ricoh 500 focus ring

[tdog]

Hi all
I recently acquired a Ricoh 500 - rather similar to the Ricoh 519 - which is in fantastic cosmetic condition. Seems like a beautiful little camera, but unfortunately the focus ring - the large ring with 2 lugs projecting from it around the base of the lens - is completely locked up. The camera focuses really well at about 3 metres but no other distance! Does anyone know anything about this problem? (I recently saw a 519 advertised which apparently has the same problem. The seller said it was a common problem with these Ricoh's and claimed it was an 'easy fix'.) One camera techo in Sydney had a look at it and couldn't get anywhere. Does anyone know of any other shop anywhere which might have experience with these cameras? I would certainly consider sending it o/s for repair. Any suggestions? I hate to see a good camera turn into an ornament....
Thanks
Pete

 

[nhchen]

I had a similar problem on one of these Ricohs and I managed to loosen it up by putting some heat on the lens using a hair dryer. But that wouldn't fix it permanently for you since the grease would likely seize up again eventually. Would likely have to regrease the threads by taking the lens off.
Nathan

 

[tdog]

heating the lens to loosen the grease

heating the lens to loosen the grease

Thanks very much Nathan for that advice. I find it hard to believe that grease could harden up that much but I will give it a try. I'll let you know how it goes. I assume you mean heat around the base of the lens.
Pete