Ricoh 500/519 rangefinder calibration

[KristenJB]

Does anyone know where the calibration screws for a Ricoh 500/519 are located and how to adjust them? I know how to open up the camera I just can't locate the adjustment screws. Vertical and horizontal are way off in this camera. Thanks in advance.

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[mconnealy]

As you have found, there is not much clear help available on line for adjusting the rangefinder on the Ricoh 500. I don't have any first-hand info to offer as well. Mine needed a shutter cleaning, but the rf was accurate, if a bit dull. I did find this picture at photo.net which shows the camera with the top off in a bit better perspective.

It looks to me like that tall screw on the right behind the mirror would control the mirror's tilt. Slightly to the left of that is a screw in an arced slot that appears to offer some sort of adjustment opportunity. I don't know if those features are what you are looking for, but it seems like some careful adjusting would be worth trying.
It is a fun camera with a lens that provides very nice images.

 

[mconnealy]

Another possibility to consider is the screw next to the viewfinder window on the front of the camera. If you remove that screw you will see using a bright flashlight that there is a screw head visible that may be for rf adjustment.

 

[KoNickon]

This is correct -- the screw next to the viewfinder window covers the horizontal (infinity) adjusting screw, inside (you'll need a small screwdriver for the adjusting screw!). Likewise, there's a screw on the top deck, to the right of the accessory shoe, that when removed will give you access to the vertical adjustment screw. Very simple indeed -- no need to remove the top cover at all. It's the same tall screw mentioned in mconnealy's note (#2).