I've just got myself what I think is a bargain off ebay. It's a Ricoh 500GX AND a Ricoh 500G (I paid far less than two others I was watching recently, and this is the original owner, comes with original receipt and is in mint condition) but there is one snag: the 500GX has a crack in the glass on the front of the top-plate. The seller, therefore, has thrown in a 500G that has a dismantled shutter but a decent front glass plate which could be used to replace the glass on the GX. Pic of camera, below, showing crack.
Having never repaired a camera, would replacing the glass be a simple operation, or can I expect springs to fly out in every direction when taking it apart?
If it still works use it as it is, dont monkey around.
If you are practical, and take your auto apart, it is easy.
Lots of people give me zip lock bags full of camera parts, normally a few bits are missing.
Noel
P.S. the best tool is a graphite pencil eraser, you may need to grind down needle nosed pliers, if there are special nuts to undo, dont use normal pliers, without protecting the jaws with bits of old rubber gloves...