How to: missing LCD segments repair on Ricoh GR1

[OndrejP_SK]

Hey guys,

I had the oportunity to work on another GR1. This time I tried just replacing the 3M tape only on the connection between the main PCB and the ribbon cable.
It was a mess, the carbon traces stayed on the main PCB, but I succeeded repairing the ribbon using conductive paint. I promissed myself to never attempt it again...

I decided I would try to design and order a small batch of flexible PCB as a replacement of the fragile ribbon - the achiles heel of all GR1's.

Does anyone of you here have a completely dead GR1 ? I need one that I could use as a donor of the ribbon. I will create the input data for the manufacturing of the flexible PCB (Gerber file). I would then make the files available open source.
Is anyone willing to donate the GR1 body ? I am paying for the shipping and offer also one of the new ribbon PCBs as a reward.

It is still just an idea, and I can't guarantee it will work. However if it turns out the way I hope, this initiative could resurrect hundreds of crippled GR1's with failing LCD or VF.

 

[wichersham]

Hey guys,

I had the oportunity to work on another GR1. This time I tried just replacing the 3M tape only on the connection between the main PCB and the ribbon cable.
It was a mess, the carbon traces stayed on the main PCB, but I succeeded repairing the ribbon using conductive paint. I promissed myself to never attempt it again...

I decided I would try to design and order a small batch of flexible PCB as a replacement of the fragile ribbon - the achiles heel of all GR1's.

Does anyone of you here have a completely dead GR1 ? I need one that I could use as a donor of the ribbon. I will create the input data for the manufacturing of the flexible PCB (Gerber file). I would then make the files available open source.
Is anyone willing to donate the GR1 body ? I am paying for the shipping and offer also one of the new ribbon PCBs as a reward.

It is still just an idea, and I can't guarantee it will work. However if it turns out the way I hope, this initiative could resurrect hundreds of crippled GR1's with failing LCD or VF.

Hope this thread is still alive somehow. Do you have any update with new PCB? I have 2 GR1s with LCD issue. I would love to hear about the PCB update.

 

[wichersham]

Hi guys and all GR1 users. I just wanted to let you know there is a camera repair shop in Taiwan who can actually repair LCD and shutter. As you may know GR1 is made in Taiwan so no wonder. Please check and contact their Facebook page for more info. They speak little English but repair work is solid. Yes it costs you a lot but hey they can repair for you. Here is their Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/尚品精修相機工作室-143454609042424/

 

[john_s]

Just wondering if anyone knows where I can get a small quantity of this tape:

3M Anisotropic Conductive Film 9703

I have a GR1v with the usual LCD missing segments problem, and before I bin the whole camera, I decided to have a go at the repair.

 

[4season]

Just wondering if anyone knows where I can get a small quantity of this tape:

3M Anisotropic Conductive Film 9703

I have a GR1v with the usual LCD missing segments problem, and before I bin the whole camera, I decided to have a go at the repair.

A quick look online suggests to me that it's a lot easier to get ahold of it in the USA than it is in Australia. But I see that this person is offering small quantities, and it could perhaps be sent to you at letter rates. Good luck!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/266195465770

 

[john_s]

A quick look online suggests to me that it's a lot easier to get ahold of it in the USA than it is in Australia. But I see that this person is offering small quantities, and it could perhaps be sent to you at letter rates. Good luck!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/266195465770

Thank you. I'll give it a go.
It's the only film camera I've had that's truly pocketable.