Ricoh 500g 35mm rangefinder film camera classic - read description

icoh 500G 35mm Rangefinder Film Camera – Classic Compact with Fast Lens – Read Description Carefully

The Ricoh 500G is a beautifully designed vintage 35mm rangefinder camera from the 1970s, well known for its sharp lens, compact metal body, and excellent manual controls. It features both Manual and A (Auto / Aperture-priority) exposure modes, making it a very enjoyable camera for photographers who appreciate classic film photography and rangefinder shooting. It also has a built-in light meter and a fast lens, offering a very traditional and engaging shooting experience.

The camera condition is excellent as shown in the photos, both optically and cosmetically, with only some minor imperfections on the body due to age and normal use.

Please read carefully the following limitations and issues:

1. Broken Front Viewfinder Glass

The front glass covering the viewfinder is broken (please see the second photo). This is a rangefinder camera that normally focuses using a small yellow transparent patch located in the center of the viewfinder. When the double image aligns with your subject, the image is in focus.

The yellow focusing patch is still slightly visible, however it does not seem to function correctly anymore. For this reason, focusing through the rangefinder system is not reliable.

The camera can still be focused manually by using the distance scale located on the lens, which is actually very easy to use. The lens features clear distance markings from approximately 1 meter to 10 meters, and beyond that is infinity focus.

2. Aperture Scale Visibility Inside the Viewfinder

Inside the viewfinder on the right side there is an aperture scale with a moving needle indicating the selected aperture from F2.8 to F16. This yellow transparent scale is not as visible as it should be, although it can be seen better in bright lighting conditions.

Shooting Modes

Manual Mode:

You set the ISO speed (film speed) on the front of the lens

You select the shutter speed using the shutter speed ring

You select the aperture manually using the aperture ring

You can use a handheld light meter or a smartphone light meter app for correct exposure readings

A (Auto / Aperture-priority) Mode:

You set the ISO speed (film speed) on the front of the lens

You select the shutter speed manually using the shutter speed ring

The camera automatically selects and sets the correct aperture

The needle inside the viewfinder moves up and down to indicate the selected aperture

Although the aperture scale is not very visible, especially in darker conditions, the light meter itself appears to function correctly. I tested it against a professional light meter and the readings seem accurate.

Battery Information

Originally this camera used a mercury battery type which is no longer available today. However, the camera can still operate using:

1x LR44 battery

plus

A small piece of foil paper placed on top to compensate for the slight size difference

Additional Information

New light seals have been installed in the film door

Shutter speeds appear correct

Light meter responds correctly

Focus ring and all controls operate smoothly

Film advance and camera mechanisms feel smooth and functional

Although the camera appears to be working very well considering its age and limitations, it is sold strictly for parts or repair due to the broken front viewfinder glass and unreliable rangefinder focusing system.

For someone who enjoys experimenting with vintage film cameras, this camera can still be used with limitations:

Manual focusing using the distance scale

Functional and accurate light meter

Manual shooting works normally

Auto mode still functions, although the aperture indication in the viewfinder is difficult to see except in bright light conditions

Overall, this is still a very interesting and usable classic Ricoh rangefinder camera for collectors, hobbyists, repair enthusiasts, or photographers who enjoy zone focusing and vintage film photography.