GRD without ADJ wheel?

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noimmunity

scratch my niche
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My GRD is having for the second time the infamous ADJ wheel problem (camera freeze).

Applications of ethanol will temporarily alleviate the problem, but it quickly reverts to the problem. I had it fixed once before.

I'm wondering aloud whether it is worth it to repair it, or just operate the camera by going through the menus? Doesn't seem right to me to pay to repair the camera again and again. Has anybody gone through a similar dilemma?
 
ludoo said:
Did you try a "proper" contact cleaning spray like those used for audio gear, instead of ethanol?
Click to expand...

Sounds good to me. (Ricoh's service center wouldn't suggest anything of the sort to me). I could probably find this in Taipei if I devoted an afternoon to it. Any brand names or fluids to look for?
 
noimmunity said:
Sounds good to me. (Ricoh's service center wouldn't suggest anything of the sort to me). I could probably find this in Taipei if I devoted an afternoon to it. Any brand names or fluids to look for?
Click to expand...

No idea about brands, but your best bet would be to find a store selling audio components for DIY (capacitors, tubes, etc.) and asking them. Contact cleaning spray is typically used for noisy switches and potentiometers, and the GRD wheel is both a switch (when you push it) and some sort of potentiometer (when you turn it), so it might make sense to try. Worst thing is you spent a few dollars for nothing.

If you find a suitable spray, I would be careful applying it: remove the battery before starting; apply as little as possible, then immediately start rotating and clicking the wheel and keep at it for 10-20 seconds, then let it dry (it dries very quickly, but give it a few minutes); if you still have problems apply a tiny bit more and try again; etc.
 
Last edited:
Yep, I gave up and just don't bother using it anymore. Have my two favourite B&W settings set in the 'My Settings" and if needs be adjust via the menu system. Life's too short to keep repairing it. ;)
 
Just a thought, right after you spray it, move the dial and push the button. Something just rings a bell from working on old stuff years ago. Call one of the places that sell Macintosh Amps. They use tubes and I bet they would have it. Perhaps a place that sells HAM radio equipment as many old rigs have tubes.

On-line might work but I'm not sure about shipping such a thing these days.

B2 (;->
 
Strange, I had not heard of these problems. My GRD's ADJ wheel kind of stopped working, if you had the camera set to manual and turned the wheel it takes about 4-5 clicks to move one position. Since I use the camera in aperture priority all the time, it doesn't mater in the end.
 
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