Ricoh Five-One-Nine

[btgc]

So here I come with Christmas giveaway thread Ricoh Five-One-Nine. Thanks ruby.monkey for this perfect gift!

It is camera from times when even fixed lens RF's were made to last. So far I have used Electro's; and Lynx along with KAS2 were most durable RF's I've seen. But this Ricoh is different, even more crafted and durable. This is most obvious difference from 70's arsenal. I couldn't imagine difference until I held it in hands.

This camera is described on Net so I will not fall into details. For me removable back cover was nice surprise as it doesn't needs reasealing. Bottom wind lever is fast to use, though I yet have to get used to it - when left unfolded, it tends to catch into clothes.

Release button is rather pleasant button than narrow rod, so it's fine without soft release (especially when cable release thread is omitted). I were able to handhold camera until 1/5th (at small aperture, to be said).

Focusing "ears" on lens are good to track moving object by fingers of both hands (or even with same hand releasing shutter) - but are easy way to accidentally move lens away from focus point. Some practice is needed to use them efficiently.

Lens seems to me good performer, and well preserved RF patch helps to get out most of it.

I a word, this meterless RF offers direct interaction with world, without reading meter or testing release throw.

It took me some time to sort out some issues (mostly because I'm such a nerd and because I've limited my DIY times) and until now I've finished just first roll. So please don't judge too hard pictures, which are snaps anyway. Pics of camera are made using borrowed digicam - my first use of digital camera 🙂

 

[btgc]

And some pics...TLC is wide open.

 

[johannielscom]

Hi btgc,

thanks for sharing. I once had this camera with extra screw-on lenses (wide and tele) and a meter on top, like a Leica. It is designed to resemble a Leica M3, I'm sure. The window edges, the film counter etc. all look the deal.

Although many on the net hold the lens in low esteem, I liked it al lot. I eventually sold mine to a chap in England but when it arrived, something had given and he had to take it in to get it adjusted. Last thing I heard Ivor Matanle was planning to write an article on my particular Ricoh, but I never heard after that and never saw the article.

Nice photos, I like the last one best

 

[btgc]

Hi Johan,

in turn thanks for sharing your story. I've seen 519M with meter on top, though like more clean top of F-O-N.

And I've never seen or heard about wide/tele attachments for this series (not that I would use them) - seems that most successful lines of RF's back then had such accessories.

 

[puderse]

Ricoh RF

Ricoh RF

Scored a 519 at Goodwill Thursday! Came with the proper set of aux lenses and finder in nifty leather case. Also self timer to match the odd threaded shutter release. Leather case sucks but I can repair.

Now have the perfect companion for my 500 since the accessories fit both! Nice view/rangefinder. Haven't taken pix with either but that's in my bucket.

 

[Joe Vitessa]

I picked up a mint Ricoh 519 last year and really love it. I find the lens to be quite good, and the bottom wind is super smooth and fun to use. A wonderful piece of old-fashioned chrome.

 

[awilder]

My first real camera from high school given to me by my dad. The trigger advance and focusing ring "ears" facilitate rapid shooting. Built to last for decades with a high quality chrome finish, a competent shutter, lens and basic rf with parallax correction marks. The EVS system worked well with the optional shoe mount selenium meter but finding one wouldn't be worth it unless someone replaces the selenium meter cells. You're better of with a modern shoe mount meter that has an EVS scale. One nice touch is that the rf adjustment ports are a breeze to access if the horizontal or vertical needs tweeking. Much better than any modern rf in that respect. I'm not aware of any optional auxiallary lenses from Ricoh as they are not mentioned in it's instruction manual, just a hood and filters.

 

[btgc]

Great to see that I'm not only one here! Right, manual (I've seen only for Ricoh 500, which differs only by lens) lists only filter and hood as lens accessories.
As I understand, filters are supposed to be 34mm threaded and outer 43mm thread is reserved for hood.

Would be interesting to see aux lens kit with finder - not that I'm after it, though worth seeing.