Ricoh 500 G/GX/ME

[chinaski]

I'm planning to buy a Ricoh 500 G camera. I was looking in bid websites here in Argentina, and found another two similar models (GX and ME). I only now that G appeared first, then GX and lastly ME... but frankly, I'm not sure which of them has the best features.

thanks in advance

 

[ChrisPlatt]

The 500G is probably your best value. The GX model adds
a few minor additional features but generally costs more.
Avoid the 500ME and the other later, cheapened models.

Chris

 

[oscroft]

I think the ME is a gimmicky "Multiple Exposure" model - best avoided, I think

 

[chinaski]

The 500G is probably your best value. The GX model adds
a few minor additional features but generally costs more.
Avoid the 500ME and the other later, cheapened models.
Chris

so.. what are these minor additional features?

 

[oscroft]

so.. what are these minor additional features?

From here...
"The 500GX has the addition of a battery test button and a slider that recocks the shutter for multiple exposures. The 500ME likewise has the two additional features of the 500GX but a different rear door layout that makes replacing the light seals a great deal easier. It also takes the Ricoh SP Winder Nick mentions (this doesn't work with any of the other 500 rangefinders as far as I'm aware)"

And from the photo here it looks as if the GX also has a shutter lock.

 

[chinaski]

thank you oscroft!

 

[oscroft]

thank you oscroft!

My pleasure

 

[ChrisPlatt]

Ricoh 500GX cameras are far less common and typically sell
for several times the price of the original 500G.

It is quite easy to make a one-piece *seamless* light seal
for your Ricoh 500G/Sears 35|RF camera back.
PM me if you need instructions...

Chris

 

[chinaski]

Well, I found a GX that costs a few bucks more than a G.... the seller says it's in mint condition...

If I need a light seal, I will be sending you a PM.

Thank you.

 

[zuikologist]

I have had two 500MEs - great little cameras, reliable and quite sturdy. The winder was good fun but noisy. Uncoupled manual metering is a big plus. The lens seemed to be slightly lower contrast compared to say an Oly RC and worked well with b&w. Good luck with your purchase.