Ricoh 500G

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.
 
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/forums/showthread.php?t=16271&highlight=shamed+ricoh+500

All the best, Ian
 
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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. :eek:

Autofocus and other fancy gadgets are for yuppies BTW; real photographers don't need them. :rolleyes:
 
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Here's mine:

384280567_98d290d7e7.jpg


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
 
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.
 
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.

shadowfox said:
Here's mine:

384280567_98d290d7e7.jpg


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
Click to expand...
 
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.
 
Let's keep this our secret...

Let's keep this our secret...

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
 
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!
 
35rf vs. 35|RF

35rf vs. 35|RF

Rey said:
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!
Click to expand...

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
 
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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
 
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.
 
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.
 
Sears Version

Sears Version

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.
Click to expand...

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.
 

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Small but important difference...

Small but important difference...

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
 
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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!)
 
Let's keep this hush hush...

Let's keep this hush hush...

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

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
 
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.
 
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