Ricoh 500 G - lightmeter problem

[Joao]

A nice Ricoh 500 G from a thrift store. Battery contacts were cleaned and a fresh zinc-air 675/PR44 battery put in place. The lightmeter needle moved very slowly at first, now it reacts swiftly to light but stays in the 8-11-16 range, sometimes reaching the upper red zone. Even pointing the camera to very dark areas, it never goes below 8.

Voltage issue ?? Dirty lightmeter ? Is there anything I should try before having the lighmeter cleaned and adjusted ??

Thanks in advance for suggestions

Joao

 

[Nitroplait]

As much as I love this camera (my first camera as 14 years old in the 70’s - still have it) I don’t think it is worth the cost of qualified service unless you have sentimental affection for it.
The meter was never well adjusted from new and they generally haven’t aged well.
I would find a better camera if I were to throw money at it. But the great thing about the 500G is that you can use it without meter.

 

[Joao]

Thanks.
Using it with external lightmeter is my plan B.
Joao