Build quality of GRIII - the problem of wobbly control dial

Sandy Hancock · 04-07-2019, 12:47 AM - **3 Likes**

I just checked, and Oh. My. God! Mine wobbles too!!

Clearly I'll have to delete all the nice images I have already made. They must have been a figment of my imagination.
And I'd better not carry it with me everywhere anymore. Lord knows what might happen if it explodes in my pocket.

Ricoh is DOOOOOOMED!!!!

Eyewanders · 04-07-2019, 10:17 AM

Originally posted by sandy hancock

i just checked, and oh. My. God! Mine wobbles too!!

Clearly i'll have to delete all the nice images i have already made. They must have been a figment of my imagination.
And i'd better not carry it with me everywhere anymore. Lord knows what might happen if it explodes in my pocket.

Ricoh is doooooomed!!!!

abandon all hope!

stevebrot · 04-07-2019, 11:38 AM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by chickentender

abandon all hope!

The mother ship is aflame and plunging to the desert floor below...

Steve

**sibyrnes** · 04-11-2019, 06:18 AM

I have completed the registration for extended warranty but have not heard anything back from Ricoh. Is that normal? Has anyone received any conformation of the extended warranty?

illdefined · 04-11-2019, 09:31 AM - **1 Like**

Update: I returned my original GRIII at B&H for one just out of the serial number range

made sure to get it shipped to the NYC store to compare it side by side with the original and the conclusion is that the 'new' one does wobble less and feels better. there IS still a little bit of play but it is less than the original when it first came out of the box. I remember being immediately disappointed when I first opened the first one, so it wasn't use.

let's be clear, we're probably talking about a 1mm vs 2mm of play here, but on an expensive piece of gear ostensibly refined over decades, it does makes a difference. will it get looser with use? time will tell, but at the very least Ricoh is aware of *the perception* of a problem and are doing something about it quickly, so I ultimately applaud them. in lieu of being more careful from the beginning with such a highly priced and praised piece of gear they actively market as revered.

awscreo · 04-16-2019, 12:04 PM

Hopefully refurbished models with fixed wobble dials will hit the market with a reduced price point

I really want one, but right now with my move to another state I just have to hold off on any major purchases until I settle in here

victormeldrew · 04-17-2019, 09:55 AM - **1 Like**

Well...I changed my mind about either keeping it or sending it for repair. I think by keeping it as is, I'd set myself up for problems reselling, even if it didn't ever cause a problem. I looked up the 'authorised repairer' that Ricoh wanted me to send it to and, rightly or wrongly, I didn't trust them to get it right first time and I didn't want the hassle and the wait.

So, I spoke to the lovely people at SRS and they offered to send me one from their 2nd shipment, which is outside the problem range, in exhange. I assume they will get mine repaired and sell it as refurbished stock, maybe...or just get a refund. Either way I'm happy...the 3 day turnaround and free collection/return shipping beats the alternative Ricoh offered, too.

stevebrot · 04-17-2019, 10:22 AM

Originally posted by victormeldrew

So, I spoke to the lovely people at SRS and they offered to send me one from their 2nd shipment, which is outside the problem range, in exhange. I assume they will get mine repaired and sell it as refurbished stock, maybe...or just get a refund. Either way I'm happy...the 3 day turnaround and free collection/return shipping beats the alternative Ricoh offered, too.

Yay! SRS!

It is hard to say what they will do with the camera. Usually goods returned as defective are returned to the distributor for credit and it is the distributor that refurbishes for resale. That allows some flexibility and accountability in regards to warranty on the refurb'ed units.

Steve

**BigMackCam** · 04-17-2019, 10:24 AM

Originally posted by victormeldrew

Well...I changed my mind about either keeping it or sending it for repair. I think by keeping it as is, I'd set myself up for problems reselling, even if it didn't ever cause a problem. I looked up the 'authorised repairer' that Ricoh wanted me to send it to and, rightly or wrongly, I didn't trust them to get it right first time and I didn't want the hassle and the wait.

So, I spoke to the lovely people at SRS and they offered to send me one from their 2nd shipment, which is outside the problem range, in exhange. I assume they will get mine repaired and sell it as refurbished stock, maybe...or just get a refund. Either way I'm happy...the 3 day turnaround and free collection/return shipping beats the alternative Ricoh offered, too.

Good call. And great service from SRS, though I can't say I'm surprised. I've had a lot of Pentax gear from them over the years, and on the couple of occasions I had problems, they were fantastic at resolving them. I wish they were nearer to me, as I used to like popping in there from time to time when I lived down South...

victormeldrew · 04-17-2019, 11:20 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by BigMackCam

Good call. And great service from SRS, though I can't say I'm surprised. I've had a lot of Pentax gear from them over the years, and on the couple of occasions I had problems, they were fantastic at resolving them. I wish they were nearer to me, as I used to like popping in there from time to time when I lived down South...

Between them and Wex we are well served for Ricoh/Pentax in the UK.

ruggiex · 04-18-2019, 06:31 AM

Finally got my replacement unit yesterday after almost two weeks! At first the camera was operating at super slow speed; like, it would take 3 seconds after pressing the shutter button before taking a shot. Needless to say I was annoyed that I might have to get another replacement. It turned out that the OEM battery had low charge since I didn't charge it before giving it a quick test. That all got sorted out after the battery was charged. The button definitely moves way less my previous unit. I can't wait to take this with me on a trip.

awscreo · 04-18-2019, 06:44 AM

Originally posted by ruggiex

Finally got my replacement unit yesterday after almost two weeks! At first the camera was operating at super slow speed; like, it would take 3 seconds after pressing the shutter button before taking a shot. Needless to say I was annoyed that I might have to get another replacement. It turned out that the OEM battery had low charge since I didn't charge it before giving it a quick test. That all got sorted out after the battery was charged. The button definitely moves way less my previous unit. I can't wait to take this with me on a trip.

Interesting. My GRII never behaved like that with low charge. It was snappy all the way until it would shut off when battery ran out. Can you duplicate the issue again on low charge? Does it do that every time?

illdefined · 04-18-2019, 06:48 AM

Originally posted by ruggiex

Finally got my replacement unit yesterday after almost two weeks! At first the camera was operating at super slow speed; like, it would take 3 seconds after pressing the shutter button before taking a shot. Needless to say I was annoyed that I might have to get another replacement. It turned out that the OEM battery had low charge since I didn't charge it before giving it a quick test. That all got sorted out after the battery was charged. The button definitely moves way less my previous unit. I can't wait to take this with me on a trip.

nice. yours still moves a little bit too though right?

ruggiex · 04-18-2019, 07:04 AM

Originally posted by awscreo

Interesting. My GRII never behaved like that with low charge. It was snappy all the way until it would shit off when battery ran out. Can you duplicate the issue again on low charge? Does it do that every time?

Can't reproduce it; It was just one time fluke. I've seen that in the past with my Q7 and other cameras in the similar situation so I'm not worried about it.

Originally posted by illdefined

nice. yours still moves a little bit too though right?

Yea there's very slight movement, nothing bothersome.

awscreo · 04-18-2019, 07:40 AM

Originally posted by ruggiex

Can't reproduce it; It was just one time fluke. I've seen that in the past with my Q7 and other cameras in the similar situation so I'm not worried about it.

Yea there's very slight movement, nothing bothersome.

Ok sounds good. Happy it's not a reoccurring issue for you.

04-18-2019, 06:44 AM	#117
awscreo Veteran Member Join Date: May 2016 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,722	Originally posted by ruggiex Finally got my replacement unit yesterday after almost two weeks! At first the camera was operating at super slow speed; like, it would take 3 seconds after pressing the shutter button before taking a shot. Needless to say I was annoyed that I might have to get another replacement. It turned out that the OEM battery had low charge since I didn't charge it before giving it a quick test. That all got sorted out after the battery was charged. The button definitely moves way less my previous unit. I can't wait to take this with me on a trip. Interesting. My GRII never behaved like that with low charge. It was snappy all the way until it would shut off when battery ran out. Can you duplicate the issue again on low charge? Does it do that every time? Last edited by awscreo; 04-18-2019 at 07:38 AM.

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04-07-2019, 12:47 AM - 3 Likes	#106
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,272	I just checked, and Oh. My. God! Mine wobbles too!! Clearly I'll have to delete all the nice images I have already made. They must have been a figment of my imagination. And I'd better not carry it with me everywhere anymore. Lord knows what might happen if it explodes in my pocket. Ricoh is DOOOOOOMED!!!!

04-07-2019, 10:17 AM	#107
Eyewanders Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Land of the Salish Sea Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,343	Originally posted by sandy hancock i just checked, and oh. My. God! Mine wobbles too!! Clearly i'll have to delete all the nice images i have already made. They must have been a figment of my imagination. And i'd better not carry it with me everywhere anymore. Lord knows what might happen if it explodes in my pocket. Ricoh is doooooomed!!!! abandon all hope!

04-07-2019, 11:38 AM - 2 Likes	#108
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by chickentender abandon all hope! The mother ship is aflame and plunging to the desert floor below... Steve

04-11-2019, 06:18 AM	#109
sibyrnes Site Supporter Join Date: May 2016 Location: Pittsburgh, Pa. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 447	I have completed the registration for extended warranty but have not heard anything back from Ricoh. Is that normal? Has anyone received any conformation of the extended warranty?

04-11-2019, 09:31 AM - 1 Like	#110
illdefined Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: NYC Posts: 929	Update: I returned my original GRIII at B&H for one just out of the serial number range made sure to get it shipped to the NYC store to compare it side by side with the original and the conclusion is that the 'new' one does wobble less and feels better. there IS still a little bit of play but it is less than the original when it first came out of the box. I remember being immediately disappointed when I first opened the first one, so it wasn't use. let's be clear, we're probably talking about a 1mm vs 2mm of play here, but on an expensive piece of gear ostensibly refined over decades, it does makes a difference. will it get looser with use? time will tell, but at the very least Ricoh is aware of the perception of a problem and are doing something about it quickly, so I ultimately applaud them. in lieu of being more careful from the beginning with such a highly priced and praised piece of gear they actively market as revered.

04-16-2019, 12:04 PM	#111
awscreo Veteran Member Join Date: May 2016 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,722	Hopefully refurbished models with fixed wobble dials will hit the market with a reduced price point I really want one, but right now with my move to another state I just have to hold off on any major purchases until I settle in here

04-17-2019, 09:55 AM - 1 Like	#112
victormeldrew Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: South West UK Photos: Albums Posts: 1,493	Well...I changed my mind about either keeping it or sending it for repair. I think by keeping it as is, I'd set myself up for problems reselling, even if it didn't ever cause a problem. I looked up the 'authorised repairer' that Ricoh wanted me to send it to and, rightly or wrongly, I didn't trust them to get it right first time and I didn't want the hassle and the wait. So, I spoke to the lovely people at SRS and they offered to send me one from their 2nd shipment, which is outside the problem range, in exhange. I assume they will get mine repaired and sell it as refurbished stock, maybe...or just get a refund. Either way I'm happy...the 3 day turnaround and free collection/return shipping beats the alternative Ricoh offered, too.

04-17-2019, 10:22 AM	#113
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by victormeldrew So, I spoke to the lovely people at SRS and they offered to send me one from their 2nd shipment, which is outside the problem range, in exhange. I assume they will get mine repaired and sell it as refurbished stock, maybe...or just get a refund. Either way I'm happy...the 3 day turnaround and free collection/return shipping beats the alternative Ricoh offered, too. Yay! SRS! It is hard to say what they will do with the camera. Usually goods returned as defective are returned to the distributor for credit and it is the distributor that refurbishes for resale. That allows some flexibility and accountability in regards to warranty on the refurb'ed units. Steve

04-17-2019, 10:24 AM	#114
BigMackCam Digitiser of Film Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: North East of England Posts: 20,674	Originally posted by victormeldrew Well...I changed my mind about either keeping it or sending it for repair. I think by keeping it as is, I'd set myself up for problems reselling, even if it didn't ever cause a problem. I looked up the 'authorised repairer' that Ricoh wanted me to send it to and, rightly or wrongly, I didn't trust them to get it right first time and I didn't want the hassle and the wait. So, I spoke to the lovely people at SRS and they offered to send me one from their 2nd shipment, which is outside the problem range, in exhange. I assume they will get mine repaired and sell it as refurbished stock, maybe...or just get a refund. Either way I'm happy...the 3 day turnaround and free collection/return shipping beats the alternative Ricoh offered, too. Good call. And great service from SRS, though I can't say I'm surprised. I've had a lot of Pentax gear from them over the years, and on the couple of occasions I had problems, they were fantastic at resolving them. I wish they were nearer to me, as I used to like popping in there from time to time when I lived down South...

04-17-2019, 11:20 AM - 1 Like	#115
victormeldrew Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: South West UK Photos: Albums Posts: 1,493	Originally posted by BigMackCam Good call. And great service from SRS, though I can't say I'm surprised. I've had a lot of Pentax gear from them over the years, and on the couple of occasions I had problems, they were fantastic at resolving them. I wish they were nearer to me, as I used to like popping in there from time to time when I lived down South... Between them and Wex we are well served for Ricoh/Pentax in the UK.

04-18-2019, 06:31 AM	#116
ruggiex Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: East Bay Area Photos: Gallery Posts: 811	Finally got my replacement unit yesterday after almost two weeks! At first the camera was operating at super slow speed; like, it would take 3 seconds after pressing the shutter button before taking a shot. Needless to say I was annoyed that I might have to get another replacement. It turned out that the OEM battery had low charge since I didn't charge it before giving it a quick test. That all got sorted out after the battery was charged. The button definitely moves way less my previous unit. I can't wait to take this with me on a trip.

04-18-2019, 06:48 AM	#118
illdefined Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: NYC Posts: 929	Originally posted by ruggiex Finally got my replacement unit yesterday after almost two weeks! At first the camera was operating at super slow speed; like, it would take 3 seconds after pressing the shutter button before taking a shot. Needless to say I was annoyed that I might have to get another replacement. It turned out that the OEM battery had low charge since I didn't charge it before giving it a quick test. That all got sorted out after the battery was charged. The button definitely moves way less my previous unit. I can't wait to take this with me on a trip. nice. yours still moves a little bit too though right?

04-18-2019, 07:04 AM	#119
ruggiex Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: East Bay Area Photos: Gallery Posts: 811	Originally posted by awscreo Interesting. My GRII never behaved like that with low charge. It was snappy all the way until it would shit off when battery ran out. Can you duplicate the issue again on low charge? Does it do that every time? Can't reproduce it; It was just one time fluke. I've seen that in the past with my Q7 and other cameras in the similar situation so I'm not worried about it. Originally posted by illdefined nice. yours still moves a little bit too though right? Yea there's very slight movement, nothing bothersome.

04-18-2019, 07:40 AM	#120
awscreo Veteran Member Join Date: May 2016 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,722	Originally posted by ruggiex Can't reproduce it; It was just one time fluke. I've seen that in the past with my Q7 and other cameras in the similar situation so I'm not worried about it. Yea there's very slight movement, nothing bothersome. Ok sounds good. Happy it's not a reoccurring issue for you.