Ricoh 500G

dazedgonebye · 03-22-2007

Well, after a few months with no GAS whatsoever, I seem to be backsliding. At least I'm doing it in an inexpensive sort of way.

I just sniped this Ricoh 500G.
Anyone have one and able to offer insight?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWA:IT&ih=010

oftheherd · 03-22-2007

I can't tell you anything about that particular model, but Ricoh were nice little cameras. They just never got the reputation of some of the other names. They did have a loyal following. I have only had one small Ricoh RF, and I liked it. Most people in RFF who comment on them seem to like them too.

Hopefully someone can come up on that specific model.

dazedgonebye · 03-22-2007

Here's a little write up from Matt Denton.
http://mattdentonphoto.com/cameras/ricoh_500g.html

Jocko · 03-22-2007

Matt Denton says it all

It's an excellent little camera with a very sharp lens, an accurate meter and the pleasure of full manual control plus automatic. A DOF scale would have been nice, but otherwise there will be no complaints. I had one which has since found a happy home in Holland, but not before a test roll proved its worth - http://www.rangefinderforum.com/foru...amed+ricoh+500

All the best, Ian

HansDerHase · 03-22-2007

I have one and I love it. It was my first - the one that made me falling for the GAS - and it's still on top of my list.

It looks and feels quite perfectly like what a camera should be: A lighttight box with a good lens and nothing else (*).

The lens renders color slightly on the warm side. One may or may not like that. I like it - IF I shoot color. On normal days I prefer B&W.

Also like the bokeh. If I manage to get some at f/2.8.

So much about the emotions that little cute thing envokes in me. Technical aspects are discussed elsewhere (See comments from Matt and Jocko).

(*) Actually a camera also needs some kind of shutter and it's nice when it's adjustable and there is also an adjustable aperture and an adjustable focus - er - and possibly a viewfinder. Rangefinder and lightmeter are optional. Almost forgot the film advance. And there should be some way to open the box - without breaking it - to change film... On a second thought: "A lighttight box with a good lens and nothing else" would be quite useless.. My box-camera comes close to it.

Autofocus and other fancy gadgets are for yuppies BTW; real photographers don't need them.

shadowfox · 03-22-2007

Here's mine:

It is both pretty (the chrome one is a lot cooler than the black one, IMHO) and useable. I posted several sample shots in this flickr set

dazedgonebye · 03-22-2007

I'm looking forward to getting my hands on it. Actually, there's a Sears branded version of this camera coming up soon that I want as well.
I just love getting good pictures out of things branded "Sears."

I'm hoping this will satisfy my GAS. I've been wanting a Konica S3 or Minolta Hi-Matic 7sII, but not wanting to part with that much cash.

dazedgonebye · 03-22-2007

I'm not fond of Chrome cameras...but I have to admit...the chrome version of the 500G is better looking than the black.
Still, I wanted the stealthier look.

Quote:

Originally Posted by shadowfox

Here's mine:

It is both pretty (the chrome one is a lot cooler than the black one, IMHO) and useable. I posted several sample shots in this flickr set

oscroft · 03-22-2007

I've got two of them and really like them. The lens is pretty sharp (not quite up to the 35/2.8 on my favourite fixed lens rangefinder - the Olympus XA - but really very good). The rangefinder is good and easy to use, and the meter is accurate. It's a great camera to carry around in a coat pocket.

ChrisPlatt · 03-22-2007

The Ricoh 500G is a terrific, inexpensive RF camera.
The Sears 35|RF is the same camera, finished in glossy black.

There are plenty of these on eBay, including some real bargains.
Don't take a chance; buy one with functioning meter and rangefinder.
Ugly light seals are *very* easy to replace on this model.

Chris

Rey · 03-22-2007

I have one too, great little camera and a nice lens. I've had the sears as well, the lens is the same, but the construction quality is inferior. The Ricoh 500G is built like a tank!

ChrisPlatt · 03-22-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rey

I have one too, great little camera and a nice lens. I've had the sears as well, the lens is the same, but the construction quality is inferior. The Ricoh 500G is built like a tank!

The Sears 35|RF is identical in construction to the Ricoh 500G.
Only the finish and badging are different.

When Ricoh cheapened the 500G - making it out of plastic and slightly smaller,
they renamed it - it was no longer the 500G.

Sears went on selling the new, cheapened model as the "35rf" (*not* "35|RF").

BTW this model is easily recognized by the slightly raised hotshoe.

This must be the one you had...

Chris

DMG · 03-23-2007

I had a lovely little chrome one, it was the first RF I owned. I recently sent it to an Ozzy friend who travels the world as his pentax me broke. better to be used than gathering dust

ps Chris like the Napoleon quote, now Tina eat the damned ham

Rey · 03-24-2007

Chris,

Is the "good" sears 35/RF black as well? I've never seen the one that is built the same as the 500G. The 35rf that I had also had a different top plate and different shaped seals than the 500.

DougK · 03-24-2007

I've got one of these... great camera, but I need to find the time to track down an odd light leak. The photos were sharp and contrasty even taking the leak into account. Definitely an underappreciated gem.

dazedgonebye · 03-25-2007

Quote:

Chris,

Is the "good" sears 35/RF black as well? I've never seen the one that is built the same as the 500G. The 35rf that I had also had a different top plate and different shaped seals than the 500.

Ok,
This one's on the auction site right now.
I plan on bidding on it. (With my luck re: old cameras, I'll have to buy 3 before I find a good working 1).

Looks identical to the Ricoh to me...branding aside.

ChrisPlatt · 03-25-2007

Yes, look for the one badged 35|RF (note upper case letters and "pipe" symbol);
this one is identical to the Ricoh 500G.

I suggest avoiding the later, more plastic version badged 35rf (lower case, no "pipe").

These come up quite often on eBay. To avoid risk, buy one with working meter and rangefinder.

Light seals will be ugly, but very easy to replace. Use old seal as a guide.
Pop off pressure plate, cut a rectangle of foam to fit perimeter of camera back,
then "hollow out" center section and replace pressure plate.

Chris

dazedgonebye · 03-27-2007

Well, I went ahead and bought the Sears branded version as well. Oddly enough, it went for $10 more than the Ricoh branded camera.
If both work, I'll keep the Sears and sell the Ricoh. (Amazing how I can delude myself that it's even possible that 2 old cameras I buy will actually work!)

ChrisPlatt · 03-27-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by dazedgonebye

Well, I went ahead and bought the Sears branded version as well.
Oddly enough, it went for $10 more than the Ricoh branded camera.

Maybe too many eBayers have been reading this thread!

Actually the Sears are often in far better condition.
I figure more were sold to folks who never used them...

Chris

dazedgonebye · 03-27-2007

I've got a Sears (Tomioka made) 55mm f1.4 lens that I love. I get a perverse pleasure from shooting with "Sears" gear.
People think you're crazy.

rich815 · 03-28-2007

I have the Vivitar 35EE, which to me looks like the same camera:

http://35mm-compact.com/images/vivitar-35ee.jpg

It's good, and sharp, but I also have a Vivitar 35EM:

http://35mm-compact.com/images/vivitar-35em.jpg

and if my two examples are good ones the 35EM is quite a bit sharper, as is the Olympus XA.

ChrisPlatt · 03-28-2007

Those Vivitar rangefinders weren't made by Ricoh; Cosina maybe.
The Sears 35|RF and 35rf were most definitely made by Ricoh.

BTW the first Ricoh K-mount SLRs were excellent, too.
The Ricoh XR-1s was also sold as the Sears KS1000;
the Ricoh XR-2s was also sold as the Sears KS auto.
The 50mm Sears K-mount SLR lenses were made by Ricoh.

Chris

dazedgonebye · 03-28-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisPlatt

Those Vivitar rangefinders weren't made by Ricoh; Cosina maybe.
The Sears 35|RF and 35rf were most definitely made by Ricoh.

BTW the first Ricoh K-mount SLRs were excellent, too.
The Ricoh XR-1s was also sold as the Sears KS1000;
the Ricoh XR-2s was also sold as the Sears KS auto.
The 50mm Sears K-mount SLR lenses were made by Ricoh.

Chris

Do you think that the Ricohs were made by Ricoh?
The only Rikkenon glass I have is Sears branded and, by my understanding, made by Tomioka.

ChrisPlatt · 03-28-2007

For over 50 years Ricoh produced their own full line of cameras and lenses,
though I'm sure like most manufacturers certain products were outsourced.
Their last film cameras and lenses were apparently made by someone else.

50mm Sears brand K mount lenses sold with Ricoh-manufactured Sears
SLRs were made by Ricoh, though not labeled Rikenon.
Other focal lengths were made by various manufacturers.

Chris

dazedgonebye · 03-30-2007

Just to continue the long, painful lesson I never learn...this cute little camera is a goner.
The rangefinder appears to no longer be coupled, the aperture ring spins freely without affecting anything and the battery compartment is a corroded mess, oh, and the shutter is a torn up mess.
I really do need to learn to read the “sold as is” as “sold for parts.”
On the positive side…it’s a cute little thing. I like the form factor.
The Sears version that is on the way claims to be working and comes with a 7 day money back guarantee. Now THERE’s the type of ‘bay listing I need to find more often.