GL-1 metal lens cap for GRD IV (and now the III)

[Blow-in]

Does anyone own a GL-1 metal lens cap...and if so what are their impressions about its usability please?

I'm thinking about buying one to give my IV a bit more protection while being carried in the bottom half of the GC-4 case (in otherwords when using the GC-4 as a half case with the strap). I wonder if they are a bit fiddly to re-attach which could put me off using it?

Any opinions from users gratefully received.

Richard

 

[33dollars]

I got one with the GRDiv & never took it out of the plastic rapper. Only once for a look see.
Still to this day don't know what its for as the lens pops out & the opens for use.
Have been reluctant to use it because of my lens cap on the GX200 which is almost the same.
When I go to use the GX200, the LCD say's REMOVE LENS CAP, ya dick!

I guess Ricoh included it to make it a collectable or to make it look good on a shelf.
May come in handy with the leather hand strap while scurrying up a mountain through a jungle in the bottom of a ruck sake.
It is after all factory fitted protection.
Apart from that I most probably won't use it.

Didn't your iv come with one?

 

[33dollars]

Oh & as a side note.
I want a GV-2 in white. Which would be GV-2w & a GC-4 in white, like a GC-4w.
Just,. . . . just cause I want one.

 

[Wyrleyrob]

I used to keep the hood and adapter on my GRD III and IV all the time. Offers more protection against knocks than the LC1, and you can always put the wide adapter on into the bargain. Just remember to remove the hood and adapter if you ever use the built in flash, as it shows a shadow in shots. Hope this is food for thought.

 

[sergiozh]

i always have the metal cap on my IV.

why people buy a screen protector but don't buy a lens protector ?

 

[TheChefs]

I got one with my white GRDIV. It also prevents the camera from being switched on using the power button or the playback button.
I don't use it daily, but I'm planning on using it when I put it in my luggage while I'm travelling.

 

[Blow-in]

Thanks to you all for the responses. I had also thought about using the GH-2 with lens hood (as suggested by Wyrleyrob) which as well as giving some protection would perhaps help too with the odd bit of purple flare when shooting in to the light. I've had a few goes at removing the ring around the lens then trying to repace it (which is how the GL-1 fits I believe) and it is fiddly and can only be done (by me) with my glasses on....I think I would soon stop trying so I'm discarding that idea and thinking more about the adapter & hood - still in 2 minds as to whether I want to do anything that makes the camera less pocketable.

No there was no cap with my IV...I think they only shipped them with the white versions (along with a white leather wrist strap) - it does have the standard leaf cover of course.

Richard

 

[HawkeyX]

I purchased one within a month of buying my IV when they were released. I had read some nightmare experiences of people accidently turning their III's on in pockets and the lens then having issues. I also see it as a good protection from dust etc. - both things I wanted to prevent, especially as I always have the camera with me.
I like how it prevents the camera accidently turning on when in a pocket or bag if it gets bumped.
Function wise I have no issues putting it on/off and use it daily.

 

[Blow-in]

I purchased one within a month of buying my IV when they were released. I had read some nightmare experiences of people accidently turning their III's on in pockets and the lens then having issues. I also see it as a good protection from dust etc. - both things I wanted to prevent, especially as I always have the camera with me.
I like how it prevents the camera accidently turning on when in a pocket or bag if it gets bumped.
Function wise I have no issues putting it on/off and use it daily.

Thanks - useful to hear from someone actually using the cap (sergiozh does too)....I'm not so worried about an accidental switch on as I use the GC-4 case with the camera in a pocket or for travelling - more for me to think about though. Dither, dither.

Richard

 

[Blow-in]

I've stopped dithering (at least about lens protection). I can see a lot of merit in the GL-1 for those wanting to slip their GRD III or IV in to a pocket otherwise 'naked'. For me though I decided I wanted more protection for the lens and barrel while carrying the camera in the open. So I've gone down the GH-2 route together with a Hoya HMC UV-C filter. I've attached some shots...as you can see the dust is on the filter not the lens

Interestingly the camera functions with the lens hood reversed to save space - even though the hybrid sensor is covered, the CCD focus works normally. Also I was pleased to see that you can reverse the hood with the bottom half of the GC-4 case fitted.

I've a Lowepro Munich 100 pouch on order (I would have liked an Apex AW but they are either too small with the GV-2 fitted or way too big) and the plan is to carry the camera in that with a spare battery (and lens brush ) or to have the camera deployed around my neck or wrist (I use both straps).

Yes, I've lost some pocketability but I hope not portability....time will tell.

Richard