Well I mailed Ricoh who told me it was a LIMITED EDITION and supplied me with this link
http://www.ricoh.co.jp/camera/cameralist/FF-9_Ltd.html
Using online translator I could not understand that much except -
The camera was produced in 1992.
2000 models were made.
The price was 35000 yen originally
It is also sounds like that the camera actually worked and was not just a display model.
anyone know Japanese!?
Ricoh FF-9s Limited
35mm lens shutter
Upon looking over the well received FF-9s, we noticed that light was shielded from the lens to the film compartment, but no light leaks occured even with the front cover removed to expose the other mechanisms. By changing the front cover to a transparent cover, we created a camera on which you can see the internal mechanisms. Limited edition lot of 2,000 cameras that were sold out the day they went on sale. First camera in the world with a clear cover that can be used to take photos.
Date of sale - March 1992
Film system - 35mm cartridge film (135)
Image size - 24mm x 36mm
Lens - Richo 35mm f3.5, 4 elements in 4 groups
Focus - Active auto-focus
Finder - Life size
Shutter - Electronically controlled 1/4 to 1/400 with self timer
Exposure control - Programmed auto exposure for ISO 100 to 1600
Battery - 1 x CR-P2 battery
Features - Attention getter at parties with its see through body!
🙂 Equipped with unique Ricoh features such as night mode etc.
Size - Width 121mm, height 67mm, depth 47mm
Weight - 235g without battery
Price - 35,000 yen including case
Distinguishing feature - internal components visible due to the clear cover