Ricoh "35" S

[kuzano]

Interesting camera found... in my camera cache.

This Ricoh came with a few camera's I bought a couple of years ago. I never saw light through the shutter although the camera cocked and made all the noises it should.

The interesting thing is that the camera looks as if it's been closet bound since nearly new. Exceptional condition. The rangefinder is bright and has a great dual image coincidence. The covering is clean and no lifting edges or marks. The brightwork is very good, and no bumps or bruises. Bottom cocking lever and upper wind-on both work and keeps film count.

I took some time to exercise the shutter and finally it started working (shutter blades opening/closing). I don't yet know about the timing on the shutter, but I just put a roll of film in, and going to carry it the next couple of days.

Anybody shooting Ricoh and what experience.

 

[btgc]

I use Ricoh Five-One-Nine. Handling and ergonomics are excellent. Only problem I met - after receiving F-O-N I felt Ricoh 500G (last RF made by Ricoh) cheap, loud and rough so I gave it away for student wanting real film camera.

 

[Greyscale]

I bought one of these off of eBay and it was delivered today. Apart from a stiff focus ring, it is smooth as silk and everything works, the rf patch is as crisp and bright as any rangefinder that I have ever owned, with the possible exception of the Canon IVF, and the built-in rapid winder thingie is a nice touch. The shutter release is nice and short and soft. It really is well built, and quite a looker, too.


Ricoh "35" S by Greyscale3, on Flickr

 

[farlymac]

And it's got a hot-shoe! Nice find, Mike.

PF

 

[wes loder]

once had Ricoh 35

once had Ricoh 35

I once had one of these cameras. Bought it for my wife back in 1968. Later gave it to my brother-in-law who had it stolen. As others have noted, the handling is sweet, the rangefinder sharp and clear and the film advance nice. The optics, unfortunately, were only okay and color pictures had a definite cast to them. Still, we used it until We got our first Nikon S2. I seldom see these cameras. Hope you have good luck with yours. WES

 

[John E Earley]

I have a Ricoh 35, two of the similar 500's with a faster shutter and a 300 which doesn't have the trigger advance. As was mentioned, the Riken Ricoh f2.8 4.5cm on each of them is only average but workable. I don't find much color cast but they do seem a bit lacking in contrast which is typical for their age.

They each have a bright viewfinder, contrasty rf patch and seem to have been built to last.

For a sunny day camera at the beach, what's not to like.

ETA I'd love to have a Five-O-Nine.

 

[ruby.monkey]

You mean the Five One Nine. Lovely camera with a great lens.

 

[John E Earley]

 

[John E Earley]

 

[LongRanger]

Very interesting comments above...I am considering grabbing a Ricoh 35S in immaculate condition offered by a local charity and while from the above comments it might seem a waste of money, I came across a review (with very fine images) by a friend Rick Drawbridge on photo.net Nove 28 2009 and I recommend anyone thinking of buying one dig it up and read it. It will change your mind about this “ humble” 45mm f2.8 lens I guarantee it 🙂 Happy snapping....