Ricoh 500 G Stuck at same shutter speed

[toolzinho]

I was looking for info here about this problem that my Ricoh 500 G has and found out this outdated thread http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=53171

I would like to know if anyone can point me in some kind of direction to try and repair this, because the light meter is in good shape, giving accurate readings and the lens and viewfinder are bright. On top of that the rangefinder is accurate too.
Bottom line, If the meter was dead I could shoot manual, just like in my QL 17... But with this problem I can't do it, because I always have to shot at approximately 1/500.

 

[mikemc_photo]

I suspect a broken or dirty escapement....All speeds are slowed by this, if hung it will only give top speed, clean or replace escapement

 

[toolzinho]

I suspect a broken or dirty escapement....All speeds are slowed by this, if hung it will only give top speed, clean or replace escapement

Thanks man =) But what do you mean by escapement?

 

[Landshark]

escapement=clockwork mechanism that controls slower speeds <30.

 

[toolzinho]

escapement=clockwork mechanism that controls slower speeds <30.

Ohh you mean the strings thingy that makes an old clock sound =) Thanks... Live and learn =)

I think it might be it, I just watched a video on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYstQK0QPjU

If you listen closely you can hear an "old clock sound" on shutter B... And mine does not have that sound on B (despite B working good). Thanks for the help so far =)

 

[mikemc_photo]

A small gear train that slows speeds down...

 

[toolzinho]

Thanks everyone for the input. I'm proud to say it's working like new 😀

The speed ring was not engaging with the escapment. After getting the lens and shutter system out I was able to see that the needle used to select the speeds was not moving. It was stuck, so I pushed it a little and try to set the speed at 1/8 (lowest speed on this machine)... And it shoot, with that old clock sound. By doing that I saw that the shutter had no problems but the middle layer (connection between the speed ring and actual shutter mechanism wasn't engaging).

I owe this way of thinking to being a software developer. If 2 systems don't communicate, always check the possible failures points instead of going deep in each one...

So I cleaned it, lubricate it and tested the speed ring... Everytime I moved the ring I could hear the mechanisms spinning inside and thus engaging on the correct speed. I took some pictures, but my digital is awful on the inside.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/toolzinho/sets/72157633584214517/

I'm thrilled =D