Проблемы с Ricoh GR (I и II)
Tips Howto Avoid & Fix Common Ricoh GR and Ricoh GR II Problems. Closed Shutter after Power On, Stuck Out & Locked Lens, Sensor Dust, Rubber Grip Peel Off
In this post we describe and give instructions Howto Avoid & Fix Common Ricoh GR Problems. All Problems and Tips apply to both Ricoh GR & GR II Camera models.
Table of Contents
Closed Shutter after Power On
The Problem
After Power On the Ricoh GR & GR II Shutter remains closed and the Display is black.
Why does it happen?
Possible reasons
- Moisture got inside and caused the delicate Leaf Shutter Blades to become sticky
- The Lens Module is reaching the end of its mechanical life time.
- An investigation of independent user reports suggest that the problem starts to appear between 11.000 and 45.000 shutter releases.
How does it affect the photographic process?
The start up / ready to shoot time is increased from 0,8 to 4 seconds. The ability to make captures spontaneously is significantly decreased.
Howto avoid it
- Do NOT expose the camera, especially the lens barrel to wet conditions!
- Use the GH-3 Hood & Adapter + a 49mm clear filter to seal off the lens
- <irony> shoot less </irony>
Howto fix it
Temporarily
The Shutter will open and unlock after making one “Dark Frame” exposure.
- While Power On press and hold the Shutter Button
- Shoot the Dark Frame in TAv or Manual mode with a fast Shutter Speed and open Aperture. In other shooting modes the camera will expose a long time for the closed black shutter.
Long term
Contact and send the camera to an authorized Ricoh camera repair service in your region.
Anyone else reporting this problem?
- Ricoh GR Closed Shutter Problem
- Lens/shutter Closed on Start-up
- My GR died after 11k shots. Is this the average lifespan of a GR?
- GR/GR II life expectancy …?
- Ricoh GR aperture blades won’t open at start up
- GR closed lens on startup – dust?
- GR – shutter remains closed on start-up
Stuck Out & Locked Lens
The Stuck Out & Locked Lens Problem develops most often as follow up to the Closed Shutter Problem.
The Problem
The lens will not retract into the body after Power Off. It is mechanically locked and remains stuck out. Pushing and forcing the lens back inside the body is not possible.
Why does it happen?
Possible reasons
- Something small got inside, blocked the lens from retracting and it extended to this fail safe point.
- The Lens Module reached the end of its mechanical life time
How does it affect the photographic process?
- The camera is unusable at this point.
- After Power On the camera checks the lens unit and turns itself off again.
Howto avoid it
Not sure, this behavior seems to be programmed by the manufacturer
Howto fix it
Temporarily
Long term
Contact and send the camera to an authorized Ricoh camera repair service in your region.
Anyone else reporting this issue?
Dust on Sensor
The Problem
Dust particles become visible as black points and smudges on the photograph. The higher the used Aperture f-stop number the more dust particles become visible.
Why does it happen?
Ricoh GR, GR II and III cameras are NOT weather sealed. Small dust and other particles get inside the body trough the slit between the retractable lens barrels.
How does sensor dust affect the photographic process?
Evenly colored areas such as Blue Sky will look dirty
Howto avoid it
- Store the Ricoh GR in a clean and lockable camera bag
- Use the GH-3 Hood & Adapter + a 49mm clear filter to seal off the lens
- Turn the camera off between shots (Startup, lens extrusion time is only 0,8-0,6 seconds!)
- Do not shoot directly against the wind or moving direction
Howto fix it
- Eliminate small particles from the photograph using the Clone Tool in Photoshop or Lightroom
- Clean the Camera Sensor yourself by following these instructions
- The easy way of cleaning the sensor hackcorrelation.blogspot.de
- Full Ricoh GR disassembly and sensor cleaning method jamiecollison.com
- Full disassembly and sensor cleaning video
- Contact and send the camera to an authorized Ricoh camera repair service in your region
Anyone else reporting this problem?
- Dust spots at different apertures post on thedemandingtraveler.org
- Ricoh GR disassembling and reassembling experience post on endlessproof.com
Rubber Grip Peeling Off
The Problem
The front and back rubber grip starts to stretch, moves and finally peel off.
Why does it happen?
Touching and pressing against the rubber heats up the glue below. Over time the glue becomes less sticky and allows the rubber to stretch outside the rims.
How does it affect the photographic process?
Touching the grip does not feel stiff and secure anymore.
Howto avoid it
I think the problem can only be avoided by not holding and using the camera for extended periods of time, especially in a warm and humid environment.
Howto fix it
- Cut away the overstretched and excessive rubber parts.
- The remaining rubber should fit nicely inside the body rim again.
- Remove the old, yellow looking glue.
- Use superglue to attach to remaining rubber the body.
- Be very careful not to spill the glue over the body or controls. It is very reactive and fast drying!
Where is more information about the issue?
- User reporting same issues with the older Ricoh GR IV model on Dpreview Forums
- Longtime Ricoh GR Review report on compactshooter.com
