Ricohflex (Super or others) samples, thoughts, advice?

[farlymac]

Okay, now we are talking about two different approaches to the same problem. The reason Mamiya designed the Paramender is, because of the bellows extension you have with the C220/C330 models, you don't need close-up lenses. With a Rollei style body of rigid lens mount, there was not enough movement to focus closer, so the auxilary lenses made more sense.

And on the interchangability of accessories, besides the lens centers being standardised, most of the cameras had the same size bayonet mount of B-30 (30mm), or Bay-1 as it's most commonly called these days. Then Rollei started making cameras with larger aperture lenses, and Bay-2 and-3 came about to accomodate them.

PF

 

[Armoured]

I've used and own a Mamiya, Diacord, an Airesflex, Rolleiflexi (both a 3.5 and a 2.8 model), and an Autocord. They can all take great and very sharp pictures with character. The Autocord and Diacord are actually my favourites, but I echo what others say: the Mamiya's are huge, the others all very nice in the hand, build quality on the Autocord is excellent (Rolleis too but everyone expects that). Main thing is to find something in good condition at a reasonable price.

I would not torture yourself about which one: go with whatever one you can find for not too much cash and try it out. If it turns out that you really like TLRs, you'll have plenty of time to indulge yourself later in more equipment.

The Mamiyas are the only ones I'd say to not get unless/until you're sure it 'works' for you. They are so big you won't just take it with you for a walkabout. Or at least I don't. The others are not quite pocketable but not intrusive; I find a smallish TLR ('cord size) gets in the way less than your average DSLR with a lens. The squarish box format lays against the body without getting in the way.

I also am in the camp that says don't bother with many accessories, at least at first. A lens hood is the only accessory that's really essential.

 

[charjohncarter]

I also am in the camp that says don't bother with many accessories, at least at first. A lens hood is the only accessory that's really essential.

That is correct. They maybe hard to find; but it is worth the look.

 

[emilp]

I would not torture yourself about which one: go with whatever one you can find for not too much cash and try it out. If it turns out that you really like TLRs, you'll have plenty of time to indulge yourself later in more equipment.

Well it's not really torture, more over-thinking it, which alas is not unusual for me. Luckily usually it works out for the best in the end.

 

[maddoc]

Inspired by this thread, I went actually out using this camera again 🙂

Shanghai GP3 / HC-110 "B" (Waltz A36 yellow)

 

[emilp]

Nice! Not bad for a Chinese camera. I give you most of the credit, but it does look like the lens does a decent job of being sharp all the way to the corners. At least the upper corners anyway - there seems to be a bit of softness in the lower corners. Do you remember what the aperture was on this one?

 

[maddoc]

Japanese Camera, I used the Ricohflex VII 😉 About the soft corners in the lower part of the frame, focus was close to infinity set and the lower part of the frame is out of the dof of the focal plane. Aperture was f/5.6.

 

[Austintatious]

Here is a shot from my VII. They are somewhat primitive but a lot of fun to use.

Master of the Road by carlosyashinon, on Flickr
And here is the Ricohflex in use.

Ricohflex Model VII by carlosyashinon, on Flickr
I need to take it out of the cabnet and use it more, but alas.....too many cameras !

 

[emilp]

Japanese Camera, I used the Ricohflex VII 😉 About the soft corners in the lower part of the frame, focus was close to infinity set and the lower part of the frame is out of the dof of the focal plane. Aperture was f/5.6.

Whoops. I had a long day so my barely-working brain spotted "Shanghai", ignored the rest, and translated it into "Hey, that Seagull camera did surprisingly well!" 😉

5.6, not bad! Gotcha on the focus explanation. That makes sense.

 

[emilp]

Here is a shot from my VII. They are somewhat primitive but a lot of fun to use.

I need to take it out of the cabnet and use it more, but alas.....too many cameras !

Thanks for posting those! Those cable shutter releases seem to be a pretty essential accessory for many TLR's at any kind of lower shutter speeds, even when handheld.

 

[emilp]

So in case anyone is still curious about what I ended up doing - I got a Ricoh Diacord L. While it's not in terrible shape, it does need some overhauling, so now it's waiting for me to set aside money for that. There's some oil on the shutter blades, cleaning marks on the taking lens (though only visible in very bright light looking from the back, so I'm not worried), the tiny handle knob on the shutter wind-up handle is missing (don't know how I didn't spot that - anyone have a spare?), and the nameplate covering the meter doesn't close, because a tiny latch piece is missing.

For anyone that's an expert on these, it's the model that just says Ricohflex on the front/name plate.

Otherwise though, no real problems that I can see. I've seen some beautiful shots taken with those around here, so I'm looking forward to trying it out!

 

[Digoy Isleta]

Ricohs are underated TLRs but they delivery exceptionally well. Here are a couple of samples of mine from a Super Ricohflex and a Diacord L.

Super Ricohflex | Acros100

Ricoh Diacord L | Acros100

Enjoy your Diacord L!

-Digoy

 

[emilp]

Thanks Digoy! It's still waiting for the diversion of funds for an overhaul, but I haven't forgotten it!

 

[one90guy]

I also have the Ricoh Diacord L, just returned by youngest daughter. It is the only TLR I have owned or used, but I think it holds it own against a lot more expensive cameras. My first two rolls were way over exposed, but after reading manual on using meter alls well:^)