Ricoh GR1v viewfinder obstruction - is this normal?

[Norkusa]

I just bought a GR1v package from Adorama. Received it yesterday and everything looks good except the viewfinder. It looks like some kind of ND or polarizing filter got knocked loose inside and is obstructing 1/4 of the viewfinder. GR1's aren't supposed to be like this, are they?

I can still use the camera and and see through the obstructed part. Just the left + bottom edges of the viewfinder are darkened, so it's mostly in the corners and is away from the center of the viewfinder. It is annoying....kinda like wearing sunglasses with only one lens. Still though, if I'm paying good money for a GR1v package like this, I want everything to be in tip-top shape.


Ricoh GR1v Viewfinder by Tony Norkus, on Flickr


Ricoh GR1v Viewfinder obstruction by Tony Norkus, on Flickr

 

[muf]

I've owned two. That's not normal.

 

[nimcod]

its not normal, but mine has it to, think its some type of lcd liquid leak or seperation in the VF

 

[mretina]

Not so common. I have a Gr1v. You start losing some leds in the frame counter, you also can expect not to see the shutter speed digits in the viewfinder, but I would say that viewfinder separation should not be associated with the issues that are a known problem of this camera and that I think you should be prepared to accept and be pragmatic about it.

In this case I think you have the right and should consider sending it back.

You can shoot very nice pics with it, so if you do not hang on to it, keep looking for another one.

A recent short set in Stockholm
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrapx/sets/72157629649678152/

 

[jackbaty]

My GR1 Has a similar problem. It looks to me like something loose has worked its way in into the viewfinder somehow. I like the camera so much that I've just learned to work around it, but I may end up sending it to Cris Camera for repair.

 

[sahe69]

That's happened to me with a GR1s. The camera got knocked at some stage and (if I remember right) some lens elements in the VF started getting separation. This can be fixed anyhow, at least it was fixed for me some 6 yrs ago. (also can't remember if spares were needed, neither the cost. sorry)

 

[Vobluda]

It is beside top LCD failure and shutter failure on of the three most common GR1 problems. However you can still use the camera. It depends on the price if it is worth to you to keep the camera. Mine current GR1s has this problem but for the price I paid I dont care.

 

[Norkusa]

Yeah jack, I saw that photo of your GR1 when I was doing a google search on the viewfinder problem. I also found this old thread on photo.net which makes me think that the previous owner could have done it intentionally:

http://photo.net//bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=000fJX

I'm thinking it has to be a lcd liquid leak or separation like mincod says though.

I paid $550 for the camera (w/ box, manual, hood, cpl + skylight filters & adapter ring). I'd really like to keep it but I have no idea how much the repair will cost. Just requested a quote from Criscam. I'm also hearing that Ricoh Japan might still do repairs on these.

 

[sahe69]

Yeah jack, I saw that photo of your GR1 when I was doing a google search on the viewfinder problem. I also found this old thread on photo.net which makes me think that the previous owner could have done it intentionally:

http://photo.net//bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=000fJX

I'm thinking it has to be a lcd liquid leak or separation like mincod says though.

I paid $550 for the camera (w/ box, manual, hood, cpl + skylight filters & adapter ring). I'd really like to keep it but I have no idea how much the repair will cost. Just requested a quote from Criscam. I'm also hearing that Ricoh Japan might still do repairs on these.

Adorama did not give you any right for return/repair? I got mine fixed by a local repairshop in Helsinki,Finland so I don't think shipping to Japan would be necessary.

 

[Norkusa]

Adorama did not give you any right for return/repair? I got mine fixed by a local repairshop in Helsinki,Finland so I don't think shipping to Japan would be necessary.

Adorama has a 90 day warranty for all their used merchandise, so I can return it for a full refund if I'd like. I'm just trying to decide if it's worth keeping and take care of the repairs myself. Even if I don't get it repaired, the problem isn't *that* bad and I could probably live with it.

However, with all the stories I hear about faulty GR1's, it might make more sense to get a Contax T2/T3 or Minolta TC-1 instead.

 

[muf]

Minolta TC-1. Now, there's a camera! Sold my one and only and have never forgiven myself. I want another, but the prices... 😱

 

[john_s]

Adorama has a 90 day warranty for all their used merchandise, so I can return it for a full refund if I'd like. I'm just trying to decide if it's worth keeping and take care of the repairs myself. Even if I don't get it repaired, the problem isn't *that* bad and I could probably live with it.

However, with all the stories I hear about faulty GR1's, it might make more sense to get a Contax T2/T3 or Minolta TC-1 instead.

At $550 it shouldn't have such a defect. Return it. The question is, what is it worth if you want to sell it a little later? A lot less than $550 I would think.

I have one without most of the top LCD working. I can use it, but it irritates me immensely that such a well conceived camera should be so pathetic in quality. My previous one (GR1 original) also packed it in.

 

[Norkusa]

Okay, an update on my GR1v situation. I called Adorama and they said they'd refund me $50 if I decide to keep the camera. Otherwise, I could return it for a full refund. Personally I think the problem with the viewfinder is worth more than $50, but that's what they offered me.

Soon after my call with Adorama, I brought the GR1v in to a local camera repair store. After a quick look at it, the repairman said the problem was being caused by two separating pieces of glass in the viewfinder. He said the transparent black discoloration is probably caused by air getting in-between the two pieces. And of course he wouldn't be able to fix it because parts are too scarce he said.

I still haven't decided what I want to do about this. The camera still works 100%...it just has that discoloration in the viewfinder. On the other hand, GR1's are not well-built cameras and I'm worried more things will go wrong if I decide to keep it (mainly the LCD screen issue).

I just shot a roll of XP2 today with it. I'll have it processed tomorrow and unless I'm blown away by the shots, I'll probably just return it and get a Contax T2 or something similar. 🙁

 

[muf]

I'm pretty sure you'll be impressed, but at the price you paid, it shouldn't have that fault. The partial refund offer is totally inadequate. I realise you like this camera, as you appear to be trying to convince yourself that the fault is not all that bad. But it is. Don't let your heart rule your head. It needs returning. You can get one that has no faults for the price you paid.

Paul

 

[john_s]

I would tell Adorama that you will return it. They might offer you more than the $50 to keep it, at which point you would have to decide. My feeling is that I would return it. With the fault its market value is very much lower than what you paid.

 

[Norkusa]

Yeah, I think you're right muf & john s. I got my film back and although the shots look great, I'd feel like a sucker if I kept the camera. I contacted Criscam and they told me it'd be $124 to repair and ship back (but that's only if they had the parts available, which they couldn't confirm over the phone for some reason). 🙄

So back it goes to Adorama. It's sad too because the GR1v takes great photos and I'd love to keep shooting with it. I'll keep shopping around for another though and if I can't find one, maybe I'll pick up a Contax T2 or Klasse S/W instead.