Timcorc
Active member
Let me start by saying that I have not found the "dangling lens-cap on a string" to be a problem, either on my previous LX-1 or my new LX-3. However, I was intrigued by the LC-1 from lots of descriptions on dpreview. So, as others have recommended, I ordered one from Adorama (fast service and delivery) and here is what I did to make it work. Perhaps others will find it useful.
Firstly, the LC-1 is designed to fit to custom mounting tabs on the Ricoh cameras. It is NOT a screw-thread mount. To screw it onto the LX-3 required brute force and seemed so tight to me that the LC-1 was in danger of cracking. So, the first thing I did was use my trusty Dremel tool to wear down the tabs on the LC-1, just a little. My cap will now slip on with gentle pressure but is in no danger of falling off. Remember, the screw-threads on the LX3 lens barrel have to be exposed, so you will need to unscrew/remove the finishing ring on the front of the LX-3 to use the LC-1 lens cap.
The second problem is avoiding vignetting. Basically the LX-3 lens as it extends has to push the three spring-loaded three swing-out flaps open. I resolved this with self-stick felt (purchased at Jo-Anns Fabric store for $1.49). I cut squares of 8mm and stacked three deep. You need 3 stacks, mounted as shown here:
At full tele the flaps look like they should vignette but I have no problems:
I developed the three-layer depth to the pads by trial and error, your felt might be a different thickness. You need to compromise between wide and tele modes. On mine, at wide mode, the outer barrel of the lens mechanism pushes sideways against the felt as shown here:
The felt is quite sticky but you might want super-glue for a finished version. Start with the self-stick option as it allows you to experiment with placement. Study my first pic to see the placement of the squares (NOT flush with the sides of the LC-1).
So that's it. Any questions, just ask below and I'll try to answer.
Tim
Firstly, the LC-1 is designed to fit to custom mounting tabs on the Ricoh cameras. It is NOT a screw-thread mount. To screw it onto the LX-3 required brute force and seemed so tight to me that the LC-1 was in danger of cracking. So, the first thing I did was use my trusty Dremel tool to wear down the tabs on the LC-1, just a little. My cap will now slip on with gentle pressure but is in no danger of falling off. Remember, the screw-threads on the LX3 lens barrel have to be exposed, so you will need to unscrew/remove the finishing ring on the front of the LX-3 to use the LC-1 lens cap.
The second problem is avoiding vignetting. Basically the LX-3 lens as it extends has to push the three spring-loaded three swing-out flaps open. I resolved this with self-stick felt (purchased at Jo-Anns Fabric store for $1.49). I cut squares of
At full tele the flaps look like they should vignette but I have no problems:
I developed the three-layer depth to the pads by trial and error, your felt might be a different thickness. You need to compromise between wide and tele modes. On mine, at wide mode, the outer barrel of the lens mechanism pushes sideways against the felt as shown here:
The felt is quite sticky but you might want super-glue for a finished version. Start with the self-stick option as it allows you to experiment with placement. Study my first pic to see the placement of the squares (NOT flush with the sides of the LC-1).
So that's it. Any questions, just ask below and I'll try to answer.
Tim
