealers where you are - the one's on eBay here were about the same kind of prices (around £150), even with defects.Speaking of beat up dog E-1 cameras from ebay, below is a before and after shot of the E-1 I bid and won from ebay. It was advertised as in working condition, but needed cosmetic work. I paid $96 US and got it the first part of April.I have since gave it a good cleaning, installed new rubber grips ($30), touched up the paint with a flat black paint stick. I have taken a bunch of pictures and at present I am learning "RAW".Good lock with your search. Buys are still out there.PaulHere is a before and after of the E-1. More shots at my pbase gallery athttp://www.pbase.com/paulm2/e1

it is the great handling camera,, not all the bells and whistles, but the right size in your hands,, go to the 4/3 site and see what is offered,, I bought mine used and will not sell it, -- Brad Ross

Paul, and the best news (if I remember correctly) is that your E-1 had less than 9,000 shutter activations. You got a near perfect E-1 with some cosmetic improvements.What was the actual shutter activations?

To get a nice E-1, I think you should be willing to pay as high as two hundred dollars. On Ebay, it's so variable...there's some luck involved, but you can make your luck by being careful and persistent in your search.

rotfflmao.....you are kidding, right?!!?!

Doctor Lecterwrote:I too have lately been bidding on E-1s when I see them on Ebay. I don't have a lot of extra cash right now, but I feel compelled to add the E-1 to my arsenal, and maybe sell my old OM2S and OM-1 to pay for it. I hear all of these stories that go something like this: "I picked up a MINT E-1 for a hundred and fifty bucks!"But when I bid on a nice looking one, I am outbid instantly. I think the word is out and the E-1 is getting a rep. as a cult camera. Will I ever be able to find a nice E-1 for a hundred bucks? -- Dr. LecterKEH.com tonightExcellent condition $275 Excellent + condition $286Thats about the best you can expect outside of E-bay.Excellent + is just 1 step below Like New....If you expect to pay less than that... good luck. -- Larry Lynch Mystic, ConnecticutIn all matters of opinion, our adversaries are insane. Oscar Wilde

I, too, saw the KEH advertised E+ E1. If I were hankering for an E1 that would be tempting. Admittedly I haven't priced used E1s lately, but for top condition $286 seems solid.

Gidday JohnDoctor Lecterwrote:I too have lately been bidding on E-1s when I see them on Ebay. I don't have a lot of extra cash right now, but I feel compelled to add the E-1 to my arsenal, and maybe sell my old OM2S and OM-1 to pay for it. I hear all of these stories that go something like this: "I picked up a MINT E-1 for a hundred and fifty bucks!"Not too many of them at that price, and I'll take a truckload, thanks ...But when I bid on a nice looking one, I am outbid instantly. I think the word is out and the E-1 is getting a rep. as a cult camera. Will I ever be able to find a nice E-1 for a hundred bucks?I paid Oz $750 for mine about 2.5 years ago when the Oz $ was worth about 59 cents US. Absolutely mint, with 14~45 and 40~150 MkI. The 14~45 is sharp (some aren't ... ); and the 40~150 currently travels with my E-30. The body had about 5,000 clicks on it (still a toddler, lol), and all in as new condition; in original boxes, CDR, manuals, leads, charger (BCM-1, fast charger) etc.I have printed several shots from it at A2 size (17x22 inches, actually).I agree with others that $286 in "Excellent+" condition looks like a good price from a very reputable seller.Lovely camera. Good luck.

Thanks for all of the comments. I figured I was dreaming (at 100 bucks!)... but who knows? Maybe I'll happen across one at a yard sale, owned by someone who doesn't know what they've got! -- Dr. Lecter

Andy Hewittwrote:Well, you might remember that dog of an E-1 I picked up off eBay, it was awful, but it still took great pictures. I did end up buying another from a dealer, and got it mint for a good price (in the UK though). It could be worth trying the known dealers where you are - the one's on eBay here were about the same kind of prices (around £150), even with defects.Just remembered sth.; there are old Olympus stocks, one is able to buy a completely new E-1, tho he needs to dig a bit for it. I went that path few mths ago, and got copletely new and boxed E-1, 14-54, and E-1 grip for some 950 USD.It is clear that E-1 really gotten up in price after E-5 was out. The two Oly cameras that hold price like crazy are E-1 and E-500 (E-1 used to fluctuate).

Digiramewrote:Paul, and the best news (if I remember correctly) is that your E-1 had less than 9,000 shutter activations. You got a near perfect E-1 with some cosmetic improvements.What was the actual shutter activations?Digi,When I received the camera and after doing the hidden menu thing, the shutter count (R) showed 4861.This morning after reading your post, I checked it again and the "R" value is now at 5099.Working like a charm.Paul

Hi......Yo just have to have patience, if you really want a Cheap E1......I bought mine two years ago with the battery grip and two extra battery's in 180.00 on ebay...........well .....good luck in finding one......it is a great cameraRegardsRoy ..--E1, E3, E30, 12-60, 14-54 ,50-200, 11-22, 14-45,Om 50F1.8, OM 70-150, OM 300 F4.5

Doctor Lecter wrote: Will I ever be able to find a nice E-1 for a hundred bucks?100$ for a nice E1??? you must be kidding, this was a 2k$ camera and still takes outstanding photos. Why should anyone sell it for 100$?Good luck ...and if you find two, let me know, I'm interested in a second E1.

... there must be an old codger who bought an E-1, thinking it was the latest Olympus 'film' camera.When he couldn't get the back open to insert a roll of film, he gave up and chucked it in a drawer.Give it a few years and when he kicks the bucket or gets carted off to the 'home', his family will clean out the house and the pristine E-1 will be discovered.You've got to have a dream.... -- Barry

Hmm, I am an old codger and recently bought an E-1.In the recent past, I have bought and repaired some broken UZI cameras. What was broken on one was fixed with parts from another donor camera. A bunch of nephews are very happy with their gift.Now after going thru 25 "UZI's", I find that there was no place to put film.You would think that Olympus would have discovered this in the many models between the UZI and the E-1. Bummer.Thanks for keeping the tread going. I am very keen on learning anything I can about the E-1.Paul

Thanks for letting us know. I hope people see this, and realize with a little effort that they can find nice cameras out there. Congratulations for your efforts in getting a fine camera like the E-1 with such low shutter activations...you restored it so well. We are so happy for you.Sometimes, we just have to work a little hard at it. You probably remember me saying, that I got an E-500 for $130 (USD) with high shutter clicks and an E-510 for $195 with low shutter clicks last December on Ebay. The one with high shutter clicks looks and performs excellent...looks like it was refurbished. I often show pictures from that camera on OTF (and some here too).