Vintage Ricoh

[Jungell]

As I wrote in my introduction thread, I've got my hands on an old camera. I'm guessing it was made in the late 60's, that is atleast what the design, wear and tear tells me. Now, I don't know a lot about this camera, but it has been in the family for quite a while and an old fashion cellardive brought it up again.

There's also a normal, wide and tele lens with it, and a flash. I took a few pictures of it, I was hoping that maybe someone could tell me something about it?

 

[Steve Smith]

I don't recognise that model but most (all?) Ricohs used the Pentax K mount. Possibly earlier models used the M42 mount. Either way there are plenty of lenses available as these were the two most popular lens mounts ever used.

The prices of some K mount lenses are starting to creep up a bit now though as they can be used on the Pentax non-film cameras and others with the correct convertors.


Steve.

 

[Mike Kennedy]

Looks like an old T.L.S.
Are there any letters or numbers to denote the model? Is it M42 (screw) or K-mount (bayonet)?

 

[Jungell]

Looks like an old T.L.S.
Are there any letters or numbers to denote the model? Is it M42 (screw) or K-mount (bayonet)?

I am not sure, there are no writings on it exept for the "Ricoh" logo.
But there is a number punched into the top of the camera, I'm guessing it's a serial number.

But I think it's a K-mount, one of the lenses has "for pentax" printed on it.

 

[Elox]

As I wrote in my introduction thread, I've got my hands on an old camera. I'm guessing it was made in the late 60's, that is atleast what the design, wear and tear tells me. Now, I don't know a lot about this camera, but it has been in the family for quite a while and an old fashion cellardive brought it up again.QUOTE]

Looks like a Ricoh Singlex TLS that has lost the TLS markings over time. Or the top plate could have been replaced at some point. The TLS also sold under other labels (Sears, Focal, Interflex, etc.) with different markings. A later version w/o the self-timer and with a limited shutter speed range was sold as the SLX and under various labels. The original TLS was sold from about '67 to '73. It should be an M42 screw mount as I have never seen any reference to any K-mount versions. When Ricoh switched to K-mount they went to the KR/XR model designations.

I bought A TLS used in '78 and I still have it. It works great other than the meter switch is getting finicky (common problem) and the lack of mercury batteries. I had it serviced once (late '80's) and replaced the door foam in 2000. To solve the battery problem, I use hearing aid batteries (675) with an adapter and the meter works great unless the switch acts up.

If you don't have a manual, see: http://www.butkus.org/chinon/ricoh/ricoh_singlex_tls/ricoh_singlex_tls.htm

Battery adapter: http://www.paulbg.com/Nikon_F_meter_batteries.htm

 

[Jungell]

Thanks for the info, Elox!

I'll buy myself some batteries, then! That meter sounds real helpfull, I'm not sure if it still works though. I'm so used to the comfortable display on my DSLR, if the exposure was off or the focus wasn't sharp enough, I'll know it straight away. So that meter should help a rookie like myself to get stared.

To be honest, I mostly picked up analogue photography for that beautiful grain you can get when a 35mm photo is enlarged. There's just something special about it.
It's the imperfections that I want. After looking at too many digital stills, it's always pleasing to look at some real photo's. It's just too easy to get it perfect with digital SLR's.

I'm sure that for experienced users of analogue eqipment, such as most members of this community, it's just as easy to get it perfect. But as I said, I'm a rookie.

 

[singram]

I have a Ricoh Singliex TLS. It is a M42 mount, but they did make cameras with Pentax K and Nikon mounts as well. It is my go to camera right now. Not so much because of the camera, but the 50mm Auto Rikenon f1.7 lens is just magical. Now I know why people fall in love with certain optics. Where my Nikons produce amazingly sharp and contrasty images, this lens produces a smooth, mellow and three dimensional look that I get with no other. That is the best way I can explain it. Enjoy your camera!

p.s. My meter was a bit flaky, so I gave up on it and just use a hand held meter now.