reddy
Newbie
im now using a ricoh 500 rangefinder. is this the right forum for that? also, what are some opinions on this camera?
Berliner
Well-known
I just bought a 500GX on E-bay. It was described as 'minty, pristine'. And it does look great, very compact, clear/bright VF, solid build, the battery even works, meeter seems ok.
But then I opened it up and the seals had turned to gooey stickey mess...I should have known better I am looking for a good repairman to get it in working order, and if I can it looks like I'd enjoy it as a knock around camera, to keep in my laptop bag for work. Good luck. What do you think so far of yours?
But then I opened it up and the seals had turned to gooey stickey mess...I should have known better I am looking for a good repairman to get it in working order, and if I can it looks like I'd enjoy it as a knock around camera, to keep in my laptop bag for work. Good luck. What do you think so far of yours?
dazedgonebye
Veteran
I have the Sears branded version of this camera. It's very competent and the size is great.
The seals are always gooey crap when you first buy. The good news is there's no reason to pay someone to replace them.
My seals were dismal. It took about 45 minutes with a wooden stick a bit of cloth and some alcohol to get all the mess removed. It took about another 15 minutes to pretty closely replicate the existing (extensive) seals with new foam. The camera has been light tight since then with no problem.
No way I would pay $60 or more to a repair person to do this for me. It's just too easy to do yourself.
The seals are always gooey crap when you first buy. The good news is there's no reason to pay someone to replace them.
My seals were dismal. It took about 45 minutes with a wooden stick a bit of cloth and some alcohol to get all the mess removed. It took about another 15 minutes to pretty closely replicate the existing (extensive) seals with new foam. The camera has been light tight since then with no problem.
No way I would pay $60 or more to a repair person to do this for me. It's just too easy to do yourself.
reddy
Newbie
i think its pretty good so far. i havent shot a roll on it yet. ill get on that soon though. its my first rangefinder, and first camera withought metering even. so ill just use it in daylight and use the 500 at f/16 rule untill i feel confident enough to try it in weird lighting situations.
alcaraban
Established
I have the 500 G (BTW, I received it with some sand in the inside, so I had to took it apart) and it is almost the perfect camera. I only wish a brighter lens, but it is hard to find it in the same price and size range. I'm very satisfied with the results so far.
oscroft
Veteran
They're great cameras - I have a 500G and I really like it.
As for the seals, it's pretty much impossible to find one that doesn't have seals that have turned to goo unless they have already been replaced. But it's an easy DIY job - instructions here for the 500G and 500GX (others will probably be similar).
I'd recommend you get a foam kit from John Goodman (he sells as "Interslice" on eBay) - it's always handy to have a few bits of adhesive foam of various sizes and shapes.
As for the seals, it's pretty much impossible to find one that doesn't have seals that have turned to goo unless they have already been replaced. But it's an easy DIY job - instructions here for the 500G and 500GX (others will probably be similar).
I'd recommend you get a foam kit from John Goodman (he sells as "Interslice" on eBay) - it's always handy to have a few bits of adhesive foam of various sizes and shapes.
asimplefarmer
Member
my ricoh 500's film advance got stuck. its not moving for anyone.
It was working earlier, got stuck, worked again, and now its stuck for good!
any advice?
EDIT:
ok I realized before this problem happened I did set it to bulb @ f/22.
im thinking the camera still think its in bulb mode?
It was working earlier, got stuck, worked again, and now its stuck for good!
any advice?
EDIT:
ok I realized before this problem happened I did set it to bulb @ f/22.
im thinking the camera still think its in bulb mode?
Last edited:
knapjack
Newbie
It looks like I may get one as a loaner from my mother-in-law. Anyone know how this camera might compare to my Rollei 35 S?