[jruschme]

I recently picked up a Ricoh Singlex TLS and want to take off the top cover to clear some dirt in the viewfinder.

To remove the advance lever, I need to remove a decorative plate to access the screw. I was wondering if anybody had any tips for removing something like that without scratching or otherwise destroying it.

TIA

[ismaelg]

Hello,

I'm not 100% sure on that model but I think the whole lever cover screws out as a single unit. You will need something with lots of grip. I usually use double face mounting tape on top of it and a large flat piece like the back of a screwdriver's handle. You can also try some pliers with rubber or tape protectors on the sides of the part.

Thanks,
Ismael

[tonyzoc]

Maybe something helpful here...
https://simonhawketts.co.uk/2016/04/26/singlex-tls-strip-down-and-repair-part-1/

[jruschme]

Maybe something helpful here...
https://simonhawketts.co.uk/2016/04/26/singlex-tls-strip-down-and-repair-part-1/

I saw that one and, to be honest, it's where I really got confused.

According to the service manual that I was able to find online, there are two versions of the advance lever and cap/screw. The "old" version combines the cap and screw and apparently has two holes for a spanner. (Confirmed by looking at some auction pictures on ebay.) The newer version has the decorative piece which the instructions say must be removed to get access to a conventional screw holding the cap and lever.

In the blog post from Simon Hawketts, he has the later version like I do but apparently removes the cap and screw as a unit with an eraser and double-stick tape (basically what Ismael recommended). I guess it somehow works either way.

One more question... neither set of instructions mentions direction. Should I be unscrewing it like normal or assume a reverse thread?

Thanks...